Think Ahead

THINK AHEAD: TEN REASONS WHY YOU NEED A FINANCIAL PLANNER Would you rather live rich or die rich? Is it even possible to live rich on the resources available to you? What is your own personal definition of living richly? Have you ever thought about the factors that drive your money decisions? Where do you fall on a continuum of money attitudes? Do you make decisions based primarily on fear and uncertainty about the future? Or do you believe in spending whatever money you have now, indulging your whims for a new car or a luxury vacation, without focusing on future needs? Have you ever made a money mistake that undercut or sabotaged your budget or your future plans? More than ever, because of the increasing complexity of our fast-changing financial world, these are questions we all need to answer. Despite—and to some extent, because of—the proliferation of electronic systems such as retirement calculators and robo advisers, we believe that it is more important than ever to: • Have a carefully thought-out and tested financial plan, based on your personal values and priorities, that can guide you throughout the decades; and • Craft, monitor, and adjust the plan to keep you on track as your life experiences and goals change.