Get Thee to a Financial Planner
07/09/2019
I often write about Boomer issues that relate to working past the traditional retirement age, including how to find inspiration for what to do in your second career. I rarely tackle retirement-related financial issues because that is neither my area of expertise nor my topical interest. But I feel compelled to give any reader of this blog a piece of personal, heartfelt advice: If you're approaching the second half of your life and you haven't yet engaged a financial planner, do yourself a favor and get one NOW.
My wife and I engaged a financial planner in our mid-thirties. It was one of the smartest moves we have ever made. With that person's counsel, we have been able to make wise financial decisions regarding budgeting, investments, insurance, purchasing and selling homes, paying for college, and retirement. In combination with a CPA and an estate attorney, the financial planner has also helped us with tax and estate planning.
It is never too late to get a financial planner. As CFP Casey Weade writes for Kiplinger, a financial planner becomes all the more important as we approach our retirement years: "For most people, problems, questions and opportunities are more likely to crop up as their goals change from accumulating money to protecting it. And that usually happens five to 10 years before retirement."
While professional Boomers may be tempted to handle financial planning themselves, Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYers) lack objectivity and broad knowledge of investments. Weade says, "An adviser can help retirees avoid ill-timed investment losses that could devastate their retirement plans, offer guaranteed income options to those who want reliable payments, and discuss the best 401(k) and IRA distribution choices. An adviser also can offer advice on Social Security income options that DIYers often don’t know about." As for DIY investing, Weade writes that "your investment strategy should match your overall financial plan and long-term goals. Too often, self-investing leads to over-concentrating on the tools being utilized rather than the ultimate goal you are trying to achieve."
Boomers are living a lot longer than our parents did, so making smart financial decisions that protect us in our later years is critically important. What are you waiting for? Get thee to a financial planner!
Image: Pixabay.com
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