Last month we talked about the value of getting your financial advice from a Financial Professional. Yet, according to a 2022 report from Northwestern Mutual, only one third of Americans seek the help of a Financial Professional. This is even though two thirds of those surveyed said that their financial lives need some improvement.
So, why do so few folks work with a Financial Professional? One reason could be the common perception that only the wealthy need and can afford financial advice of any kind. In a survey conducted by the Harris Poll for Empower, 43% of respondents felt that access to financial advice was out of their reach. And, 42% of those contacted for the Schwab Modern Wealth Survey just felt that they don’t have enough money to need a financial plan.
Yet another survey conducted by the Journal of Accountancy found that 73% of people believe that “a solid financial plan would bring me happiness.” (This same survey revealed that only 60% of American adults believe that money can buy happiness.)
While developing a financial plan may seem overwhelming, it is the foundation on which you build, understand and achieve your goals. The Schwab survey found that people with a written financial plan feel more financially stable than those without a plan. They feel more confident that they will reach their financial goals. An RIA Intel survey revealed that 83% of those who worked with a financial professional feel less stressed about money matters because of the help they receive from them. A Financial Professional can handle many of the financial matters that most people find overwhelming. These include financial planning, minimizing taxes and investment planning.
Even those who don’t think they have enough money to need a financial plan can benefit. A person does not need to have a lot of money to get started with a plan. A plan can help to improve savings and budgeting in order to reach a financial goal. A sound financial plan can lead to better habits: the Schwab survey revealed that 65% of people with a financial plan have an emergency fund vs. 33% of those without a plan.
A sound financial plan involves saving – that emergency fund – as well as investing. The first step in any plan is to lay out the goals and how much time it might take to reach them. Once this is in place, the next step is to figure out how to reach each goal. Investing is how you will reach your long-term goals.
Clearly there is value in the peace of mind provided by solid financial advice.
As a full-service Financial Professional, I can help guide you to a financial and investment plan that is mindful of your personal considerations as well as your financial ones.
Please feel free to call (215-836-4880) or email the office (ellend@regardingyourmoney.com) to set up an appointment to discuss any financial questions you may have. Or visit us at regardingyourmoney.com
Visit our website for 50 Things: What a Financial Professional Does for You
https://www.regardingyourmoney.com/files/55218/Fifty%20Things%7E002.pdf
Sources: Advisorperspectives.com, Journal of Accountancy, Schwab.com, RIA Intel