Why is financial planning important?
A Financial Plan can help you balance competing financial priorities. A Financial Plan will clearly show you how your financial goals are related--for example, how saving for your children's college education might impact your ability to save for retirement. You can then use that information to decide how to prioritize your goals, implement specific strategies, and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you'll know that your financial life is headed in the right direction.
The Financial Planning Process
Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan generally involves working with professionals to:
- Develop a clear picture of your current financial situation by reviewing your income, assets, and liabilities, and evaluating your insurance coverage, investment portfolio, tax exposure, and estate plan
- Establish and prioritize financial goals and time frames for achieving these goals
- Implement strategies that address your current financial weaknesses and build on your financial strengths
- Choose specific products and services that are tailored to help meet your financial objectives
- Monitor your plan and make adjustments as your goals, time frames, or circumstances change