Money is integrated with every one of life’s necessities. From food to houses and cars to children and clothing all the way through retirement, money impacts many of our major decisions and the quality of the life we live. Unfortunately, personal finance is not taught in school and we lack the knowledge of how money works. Therefore, we make many of our major life decisions and how we spend our money blindly, without a guide or plan as to what will benefit us the most in the long run.
What I find funny is that when we are in school we are given a curriculum as to what courses we need to complete to graduate. Yet, when it comes to money, we are not given the tools to make our financial futures successful.
The good news is that there is an entire financial services industry dedicated to helping you maximize your money. Unfortunately, there are tons of myths regarding financial professionals, which makes seeking advice confusing, frustrating, and scary.
Below, I wish to debunk 5 of those myths to help you build your knowledge about professionals within the industry and feel more confident seeking advice and help with your money.
Myth 1: I am not old enough to work with a financial professional
Truth: Money and time go hand in hand. The longer you have the more time for your money to grow over time. The earlier easier building new habits and wealth will become. The younger you are the easier it is to right the ship of your financial future. When it comes to the time value of money, I often tell people to start now, save regularly, and be patient. Money needs time to truly work to your advantage.
Myth 2: I don’t have enough money to talk with a professional
Truth: Unfortunately, there are many people in the industry who only focus on high-net-worth clients. But, if you look within the industry, you will find plenty of advisors who are willing to help you no matter what your income level. Don’t let the few who only serve the elite stereotype others who will help.
Myth 3: I don’t need a financial professional, I can do it all by myself
Truth: According to a recent Vanguard study, financial professionals add about 3% more in returns for their clients than those not working with a professional. 3% may not seem like a lot initially, but over time that 3% could be the difference of several hundreds of thousands of dollars when you retire, and that is a big deal. Even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, don’t you think starting early with a professional giving feedback and assessment would be key to the longevity of your finances?
Myth 4: I am scared to reveal my money habits to a professional
Truth: Just like you have to have the right doctor, you have to have the right financial professional. A good professional knows that no one is perfect and that you are seeking knowledge and help. The right advisor should listen to your concerns and be empathetic. He or she should make you feel safe and not judged when discussing your money challenges.
Myth 5: All a financial professional will do is play the stock market and I don’t want to risk my money that way
Truth: Financial professionals should look at the whole picture and develop a comprehensive plan to set you up for success long term. This goes way beyond playing the stock market. Many times, you will get advice on your savings account and emergency funds. We will examine debt. We will want to create short, middle, and long-term plans, and discuss risk tolerance. Our job is then to develop a balanced and well-diversified portfolio. Our goal is to develop an investment strategy that is appropriate for your individual situation so that you can feel in control and have confidence in the plan.
Hopefully, your fears are debunked. A good advisor is a coach, teacher, and guide. They will be there to help you feel more knowledgeable and confident with every stage of life and every major decision. They will be there to offer options that best suit you and provide encouragement and accountability to hit your goals. Do yourself a favor and seek guidance from a professional today to enhance your financial tool belt and build more security for yourself and your family.
