Hiring a financial professional can feel like finding a partner and there’s no shortage of candidates to choose from. This person is responsible for one of the biggest parts of your life – your money.
The decision on when to hire an Advisor is personal and isn’t necessarily dependent on a specific amount of money saved or reaching a certain age, but we recommend starting as soon as possible to maximize your time before retirement.
67% of Americans manage their own finances, with no help from a professional or online service.1
So, what is the value of a trusted Financial Advisor? According to the CFP® Board, 88% of those who receive retirement advice say they have benefitted from this service.1
This person can help you identify what matters to you, steer you through challenging life events, and will adapt alongside you as life changes. Explore these tips and schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your unique situation.
Here’s why building a relationship with an Advisor is more important than ever:
A Financial Advisor understands your priorities.
The true value of a financial professional may lie in emotional intelligence and interaction. When personal relationships are formed, Advisors gain insight into each client's unique financial picture, including their priorities, pressing concerns, and psychological tendencies.
One strength of a Financial Advisor is the ability to listen and lend emotional support through life's transitions, some of which may call for a shift in financial strategies. Having a dedicated person to call in difficult times could help ensure that short-term issues don't derail an effective long-term strategy.
Additionally, an investor's psychological risk tolerance can be difficult to assess. Some people who describe their personality a certain way on a questionnaire may act differently under real-life conditions, so building a long-term relationship with a Financial Advisor can be a better way to find your true tolerance and priorities.
A Financial Advisor keeps you on track.
When challenges arise, a financial professional can step in to help you overcome impulses and biases that could prevent you from achieving your objectives. This person can help you avoid these common mistakes:
Loss Aversion & Panic Selling: When investors pull out of investments or the market because they are afraid of losing money, as opposed to evaluating company fundamentals, they often end up selling at the worst possible time and buying again at higher prices after.
Reacting to Media: By the time the average investor learns about economic developments or other events that could affect individual investments and the financial markets, it is usually too late to respond effectively. In fact, it’s very likely that the news is already reflected in the prices of securities.
Chasing Performance: Some investors may be tempted to move a lot of money into asset classes or individual investments that have had the highest recent returns. The problem with this approach is that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, and today’s “hot pick” could turn into a loser when conditions shift.
While it may be easy to ignore issues if you’re managing your money alone, it’s more difficult to disregard advice from a trusted financial professional. The prospect of regular checkups with a real person who cares about your future might inspire more realistic decisions about spending and saving.
A Financial Advisor adapts alongside you.
With every year that passes, your needs change and adapt based on your goals for the future. A financial professional understands that you may need advice on a mix of money-related topics, including:
- Planning for Retirement
- Debt Repayment
- Saving for Education
- Insurance Products
- Estate Planning
- Asset Protection Strategies
- Managing your Workplace 401(k)
Depending on your stage of life, you’ll need to focus on different priorities and adjust your plan through life’s never-ending changes. For instance, young professionals without children may be solely focused on retirement savings while mid-career individuals may benefit from extra guidance navigating college savings, trust funds, debt repayment, or tricky tax situations. Remember, not all types of Financial Advisors offer the same products and services, so search for the right fit once you determine where you need advice now and in the future.
So, how do you know when you’ve found the perfect partner? A Financial Advisor is right for you if they offer the products and services you want, make you feel comfortable, and have investment strategies that align with yours. They will also communicate with you effectively and instill trust.
Of those who have not utilized a financial professional, 54% they say they believe they would benefit from receiving retirement saving advice.1 If you’re part of that statistic, let’s have a conversation.
Our initial chat can feel like a brainstorming session – sorting through lots of information and learning about the details of your life to begin understanding how our investment advice could be of value to you. It’s complimentary and typically only lasts about 30 minutes. Taking time to make this conversation a priority could pay off over the rest of your life, so reach out today!
Meet Elements Wealth Management
We're a diverse team of Financial Advisors who share a common goal: to help you pursue your dreams.
- What services do you provide? Our team starts by looking at each client’s overall finances including savings for education, taxes, estate planning, and retirement contributions. Then they work to craft a personalized plan that makes sense for each individual and leads clients towards their goals.
- Who benefits from your services? Whether you’re getting started or you’re a seasoned investor, we’ve got the tools to assist you on your journey. We don’t have account minimums, so we are here to support all levels of investors.
- Where are you located? Our LPL Financial Advisors operate out of Indianapolis and Lafayette, Indiana, but serve clients nationwide. We’d love to chat, no matter where you call home.
Our Advisors have more than 125 years of collective experience and are prepared to assist you with all your investment needs.