It’s never too early, or too late, to start your financial plan. Whether you’re saving for your first home, your children’s education or your retirement – or something completely different – reaching your goals begins with a plan.
Yes, those major life goals can seem overwhelming, so it’s important to begin with a plan that’s built for you. And that’s where the value of expert advice comes in – while we might share common goals, there’s no single way to reach them.
A professional financial planner will work with you to create a plan based on your specific situation, taking into account such myriad factors as your age, income, debt, lifestyle and risk tolerance.
“Planning for your financial future can be confusing for those without the training and expertise – things are changing all the time and there are so many components to a well-rounded plan. I hope it comes to the point where having a financial planner is just like having a dentist – everyone has one,” says David Francilia, Senior Wealth Advisor and Qtrade Advisor with Surrey’s South Point Branch of Envision Financial Wealth Management.
A plan made just for you
No matter what stage of life you’re in, an advisor can create a roadmap to make the most of your investments, maximize tax savings, manage debt and reach your savings goals.
Here’s how:
- Ongoing education – Continuous learning and collaboration is an essential part of long-term investing. The goal should be for you to better understand what you’re invested in, and why, to build your confidence regardless of changing market conditions.
- Focus on diversity – Thoughtful diversification within your portfolio is vital to your success.
- Long-term commitment – Regular plan updates are part of responsible investing as your needs and goals change over time.
Choosing the right advisor
Because a relationship with your financial planner must be grounded in trust and communication, Francilia recommends meeting with several professionals to find a good fit – someone you feel comfortable with.
“Ideally this is someone you’re going to work with for a long time, so taking the time at the beginning to find someone you communicate well with is critical.”
It’s also important to consider your unique needs and goals.
While “certified financial planner” is the broad designation for the industry, numerous additional designations cover areas such as life insurance, mutual funds and securities.
Some advisors specialize in a particular area, others offer a full-service approach, Francilia explains.
To get started on your financial plan, or fine-tune the route you’ve already started, book an appointment with your Envision Financial advisor today.
Envision Financial Wealth Management is a division of FW Wealth Management Ltd. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of First West Credit Union. FW Wealth Management Ltd. is a licensed life insurance agency offering financial planning, life insurance and investments. Mutual funds, other securities and securities related financial planning services are offered through Qtrade Advisor, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Financial planning services are available only from advisors who hold financial planning accreditation from applicable regulatory authorities.