Getting started

Things to know before meeting us

To achieve the best result from our financial planning, you will need to be prepared to avoid some of the common mistakes by considering the following advice:

Set measurable financial goals

Set specific targets of what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve results. For example, instead of saying you want to be “comfortable” when you retire or that you want your children to attend “good” schools, you need to quantify what “comfortable” and “good” mean so that you’ll know when you’ve have reached your goals.

 

Understand the effect of each financial decision

Each financial decision you make can affect several other areas of your life. For example, an investment decision may have tax consequences that are harmful to your estate plans. Or a decision about your child’s education may affect when and how you meet your retirement goals. Remember that all of your financial decisions are interrelated.

 

Re-evaluate you financial situation periodically

Financial planning is a dynamic process. Your financial goals may change over the years due to changes in your lifestyle or circumstances, such as inheritance, marriage, birth, house purchase, your health or change of job status. Revisit and revise your financial plan as time goes by to reflect these changes so that you can stay on track with your long-term goals.

 

Start planning as soon as you can

Don’t delay your financial planning. People who start saving early and invest small amounts of money frequently, tend to do better than those who wait until later in life. Similarly, by developing good financial planning habits such as saving, budgeting, investing and regularly reviewing your finances early in life, you will be better prepared to meet life changes and handle emergencies.

 

Be realistic in your expectations

Financial planning is a common sense approach to managing your finances to reach your live goals. It cannot change your situation overnight, it is an ongoing process. Remember that events beyond your control such as inflation or changes in the stock market or interest rates will affect your financial planning results.

 

Realize that you are in charge

If you’re working with us, be sure you understand the financial planning process and what the planner will be doing. Provide the planner with all of the relevant information on your financial situation. Ask questions about the recommendations offered to you and play an active role in decision making.