[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1517259522687{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Though the recession of 2008 is long over, many Americans are still struggling to save. A survey by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards shows that most are worried that they won’t reach their financial goals.
- Approximately 50 percent of respondents don’t put money aside each month as a result of financial pressures
- Major medical expenses have impacted 20 percent of Americans in the past three years
- Decreased household incomes are affecting 35 percent of survey-takers
Keeping up with bills and paying off debt is making it difficult to save for major milestones like college expenses and retirement. Fortunately, enlisting the services of an experienced Certified Financial Planner in Kansas City can help.
The Benefits of a Certified Financial Planner
A carefully chosen Certified Financial Planner offers a variety of financial services for individuals and families. These can range from designing your customized investment strategy and estate planning to asset management and tax planning. Clients typically realize the following benefits from professional support:
- An opportunity to create realistic, achievable personal and financial goals
- A comprehensive examination of your current financial state, including a review of your assets, liabilities, investments, income, insurance and taxes
- An updated financial plan that makes the most of your financial strengths and addresses any existing weaknesses
- Assistance with putting your new plan into action, monitoring your financial progress and making sure you stay on track
- Regular review of your progress to adjust for life changes, market changes and regulatory changes
In short, your Certified Financial Planner helps you get organized so you know exactly where you stand and what you have to do to build your wealth.
Finding the Right Financial Planner in Kansas
Whether you have a massive portfolio or you have nothing saved at all, you can benefit from the services of a financial planner. Some of the most common reasons people begin their search for a professional include major life events. Examples include getting married, having or adopting a baby, planning for retirement, getting divorced, the death of a parent or spouse, planning for education expenses or transferring a small business. Your reason for seeking out a Certified Financial Planner may impact who you hire to manage your financial life.
The biggest priority in choosing a specialist is confirming their qualifications. Not every person advertising financial planning services is certified. Look for the initials CFP after his or her name, and confirm that the certification is valid on the CFP Board website. Depending on your financial goals and priorities, you may wish to look for additional education, experience and certifications. Examples include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – Qualified in handling investment banking and analysis and portfolio management, and has a deep understanding of economics
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Licensed to provide advice on tax-related issues
Talk over your priorities and financial goals with the candidates you are considering to ensure that you hire the individual best able to assist in achieving your objectives. During this meeting, make sure you understand how your Certified Financial Planner makes his or her money. Commission-based advisors get paid each time you make a transaction, which can lead them to pressure you into making unnecessary trades. A fee-only Certified Financial Planner charges a flat rate, usually by the hour or as a percentage of your portfolio.
A Certified Financial Planner is your partner in creating a secure financial future. With the help of an experienced professional, you can ensure that you are well-positioned to pay your bills while still setting money aside to reach your financial goals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]