Very few people have suddenly realized that they need a financial advisor, one morning.

This choice typically follows an event that has occurred.

There are more tax issues to consider after earning a promotion. Retirement becomes more than just a distant prospect and more like a date on the calendar. A business owner begins to consider retirement from his or her long-established business. The worry of parents is that they are not saving enough for college without compromising their own futures.

These moments have one thing in common. They bring solutions which have no easy answers.

It’s where companies such as TruNorth Advisors come into play. It’s not if you need financial advice. It’s whether you require a partner who can assist you with long-term thinking and linking today’s choices with tomorrow’s objectives.

The Best Financial Relationships Begin With Questions

The initial meeting clients have with an advisor is typically thought of as being about investments.

In actual practice, the quality of the conversations does not normally begin there.

Before talking about where to invest the money, an experienced advisor needs to know your definition of success.

Others want peace of mind to retire without having to adjust their lifestyle.

Others wish to make an impact on their family. Others are looking to cut taxes or developing a consistent retirement income.

Having these priorities in mind before making investment recommendations makes sense.

Financial Planning Is About Connecting the Dots

• Very few financial decisions are made on their own.
• Purchasing a second home can impact retirement savings.
• Taking care of parents as they grow older might affect when you invest.
• Business owners may find that selling their business will change their estate plans.

The difficulty isn’t in making the individual decisions. It’s about knowing the impacts of your decisions.

A lot of individuals realize that they are not in search of someone to handle assets. They seek assistance to navigate financial intricacies into a plan that they comprehend.

When Does Professional Advice Become More Valuable?

A standard age or income target doesn’t indicate when it is time to work with an advisor.

However, there are circumstances when external advice is of growing importance.

Your Financial Life Has Become More Complicated

Financial decisions start to be layered as careers advance.

Retirement accounts, taxable investments, insurance, real estate, education planning and tax considerations all start to work together or against one another.

It becomes increasingly challenging to keep all those moving parts under control each year.

You’re Preparing for Retirement Instead of Simply Saving for It

There are different strategies for accumulating assets and living off the assets.

Withdrawal rates, health care costs, Social Security timing and taxes are just as significant as returns on the investments.

That’s when professional planning can settle from being useful to indispensable.

You’re Responsible for More Than Yourself

When others rely on your decision making, financial planning will change.

From supporting children to taking care of aging parents or employees, every financial decision has ramifications.

With a plan in place, it’s easier to maintain confidence as those responsibilities increase.

Good Advisors Don’t Eliminate Uncertainty

• It is a fact that markets will always move.
• Interest rates are subject to change.
• Headlines in the economy are going to keep generating worry.
• You can’t stop those things.

What they can do is to assist their clients to make rational decisions at uncertain times.

Past performance demonstrates that investors can achieve improved long-term returns by sticking to their strategy, rather than chasing short-term market opportunities.

That discipline typically comes from an intention, prior to the time of uncertainty.

The Right Fit Is About Philosophy, Not Performance

One would expect people to inquire about the returns on their investments.

It’s a reasonable question.

However, long-term advisory relationships can be established on a less tangible basis.

• Communication
• Accessibility
• Trust

Clients should be informed about the rationale behind the recommendations and not just given instructions.

They should be at ease to ask questions, review goals, and modify strategies as life progresses.

It’s hard to calculate on a quarterly statement, but it can be the key to ensuring a financial relationship that lasts for decades.

Wikipedia says that a financial adviser is someone who provides advice to people on their investment, retirement, tax, insurance, and estate planning strategies to fit their individual financial situation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_adviser

Why Leadership Shapes the Client Experience

All advisory firms have their own philosophy.

People who lead an organization can have an impact on that philosophy.

The expectations clients have, such as the stress on customization, the need for frequent communication and trust over the years, are set by professionals such as Matt Dixon.

Good leadership does not necessarily lead to financial results.

It does have an impact on the level of support that can be provided to clients as markets, regulations and individual situations change over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is an ideal client for TruNorth Advisors?

TruNorth Advisors serves clients including individuals, families, business owners and retirees who want financial planning that is customized for their specific situations and goals, which change over time.

What should I expect during an initial meeting?

The first meeting typically involves getting to know your financial objectives, current position, future plans, and concerns before reviewing some financial planning options.

Why is working with one advisor over the long term beneficial?

Long-term relationships enable advisors to gather the information about life changes, modify their approach as necessary, and offer advice that continues to meet the changing financial goals.

Choosing a Financial Partner Is a Long-Term Decision

Choosing a financial advisor is not so much about who has the most flashy presentation, or the most bold market calls. It’s about having a team that’s listening to you, understanding your decisions and adjusting strategies as your life changes. If you want to work with someone who can provide careful advice with the long term view in mind, instead of seeing it as a short-term fix, then TruNorth Advisors is the right person for you.