Planning Your Financial Future

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Would you like to be in a new house, start a business or just retired early? These re just a few common financial goals.

That's where financial planning comes in. Financial planning is a process that can help you reach your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources. What makes financial planning so important? A well-rounded financal plan will serve as the life blueprint and help to organize the various pieces of your financial picture. With a financial plan in place, you'll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them.

One of the main benefits of having a financial plan is that it can help you balance competing financial priorities. A financial plan will clearly show you how your financial goals are related--for example, how saving for your children's college education might impact your ability to save for retirement. Then you can use the information you've gleaned to decide how to prioritize your goals, implement specific strategies, and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you'll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your financial life is on track.

Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan generally involves working with financial professionals to: - Develop a clear picture of your current financial situation by reviewing your income, assets, and liabilities, and evaluating your insurance coverage, your investment portfolio, your tax exposure, and your estate plan - Establish and prioritize financial goals and time frames for achieving these goals - Implement strategies that address your current financial weaknesses and build on your financial strengths - Choose specific products and services that are tailored to meet your financial objectives - Monitor your plan, making adjustments as your goals, time frames, or circumstances change.

The financial planning process can involve a number of professionals. Financial planners typically play a central role in the process, focusing on your overall financial plan, and often coordinating the activities of other professionals who have expertise in specific areas. Accountants or tax attorneys provide advice on federal and state tax issues. Estate planning attorneys help you plan your estate and give advice on transferring and managing your assets before and after your death. Insurance professionals evaluate insurance needs and recommend appropriate products and strategies. Investment advisors provide advice about investment options and asset allocation, and can help you plan a strategy to manage your investment portfolio.

You, however, are the most important member of this team. Your needs and objectives drive the team, and once you've carefully considered any recommendations, all decisions lie in your hands.

Why can't I do it myself? You can, if you have enough time and knowledge, but developing a comprehensive financial plan may require expertise in several areas. A financial professional can give you objective information and help you weigh your alternatives, saving you time and ensuring that all angles of your financial picture are covered.

Staying on track The financial planning process doesn't end once your initial plan has been created. Your plan should generally be reviewed at least once a year to make sure that it's up-to-date. It is quite likely that you will find it necesary to modify your plan due to life or economic changes. Here are some of the events that might trigger a review of your financial plan: - Your goals or time horizons change - You experience a life-changing event such as marriage, the birth of a child, health problems, or a job loss - You have a specific or immediate financial planning need (e.g., drafting a will, managing a distribution from a retirement account, paying long-term care expenses) - Your income or expenses substantially increase or decrease - Your portfolio hasn't performed as expected - You're affected by changes to the economy or tax laws.

You can learn more about Bryan Laverman by visiting his website at http://www.bryanlaverman.com or calling to 219-864-5050 x15.

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