When it comes to financial planning and investing, sometimes the most important and most challenging decision is just to get started. I have had the pleasure to help many of my clients develop a financial plan and begin investing. There is a tremendous feeling of pride in being the advisor who has earned the opportunity and trust to help clients start planning for their financial future. Whether buying a house, a car, or reaching that special milestone of retirement, watching a client achieve their goal is very special to me.
However, there are many misconceptions out there that cause a delay in many to get started. First is the belief that one must have a large number of funds to begin planning or investing. That cannot be further from the truth. Part of this is brought on by large investment firms who set limits on the amount of money one must have before they are willing to help them. However, many more advisors are standing by, ready to help those who want to build their financial future. The key for me is finding the amount the client can be comfortable with investing. I like to take an in-depth look at the client’s income and expenses to come up with this amount. As a parent, I know expenses arrive seemingly out of nowhere. So those items get factored in as well. Whatever that amount is, no matter how big or small, that is YOUR amount, and something to certainly be proud of.
Another misconception has to do with the belief that ALL investing is TOO risky. You may be thinking, “how is this a misconception?” After all, investments certainly do have risk! However, not all investments share the same amount of risk. When it comes to investing, a client’s tolerance for risk is an essential factor in deciding how to invest the money. In broader terms, a client with a high-risk tolerance could have more money allocated to stock-based investments than someone with a low tolerance. There are many recommendations out there that say the younger you are, the more risk you should take. I am here to say that if your tolerance does not meet the so-called “status quo,” that is quite alright because that is YOUR risk tolerance. My job is to find the investment that meets that tolerance.
Lastly, some believe they are “too late to the game.” Folks, there are many times when I make suggestions to clients where their responses are “I never heard of that” or “I didn’t know there was such a thing.” That tells me there can never be “too late to start planning!” However, time CAN play a factor when it comes to investing. Compound interest is a powerful thing, but we need the time to make it work.
If there is a financial dream that you have, there is no need to delay. Build that legacy or take that trip. Buy a car, or build that retirement you deserve. The important part is just to get started!
Disclosures
Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Alphastar Capital Management LLC (“Alphastar”), a SEC registered investment adviser. Mosaic WSG, Ltd.) and Alphastar Capital Management, LLC are separate and independent entities. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Mosaic WSG, Ltd. offers insurance products through individuals licensed to sell insurance. Comments regarding guaranteed returns or income streams refer only to fixed insurance products offered by Mosaic WSG, Ltd. and, unless specifically stated, do not refer in any way to securities or investment advisory products offered by Alphastar. Fixed insurance and annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company and are not offered or guaranteed by Alphastar.
