Life Changing Events: How a Financial Advisor Can Help
There are more reasons than just portfolio adjustments to consult your financial advisor. When facing a big life event or decision, think about the short-term and long-term financial impacts it may have. Your advisor can provide valuable guidance and make necessary adjustments to your financial plan based on the information.
Below are 13 situations where your financial advisor can offer invaluable advice.
Salary Increase
An essential life change for which clients should always consult their financial advisor is a salary increase. This increase could move the client into a higher tax bracket or impact on their ability to use certain financial strategies. The advisor can update the client's financial plan to offer the best approach for managing the increased income.
Career Transition
People undergo job changes or career shifts all the time. People tend to transition successfully when they have talked to their financial advisor before making their move. The advisor can assist clients in evaluating their retirement and healthcare plan options. A career or job change is a significant event, and it's crucial to thoroughly review it from all perspectives.
Marriage
Many people look for financial advice for retirement. Marriage is also a significant financial milestone, especially in second marriages or later in life. There are various estate and tax implications to consider, and proper management and titling of assets become crucial.
Welcoming a New Family Member
Preparing for a new baby involves numerous expenses, particularly if you're planning for their future education costs. Taking proactive steps before the baby arrives can prevent the need for last-minute loans when they're ready for college. Building a solid college fund in advance can help alleviate the burden of student loans that many face today.
Divorce
Life transitions are inevitable and often come with significant stress, divorce being a prime example. It requires not only legal counsel, but also crucially, guidance from a financial advisor. An advisor can offer an impartial perspective to help navigate the path forward and minimize the financial strain often associated with this period of emotional difficulty, separation, and legal proceedings.
Assisting Adult Children
Many are hesitant to even contemplate financially supporting their adult children, but for many, it's a reality. While you may not have an immediate solution, collaborating with your financial advisor to establish an additional financial cushion for unforeseen expenses can at least prepare you to assist without jeopardizing your retirement goals.
Bereavement: Losing a Spouse
The loss of a spouse is emotionally devastating, and yet, there are essential matters that must be addressed even in the midst of grief. Even while dealing with profound sadness, managing these matters properly requires assistance. The crucial question is, "Will I be okay?" Your advisor can help alleviate the anxiety you feel about your financial future.
Changes in Family Dynamics
Keep your financial professionals informed about significant changes in your family members' lives. Family finances are often more interconnected than we realize. For instance, parents nearing retirement may dip into their savings to support their adult children—not only for expected expenses like education or housing but also for less common costs such as fertility treatments.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is a significant life event for which clients should seek financial advice. Assessing various factors such as the birth of children, estate size, philanthropic goals, and business succession helps evaluate assets. Consulting with an advisor to decide asset distribution and implementation, as well as appointing representatives, is highly valuable for client’s needing assistance in the decision-making process.
Entrepreneurship
Embarking on entrepreneurship is a crucial life decision. If you're contemplating this move, it's essential to understand your personal financial situation and the business objectives necessary to maintain your desired lifestyle.
Business Sale or Inheritance
Selling a business or inheriting a significant sum requires consulting a financial advisor. Emotions can cloud judgment when suddenly faced with a large amount of money. The best advisors provide perspective to help you make the right decisions for you and your family.
IPO Preparation
Before going public, employees or founders with large ownership stakes should consult with a financial advisor and a tax advisor. Having a well-considered plan that accounts for various stock price outcomes and tax implications can significantly impact long-term financial security.
Social Security Decision
Deciding when to take Social Security is one of the most critical financial decisions. Yet, individuals often make this decision without any professional guidance, relying on preconceived notions about their longevity and the Social Security system. Consulting with a qualified advisor on this crucial topic can be truly transformative.
Bottom Line
Consulting a financial advisor extends far beyond mere portfolio adjustments. When facing significant life events or decisions, consider how they will impact your finances both now and in the future. By carefully evaluating the financial aspects of important life events, you can make more informed decisions. Your financial advisor can help you with your money and make changes to your plan based on the information you give.
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Disclosures:
This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.
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This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.
These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.