Women’s Newsletter: Taking Control

July 3rd, 2017

Women’s Newsletter: Taking control

When I speak of “taking control” I’m talking about knowledge, understanding and agreement. When it comes to your money and your finances being in control is about knowing what you have and why, understanding the financial objective and being in agreement with your advisors on how your interests are being handled. How do you obtain that kind of control? Here are my thoughts:

Knowledge: The old adage of “knowledge is power” speaks for itself. Ask yourself these questions:

1. What do I spend on a monthly basis and what do I spend it on?
2. How much am I really saving in my retirement plan?
3. What debt do I have, what interest rates and what’s my plan to pay it off?
4. What insurance do I have and why?
5. We believe that getting a handle on the different aspects of your financial life will help you make clear and rational decisions down the road.

Understanding: Why are you doing what you are doing and why do you have what you have? Knowing the reasoning and objectives of your financial life is important.

1. Does your monthly spending surprise you? Are there adjustments to be made?
2. Is your debt structured to fit your family’s goals?
3. What is your savings plan for your retirement plan – are you saving enough and in the correct investments to meet your retirement goals?
4. Do your investments fit and meet your family’s overall short term and long term goals?
5. Is your current insurance applicable to your current financial life?
6. Do you have a Will? What happens to your assets and/or kids if something happens to you?
7. Asking yourself these questions and reviewing these topics may help you adjust your financial life to things that are a priority to you and your family.

Agreement: Being in agreement with your significant other and on the same page as your professional advisors is critical. Be sure your concerns, goals and beliefs are heard, documented and recognized.

1. The first step to being in agreement is having the conversation and being involved in all of the professional advisor meetings
2. Don’t be shy to speak about your fears, or your goals

I’m sure there are other ways to gain and maintain control of your financial life, but these are a good start. Our Family Wealth Planning process https://windsorwealth.management/wealth-management/  takes folks through this process and allows them to think about their priorities and make adjustments as they need. If there’s anything I can do for you please let me know.

 

Christina Jones

Financial Planner

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™