Why Do I Need to Set Financial Goals?
Posted by KevinGarrett on 6:00 am in Blog | Comments Off
A question we’re commonly asked is, “Why do I need to set financial goals?”
People don’t plan to fail, but they do fail to plan. Most people spend more time planning their vacation than the financial direction of the rest of their lives.
Consider these steps to start you off on successful financial goal-setting:
- Brainstorm your future with your spouse.
- Write down your goals. Be precise and realistic.
- Set specific time frames: short-term, intermediate term and long term.
- Prioritize your goals, and develop a plan for accomplishing each goal.
- Monitor your plan. Revise as necessary.
Good financial planning is essential in order to pursue your goals. Start planning today so that you can work towards your future financial success.
Tips for Preventing Identity Theft on Vacation
Posted by KevinGarrett on 5:00 am in Blog | Comments Off
You might be wondering how to keep your money and identity safe while on vacation. It’s a good idea to be extra cautious when travelling in foreign places. Never leave your wallet, purse or valuables overly exposed, including in a rental car. Also keep in mind that you’re more likely to lose your mobile phone while on vacation, so resist the urge to lay it down. Ensure your phone is password protected, and install an app that will locate it and wipe it clean if lost or stolen. Do not trust the staff in your hotel. Many people have access to your room. Do not leave passports, checkbooks, or other personal documents unattended in your room, either. Instead, make a copy of your passport to keep on you, and keep the real thing in the hotel safe. Don’t give your personal information to a stranger who calls your hotel room and claims to be calling from the front desk. Avoid internet cafes other than for web browsing that doesn’t require passwords; they are totally unsecured and there’s a chance your keystrokes will be recorded. Identity theft is a real threat. Play it safe, and enjoy your vacation.
How to Make Sure Your Investments Are Diversified Properly?
Posted by KevinGarrett on 6:12 am in Blog | Comments Off
A question we’re commonly asked is, “How do I know if my investments are diversified properly?” We like to think of a sound and diversified investment portfolio as a “baseball team.” You need all nine players… outfield, infield, a catcher and a pitcher. Would you play a game without all nine players? Your investment “baseball team” consists of large, medium and small companies. U.S. and international companies, growth and value companies, and bonds and cash. How you position your “players” depends on your time frame and your tolerance for volatility. Each investor’s “baseball team” will be positioned differently, but every great team is made up of the same, quality players.
To learn more, give us a call today at 770-353-6400.
Are You Going To Outlive Your Money?
Posted by KevinGarrett on 6:00 am in Blog | Comments Off
A question we’re commonly asked is, “How do I make sure I won’t outlive my money?” Retirees are looking for ROI, but it’s not ‘Return On Investment’ they want…it’s ‘Reliability of Income’ in these uncertain times. Today, there’s a 50% chance for couples over 65 that one of the partners will reach the age of 90. (Source: Social Security Administration). What’s a retiree to do? First, avoid low interest rates—they’re income killers. At today’s average one-year interest rate for CDs at .9%, a $500,000 nest egg will only generate $375 per month. Next, use investment strategies that account for inflation costs, because inflation is the worst tax on your money. Finally, implement a solid strategy that avoids sub-par investing results. From 1993-2012, the average equity investor realized a return of 4.25%, compared to the S&P 500 return of 8.21%. The bottom line is, to make sure you don’t outlive your money, you need to implement a solid financial plan for your life.
To learn more, give us a call today at (770) 353-6311.
4 Goals Every Retiree Should Have
Posted by KevinGarrett on 6:00 am in Blog | Comments Off
As LPL financial planners, we talk frequently with clients about setting goals for retirement. It’s essential to know what you want for your financial future, and how you plan to get there. However, goal-setting can be challenging. What’s important? How do you know things are working like they should? Generally speaking, every retiree should have 4 goals: To increase income, decrease risk, reduce taxes, and preserve principal. A bit different than your ‘Big House on the Beach’ goal, right? Not really. What would you say if I told you that as LPL financial planners, we have access to time-tested tools that help you set, monitor, and work towards your goals? Using the sophisticated planning technology of The Income For Life Model™, we can sit down today and map out a plan for investing your money. The Income For Life Model™ gives investors confidence because it is designed to provide a conservative investment mix, a high degree of certainty, and a potentially inflation-adjusted income for life. Your ‘Big House on the Beach’ may be more attainable if you have a LPL financial planner who helps you work towards these 4 goals using The Income For Life Model™.
To learn more, give us a call today at (770) 353-6311. We can’t wait to talk with you.
Why do People Fail Financially?
Posted by KevinGarrett on 6:00 am in Blog | Comments Off
As LPL financial planners, we’re often asked, “What makes people fail financially?” Several factors contribute to poor financial outcomes in life and retirement.
- Procrastination.
- Failure to establish goals.
- Ignorance about what your money must do to accomplish these goals.
- Failure to understand and manage credit.
- Failure to understand and apply tax laws.
- Failure to properly prepare for the unexpected.
- Failure to develop a written financial plan. Don’t fail to plan.
To learn more, give us a call today at (770) 353-6311. We can’t wait to talk with you.
Why Should I Tell My Financial Planner Everything?
Posted by KevinGarrett on 7:00 pm in Blog | Comments Off
You might be wondering why it’s important to tell your financial planner everything. Do you have ‘Financial Planner Anxiety’? Join the crowd. Recent studies show that most people feel anxious about going to a financial advisor. However, communication is a foundational building block for any relationship—and communication in a financial planning relationship is critical to create an effective plan. Think of your financial plan like a jigsaw puzzle. What’s the most important piece of the puzzle? Is it the corners? The solid pieces? The single-most important part of a jigsaw puzzle is the picture on the front of the box. Without a complete picture, you have no idea where the pieces go. The reason your financial planner asks so many questions about your financial life is so you can create a “complete picture” and solve the puzzle together. If no one else knows your asset information, goals, dreams, and fears, then no one can do a good job planning for you. Talk to an independent LPL financial planner at Integrated Financial Group and get a solid financial plan for life.
To learn more, give us a call today at (770) 353-6311. We can’t wait to talk with you.
How to Build a Solid Financial Foundation
Posted by KevinGarrett on 7:11 pm in Blog | Comments Off
How to Select Social Security Benefits
Posted by KevinGarrett on 7:11 pm in Blog | Comments Off
Do I Really Need a Will?
Posted by KevinGarrett on 7:10 pm in Blog | Comments Off
Tips for Preventing Identity Theft on Vacation
Posted by KevinGarrett
How To Keep Your Estate Plan Up To Date?
Posted by KevinGarrett
How Do I Survive Financially After A Divorce
Posted by KevinGarrett
5 Ways To Know If A Financial Advisor Puts Your Goals First
Posted by KevinGarrett
How Do I Pay For Long Term Care
Posted by KevinGarrett
What Is Per Stirpes Distribution and Why Do I Need It
Posted by KevinGarrett
Should I Include Stocks During Retirement How Do I Manage Them?
Posted by KevinGarrett
How Do I Plan to Age In Place?
Posted by KevinGarrett
Should I Roll My 401k To An IRA
Posted by KevinGarrett
Why Should I Continue Investing
Posted by KevinGarrett
How To Choose The Right Financial Planner
Posted by KevinGarrett
How Can I Avoid Making Mistakes With My Nest Egg
Posted by KevinGarrett
How Do I Keep My Digital Estate Safe
Posted by KevinGarrett
