We know that time doesn’t slow down for anyone, but it’s hard to believe we are already more than two months into 2017. Now that you have settled into the year and have hopefully made some headway on your resolutions, it’s time to get serious about making your finances a priority for the rest of the year.

As you reflect on the financial decisions you made in the past, this is an ideal time to determine new goals and focus your attention on your financial plan to set yourself up for a successful 2017.

The Importance of a Financial Plan

Author Alan Lakein states that “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Creating strategies and plans for our lives puts us in the shoes of our future selves and gives us something to aim for. A plan gives us a target, something to keep in the forefront of our minds as we go about our daily lives. When it comes to your finances, a plan provides security and helps you define short and long-term goals, spot obstacles that need to be overcome, and monitor your finances as life changes come your way. Having a plan will help you get on track for your retirement so you can focus on today instead of worrying about tomorrow.

A Plan to Increase Wealth

Did you know that while approximately 96% of pre-retirees and 89% of retirees are concerned about their financial future, only 50% meet with a financial advisor to discuss their situation? Meeting with an advisor doesn’t only give you confidence and peace of mind, it provides real results. The data presented in an HSBC study on the future of retirement shows us that those who created a financial plan amassed nearly 250% more retirement savings than those without a plan. And, according to a 2014 study by the Insured Retirement Institute, the percentage of people who were “extremely” or “very confident” that they would be able to afford a comfortable life in retirement nearly tripled for those working with an advisor versus those who do not. The time investment in planning has real financial impact in addition to peace of mind.

A Plan to Cover the Details

Furthermore, having an advisor on your financial support team means that you also have someone to take care of details that might go overlooked or seem overwhelming, such as tax strategies, risk management, or estate planning. You may think you don’t have enough money to benefit from having a financial advisor, but those who plan for their financial future are more prepared for their retirement, and this is true regardless of what you earn.

A Financial Plan Tailored For You

What can you expect from a financial plan? Expect a tool that can answer your financial questions and provide peace of mind that you are on track to achieve your goals. It involves much more than the plan for investing in an IRA or putting some money aside for your child’s education. When we sit down to analyze your individual needs, here are examples of questions we will discuss and develop a plan to answer:

We look at the whole picture to ensure that your financial health is top-notch. We want to help you define your financial vision, navigate your options, and coordinate your resources so you can manage your wealth with intention. Don’t be part of the majority who worries about their financial future, but instead, make 2017 the year that your finances thrive.

Your first step to a secure financial future is to make a plan. If you know that you need to take control of your finances, update your strategy, or review your portfolio, make an appointment now by emailing me at scott@cordantwealth.com or calling 503-621-9207 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our advisors.

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