“Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” (John Beckley)
The importance of planning!
The world of investing and creating wealth can be like traveling in a strange country where you don’t know where you are going. Without a road map, you risk getting lost. Your road map in the world of investing is someone who knows the terrain; one such person is a financial planner. Think of a financial planner as your travel guide.
Why is a financial planner an important part of your plan?
A financial planner has access to information that the ordinary person does not. They can help you meet your long-term financial objectives. A good financial planner will consult with their client to analyze their goals, risk tolerance, and life stage, and then develop a holistic plan to identify suitable investments for them. A holistic plan should include a discussion about not only growing financial wealth, but other aspects of life such as: tax planning, asset allocation, risk management, and retirement and/or estate planning. Some financial planners are limited to what they can offer for services and various investment products. It is important to choose a planner who can develop and offer an all-encompassing plan that is right for you.
How do I get started?
Probably the most important concept to keep in mind is that to grow your wealth, you must make more than you spend. That doesn’t mean that you must make a six-figure salary; it simply means that you should have a savings component built into your lifestyle budget. Although this seems like an easy concept, and it is somewhat easier with a defined plan, it is a concept that many people struggle with. A good starting point is to follow the advice of Warren Buffett, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” Mr. Buffett is a huge believer that people need to pay themselves first. If not, it’s easy to pay everyone else and forget about saving for yourself!
A certified financial planner can help you develop a holistic plan with respect to saving and investing for the future. Once a plan is developed and incorporated, it is easier than most people think to live within a system of saving.
What should I invest in?
The world of investing has many different options. There are options for investing that many “do it yourself” investors have no knowledge of. The right financial planner can present these options for consideration. Success in investing does not necessarily correlate to a high IQ; what you need is the proper temperament to control the urges that get other people into trouble when investing. As Warren Buffett said, “Predicting rain doesn’t count, building the ark does.” When the market goes up and up, everyone can look like an investing genius. It’s when things go sour that you see the value of a long-term strategy or plan. The “do it yourself” investor needs to have the desire and the time to dedicate to properly researching the various investments and even then, their research will pale when compared to an investment advisor. “Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” Warren Buffett
“In the business or investing world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield!” Warren Buffett
In my world as a financial planner, I see myself as an integral part of your financial team; your financial quarterback, if you will. My job is to help you develop all the necessary ingredients of your holistic plan and then be there to help you with successful execution. I evaluate numerous opportunities and investing strategies on a weekly basis to find the right fit for my clients. Each client has different risk tolerances and different personal biases and so as part of their team, my job is to present all the risk/reward parameters and all the potential drawbacks of each investment that they are considering. According to Warren Buffett, one of the worst mistakes investors can make is to pay too much attention to commentators on TV, political drama, or market rumors.
Are all the good times for investing gone?
Over the decades, there have been bull markets and there have been bear markets on a continuous basis. Sir John Templeton said, “The only way to avoid mistakes is not to invest – which is the biggest mistake of all.” Depending on your personal makeup, an investment advisor will structure your investment portfolio to your risk tolerance to achieve success. Some investors will be able to handle investments that have more fluctuations (what are called aggressive investments), while others will prefer the “steady Eddie” approach. “In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.” Warren Buffett
“For 240 years it’s been a terrible mistake to bet against America, and now is no time to start.” Warren Buffett
Will there be other recessions? That is an absolute certainty. It would be inconceivable to think that the economic cycle will change from what has historically happened time and time again throughout history. With the right portfolio mix, a recession provides an opportunity to buy more investment positions ON SALE. This is a particular time in history where an investment advisor can help in tempering the impulse to overreact. It is better to hang out with people better than you. “And so, the important thing we do with managers, generally, is to find the .400 hitters and then not tell them how to swing.” Warren Buffett.
“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist; Investing is not a game where the guy with the 160 IQ beats the guy with the 130 IQ.” Warren Buffett
A financial plan is extremely important in mapping a defined path to wealth and success. A financial planner is a vital part of your team because they help you to build a comprehensive plan and offer you well researched advice. They can help you map out a holistic plan that will address various commitments in your life and at the same minimize financial risk. A financial planner creates that all important buffer between you and your emotions that will help to minimize stress and anxiety. A financial planner is your “financial tour guide” keeping you on the right path so that you don’t get lost.