Web Content Viewer
Actions 6 Reasons Why You (Probably) Need a Financial Advisor
Key takeaways
- Financial advisors aren’t just for the rich and famous.
- An advisor can likely help if you’re trying to pay off debt, support a family, or you’re just starting out.
- A qualified financial advisor can help give you confidence in how you handle money.
Got a good grip on your finances for today, tomorrow and the rest of your life? Neither do we. But we know who can help: a financial advisor.
Financial advisors are educated professionals who analyze your financial health, identify potential gaps and provide the tools to help you make decisions to meet your short- and long-term financial goals. While you may feel confident about managing money on your own, an advisor can take an objective look at an often emotionally charged topic. Just as you might call attorneys, doctors or auto mechanics because of their education and expertise, a financial advisor has the skills to help you make the most of your financial life.
When should you get a financial advisor? There’s no one-sized-fits-all answer to that question. But here are six reasons to find a advisor.
Just starting out.
If you’re out of school and entering the full-time workforce for the first time, you may need to plan goals like creating a workable budget, paying off student debt and saving for a down payment on a home purchase. Most people don’t learn personal finances in school, so an advisor can help you start on the right foot.
You Feel Out of Control
If you feel your financial life is getting beyond your control—maybe you have growing debt, no savings or simply have trouble managing your day-to-day cash flow, especially if you have irregular income—it’s time to get a professional opinion on why your money is out of hand. Advisors don’t need you to “have it together.” In fact, it’s just the opposite: They can help you tame your finances no matter what shape you’re in.
You Started a Family
If you’re further along in life, you likely have other responsibilities—and potential worries. If you have kids, chances are you’re concerned about paying for their education, let alone their day-to-day expenses. You might wonder if you and your spouse or partner have enough life insurance (just in case) or if you’re making the most of tax planning strategies. Your advisor can help you navigate these concerns with advice on investments, retirement planning and (later on) estate planning. Having these pieces in place can help give you peace of mind when you’re no longer supporting a household of one.
You Have Debt
You may find yourself living a lifestyle that exceeds your income. Maybe you’re frequently using credit cards for general purchases but unable to pay the balance in full each month. Perhaps unexpected expenses seem to always come up and force you to pay with plastic. These could be signs that it’s time to get outside help. A financial advisor can pinpoint where your money is going and help you get organized. They can show you how short-term expenditures impact your long-term goals, and get you on track to reach your financial goals.
You’re Experiencing a Big Life Change
If you’ve experienced a major life change such as marriage, birth (or adoption) of children or loss of a spouse or other loved one, don’t wait for things to “settle down” on their own to start planning (they never seem to). A financial advisor can help you make wise financial decisions amid the chaos—and help you get on with your life.
You’re Not Rich (or Famous)
Financial advisors are like personal trainers for your finances—no matter how many zeroes are on your bank statement. A qualified advisor will help you determine the right path to get you from where you are to where you want to be. They’ll help you negotiate the tough financial aspects of life, and keep you accountable so you can feel comfortable about your financial future.
What you can do next
Many people think financial advisors merely make the rich richer—but a qualified pro can help you at any stage of your financial life. It can be hard to admit you need help, but the alternative can be a hard, costly lesson. Take pride in your determination to master your money, and take advantage of what a financial advisor can teach you: solid skills you can use for a lifetime. Not sure when to seek out a financial advisor? If you fall into any of these situations, the answer is probably now.
Footnotes
Kevin Johnston is a financial writer who writes about personal finance and investments, as well as financial management and planning. He has written for The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The San Francisco Chronicle and The Houston Chronicle.
For Compliance Use Only:1031869-00002-00
If you secure tomorrow, you can enjoy today.
Help make sure your loved ones are protected if something happens to you, with Prudential Life Insurance.
Get a Free Quote Web Content Viewer
Actions Find What Interests You
Web Content Viewer
Actions Save. Invest. Protect. Subscribe.
Planning ahead for your financial future may not be easy, but it can be easier—with ideas and insights delivered right to your inbox.Thank you for signing up.
You've taken the first step to planning your financial future. This is where your journey starts.
Save. Invest. Protect. Subscribe.
Planning ahead for your financial future may not be easy, but it can be easier—with ideas and insights delivered right to your inbox.Thank you for signing up.
You've taken the first step to planning your financial future. This is where your journey starts.
Web Content Viewer
Actions Web Content Viewer
Actions