Retirement can be an exciting new chapter in life – a time to enjoy more free time with friends, pursue hobbies and maybe launch an encore career. It’s a misconception that you don’t need a financial advisor now that you have achieved financial independence. You potentially have decades in your retirement years and it is important that your plan stays on track and is adjusted as your life changes and challenges come along.
1) Planning for your lifetime
Investing wisely can be essential to ensure your retirement funds last throughout your lifetime and fund your legacy goals. While you may be able do this yourself, it can be time consuming and oftentimes information found online won’t take your unique circumstances into consideration. Ultimately, it may pay off to have professional help creating a personalized investment portfolio.
2) Managing Health Care Costs
Healthcare expenses can pose a significant challenge during retirement. An experienced wealth advisor can help you in estimating potential healthcare costs, exploring insurance options like Medicare, and integrating these expenses into your overall financial plan. At Marshall Financial, we help connect our clients with the right professionals, like health insurance providers, to help get their needs met.
3) Tax Planning
An advisor can help you implement tax-efficient strategies, such as optimizing withdrawals from different retirement accounts, managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and taking advantage of tax-efficient investment options. And although you may not be receiving a W2 anymore, retirees report their own version of income to the IRS. The right financial advisor can coordinate with your CPA to help ensure that your taxes are filed correctly.
4) Planning for Aging Parents
As you enter retirement, it’s likely that your parents or relatives are also entering a time where they need more support, care, and potentially financial assistance. A financial advisor can help you navigate the challenges of finding a continuing care community, managing caregiving costs, and helping to ensure the well-being of your loved ones.
5) Managing an Inheritance
Receiving an inheritance can be both a blessing and a responsibility. A financial advisor can guide you in managing these newfound assets, helping you make informed decisions about investments, tax implications, and incorporating the inheritance into your overall financial plan.
6) Holistic Wealth Management
Each person’s retirement journey is unique, influenced by factors such as lifestyle goals, risk tolerance, health, and family considerations. A skilled financial advisor can help create a personalized retirement plan that aligns with your specific needs and aspirations, helping you work toward your vision of a happier, healthier, and more productive life. Click here to learn more about how Marshall Financial helps clients realize their ideal retirement.
7) Helping to Fulfill Philanthropic Wishes
Many retirees want to give back to their communities or support causes close to their hearts. By working with an advisor, you can develop a philanthropic strategy that takes your overall financial plan into consideration, while also planning for taxes.
8) Planning for Market Volatility
The stock market can be unpredictable and economic downturns can have a significant impact on your retirement savings. However, this doesn’t always mean your funds are best left in cash. A financial advisor can help you stay focused on your long-term goals by providing guidance and reassurance during turbulent times.
9) Regular Financial Check-Ins
Retirement isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing journey. By scheduling regular check-ins with your financial advisor, you’ll have a chance to review your financial plan, make necessary adjustments, and address any changes in your circumstances or goals to help keep you on track.
10) Estate Planning
An estate plan can help distribute your assets efficiently, easily, and according to your wishes. Additionally, documents like a healthcare power of attorney or a durable power of attorney can help your family make the appropriate decisions if you’re incapacitated. While an attorney drafts these documents, a wealth advisor can help ensure that your account registrations and beneficiaries are in line with your estate plan. They can also help with minimizing estate taxes, when possible.
Navigating the complexities of post-retirement financial planning requires knowledge, experience, and a strategic approach. A qualified financial advisor may be a valuable partner in this journey by offering personalized advice and strategies to help ensure your retirement years are relaxing and fulfilling.
