As the year draws to a close. I want to take a moment to offer some perspective as we move forward.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues and the impact on our economy and our communities is still unfolding. I expect that 2021 will hold a few surprises. Hopefully, fewer surprises than 2020, but as the Boy Scouts say, “Be Prepared.”
These can be scary times, but I want to remind you that you have me as your advocate in reaching your financial goals. While I don’t wish to brag, I do want to remind you that the choice to work with a CFP® professional as your fiduciary financial planner is a great one and especially in these crazy times.
I have 19 years’ experience. I have extensive technical training through the Certified Financial Planner® designation. I have extensive resources through my broker-dealer and a great network of colleagues with whom to consult. All these resources are focused on your best interest at all times.
We Anticipated This . . . Sort of
My clients reading this have already taken excellent steps to prepare for financial success. We always make our financial decisions based on client goals and priorities. One of my core principles is to be sure we are protected from common risks and that we have good options in case things change.
Nobody saw this particular challenge approaching, but my clients have been able to manage OK.
We have a plan. We are working the plan and it will get us through challenging times.
We Are Prepared
I always select investments with low expenses, long-histories, and fundamental value. I constantly monitor, review and adjust as needed to keep in sync with market conditions. Part of my investment selection process is to build portfolios designed to absorb unexpected changes without doing any harm. I’ve been doing this work for nearly 20 years. I have learned a couple things in that time. And, as part of my Certified Financial Planner™ professional training, I am constantly studying the latest academic research on financial planning, investing and helping clients reach their goals.
That’s part of the reason that I base client investments on Nobel prize-winning strategies that have protected investors for the last 60-plus years, and they are protecting you now.
Given the strength of the economy before the health crisis, some experts believe a recovery could be fairly fast and strong. No one knows, of course, and I am monitoring the markets and your investments with extreme diligence to keep us well-positioned for positive days ahead.
Because prosperous days will come again. They always do. This time is no different.
You Are Not Alone
The pandemic has challenged us all with feelings of isolation. But we all have family, friends, community members and professionals on whom we can rely. It’s easy to lose sight some times when our normal habits and patterns are disrupted. Even with everything going on, you and I can still connect. Maybe it’s by phone or zoom or by a drive by visit in a parking lot. But it can be done.
As your financial planner, I am always here to help. I am happy to answer questions, to look at options and remind you of how best to move forward from here toward your goals. And, if you have family or friends who need to talk about their financial plans, I’m always happy to talk.
I believe strongly in the value of financial planning. I am dedicated to helping people reach their goals. I will ALWAYS take time to talk with anybody you send my way. Follow this LINK to find a time for a visit. I consider it the LEAST I can do.
A great place to start looking for the right advisor is to talk with a couple CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals.
To find a CFP® professional near you, start your search here.
As you visit with financial planners, I suggest a couple things to check:
- Is the advisor always the client’s advocate – a fiduciary advisor?
- Is the advisor only paid by clients, not any financial product manufacturer or distribution network? That would be a fee-only advisor.
These two points help assure that you are working with a professional who is committed to your best interest at all times. It seems sort of obvious to me that a professional would work in this way, but it’s not automatic.
A fiduciary, fee-first, CFP® professional can help you make great retirement income choices and develop a comprehensive financial plan that is driven by your goals and priorities and addresses all aspects of your financial life. With a big-picture approach, you will be better prepared to understand your options at every step along the way.
Yes, I am a CFP® professional. I’m always a fiduciary and I work on a fee basis. And yes, I’m still taking on a few great families to be part of my financial planning practice.
If this article has you thinking about your own circumstances, follow this LINK to set a time for us to talk. I am always happy to meet with people who are working on their retirement plans. Dunncreek Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice, nor is this article intended to do so.