We all know January is often a time of fresh starts, new goals, and renewed motivation. New Year’s resolutions usually lead people to purchase gym memberships, pledge to read more, or spend more time with family and friends, but have you thought about making your finances a priority in 2017?
This is the perfect time of year to reflect on your financial situation and get on track with your financial plan for 2017.
Why Do You Need a Financial Plan?
Why do we create strategies and plans for our lives? Normally, it’s so we have something to aim for, something to keep in the forefront of our minds as we work towards our goals. A financial plan incorporates immediate and long-term goals to transition you from where you are today to where you want to be in the days to come. If we don’t plan, it’s like we are shooting at a target blindfolded. 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? (1) Meeting with an advisor doesn’t only give you confidence, 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. (2) Are you convinced yet?
Take Care of 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, such as tax issues, health care, or legacy 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 make. (3)
So, what will a financial plan provide?
Your Financial Plan
Do you know what a financial plan entails? It involves much more than just investing in an IRA. When we sit down to assess your individual needs, here are some questions we will answer:
- Are you on track for retirement?
- Could you benefit from estate planning?
- Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
- Is there too much risk in your portfolio?
- Are you paying too much in fees?
- Have you considered succession planning for your business?
- Are there easy ways to reach your goals faster?
We look at the whole picture to ensure that your financial health is top-notch. 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, make an appointment now by emailing me today at jon_marker@glic.com or calling my office at (612) 746-2261.
About Jon Marker, CLU®
Jon Marker is a financial representative with Foster Klima & Company and independent financial advisor. He combines his 24 years of experience in the financial services industry with his passion for helping to create individually tailored financial solutions for business owners, professionals, and their families. Through insurance, succession planning, legacy planning, and other financial services, Jon strives to provide specialized guidance for a lifetime of financial security. As a Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), he has an in-depth knowledge of the insurance and risk management needs of individuals, business owners, and professionals. A lifelong Minneapolis, Minnesota resident, he specializes in serving successful and family-oriented business owners and professionals throughout the Twin Cities. To learn more, visit www.jonmarker.com or connect with Jon on LinkedIn.
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(1) https://www.soa.org/Files/Research/research-2014-retire-survey-findings.pdf
(2) http://www.hsbc.com/~/media/HSBC-com/about-hsbc/structure-and-network/retirement/pdfs/130905-life-after-work.ashx?WT.ac=HGHQ_FR_nr1.2_On
(3) https://www.cfp.net/docs/news-events---research-facts-figures/2012_household_financial_planning_survey.pdf?sfvrsn=2