Do the benefits really outweigh the costs?
The value of financial planning goes beyond dollars and cents – it can simplify your life and give you a sense of security and peace of mind about your current and future financial position.
A professional financial adviser can thoroughly consider your circumstances, and then develop strategies to help you reach your goals. These may include funding your children’s education, helping with tax planning, having enough money to live comfortably after retiring, insurance, estate planning and so on, all of which requires specific knowledge and experience.
You may seek financial advice to help you with a specific circumstance, such as starting a family, buying a house or managing an inheritance; a good planner can empower you to make the most of these situations.
These benefits are supported by recent US-based research. A 2013 study from US investment research giant Morningstar found that financial advice can help retirees boost their investment returns by 1.59% a year, reducing the risk of running out of cash.
This Research shows financial advice is not only good for your finances, it can make you happier and more confident too.
- Research shows professional financial advice can help give you greater peace of mind.
- Your financial adviser is there to help you reach all of your retirement lifestyle goals, not just look after your investments.
- Professional advice can help you confidently navigate each stage of retirement, while managing the complexities of constantly changing rules.
Researchers have also shown that people who receive professional financial advice feel happier, are more confident, less stressed and more in control.
That’s because financial advice is about much more than money. Your financial adviser is there to help you reach your goals at every stage of your life, while taking care of all the things you may not have thought of — from the complexities of superannuation and Centrelink rules, to tax planning and healthcare costs.
So if you haven’t spoken to your adviser lately it’s worth getting in touch with them to make sure you’re making the most of all the benefits that their professional financial advice can bring.
Australians have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, so we’re spending longer in retirement. Over time, our needs are likely to change dramatically.
Financial advisers can play a vital role in helping clients navigate each stage of retirement — from the active, early years spent travelling and pursuing hobbies, to the later, more sedate years with possible health and mobility challenges. By taking care of critical issues ahead of time and monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis, advisers help ensure their clients and their families are protected, whatever the future holds.
Because financial advice is all about creating a personalised plan designed for your individual needs, the cost of your advice will depend on your circumstances. However, your adviser is obliged to clearly outline all of the costs upfront, then get your written approval before going ahead, so you will know exactly what each service will cost ahead of time. Some of the fees you may be charged include a statement of advice fee, an implementation fee and ongoing advice fees.
So, if you’re weighing up the costs and benefits when it comes to securing your financial future — and your peace of mind — meeting with an adviser could be one of the best investments you ever make.
Why not schedule a meeting with a Financial Adviser today?
Disclaimer – Information current as at 29 October 2015 – This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. You should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision about a product.
This article originally appeared on www.matrixplan.com.au.