Financial planning is a process that can help you reach your goals by evaluating the big financial picture, and then outlining strategies tailored to fit your individual needs and available resources. Why is Financial Planning Important?
A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture. With a financial plan in place, you'll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them.
One of the main benefits of having a financial plan is how it helps you arrange financial priorities. A financial plan will clearly show you how each of 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 the information to decide how to prioritize your goals, implement specific strategies, and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you'll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your financial life is on track.
The Financial Planning Process
Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan generally involves:
Developing 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- Establishing and prioritizing financial goals and time frames for achieving these goals
- Implementing strategies that address your current financial weaknesses and build upon your financial strengths
- Choosing specific products and services that are tailored to meet your financial objectives
- Monitoring your plan, making adjustments as your goals, time frames, or circumstances change
Key Members of Your Team
The financial planning process can involve any number of professionals.
- Financial planners typically play a central role in the process, focusing on your overall financial plan, and often coordinating the activities of other professionals who have expertise in specific areas.
- Accountants or tax attorneys provide advice on specific federal and state tax issues.
- Estate planning attorneys help you plan your estate and give advice on transferring and managing your assets before and after your death.
- Insurance professionals evaluate insurance needs and recommend appropriate products and strategies.
- Investment advisors provide advice about investment options and asset allocation, and can help you plan a strategy to manage your investment portfolio.
The most important member of the team, however, is you. Your needs and objectives drive the team, and once you've carefully considered any recommendations, all decisions rest in your hands.
Why Can't You do it by Yourself?
You can, if you have enough time and knowledge, but developing a comprehensive financial plan may require expertise in several areas. A financial professional can give you objective information and help you weigh your alternatives, saving you time and ensuring that all angles of your financial picture are covered.
Staying on Track
The financial planning process doesn't end once your initial plan has been created. Your plan should genera
lly be reviewed at least once a year to make sure that it's up-to-date. It's also possible that you'll need to modify your plan due to changes in your personal circumstances or the economy. 
Here are some of the events that might trigger a review of your financial plan:
- Your goals or time horizons change
- You experience a life-changing event such as marriage, the birth of a child, health problems, or a job loss
- You have a specific or immediate financial planning need (e.g., drafting a will, managing a distribution from a retirement account, paying long-term care expenses)
- Your income or expenses substantially increase or decrease
- Your portfolio hasn't performed as expected
- You're affected by changes to the economy or tax laws
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