One of our advisors, Benjamin Cummings, PhD, CFP®, joined with some of his colleagues from the American College of Financial Services to create a list of expert financial planning tips for Forbes. Some of those tips are highlighted here.
- Maximize your retirement savings: Put savings on autopilot and take full advantage of employer and individual retirement saving options.
- Reallocate your investments: With markets constantly in flux, it’s important to regularly monitor your portfolio in order to assure its allocations are in line with your comfort level and long-term goals.
- Don’t forget your estate plan: We plan for the worst yet hope for the best. Make sure you review your estate documents – including beneficiary designations – especially if you haven’t done so in a while.
- Invest for the long term: Investing towards future goals is a marathon, not a sprint. Stocks tend to outperform in the long-run, but the short-term ups and downs can be nerve-racking. Build a plan that works for you and your long-term plan.
- Capital ownership is key: “Strive to be the owner of capital.” Capital is taxed more favorably than income, and capital provides more control over when you’re taxed.
- Talk with loved ones about money: If you have a significant other, take some time to talk about goals and your future ambitions. If you have children, think about what financial lessons you want them to learn and how you can teach them.
There’s power in planning. A quality financial planning professional can help you prepare for your financial future.