It's No Small Decision

If you are married or have ever been married, you probably went on many dates with your spouse, or at least spent a considerable amount of time together before deciding to get hitched. For me personally, I courted my wife with runs together in the park, swing dancing, and long meals. September will be 15 years!

Marriage is a big decision, because it affects every single part of your life after you say the words, “I Do.”

For the really big decisions in life, we accept that it takes that “getting to know you” time before making a big leap. Why, then, would you approach your wealth planning and retirement future any differently?

There are three primary factors to consider in finding a specialist who is right for you and your situation:  

1.    The best way to determine if an advisor focuses on you and your situation is to spend face-to-face time with the person. How much time are you able to talk, as opposed to how much the advisor talks? If you’re doing most of the listening, this obviously doesn’t become your estate plan.

2.    When an advisor talks, does the person help you think through your situation, dreams, and concerns? Or does the advisor continually talk about what he or she will do for you? A true specialist focuses on getting to know you and learning what’s important and urgent about your situation. 

3.    A specialist should have a unique, proven process that builds your confidence. This kind of advisor should speak in plain language, without using jargon that makes him or her appear superior.

Just like the other significant partnerships in your life, choosing the right wealth specialist for you should involve a well thought out and proven process, so that you avoid that all too familiar “what have I done” feeling down the road.

Wealth is more than money. Don’t just plan for your future, live it right now. Pass it on and share the insights like this that you find valuable.