Heraclitus famously stated that “the only constant in life is change,” and we only have to look to the events of 2020 and the way in which 2021 has begun to see just how true that statement really is!
This is why life planning should not be something you do once and forget about but should be revisited at different stages of your life as your plans and circumstances evolve.
Regularly reviewing your finances is essential to helping you keep on the right path to achieve the financial goals put in place to make your life dreams a reality. The following are just a few of the factors that should prompt a fresh look at your life plan:
CHANGES IN YOUR FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Life changes constantly, with new people, new opportunities and new challenges coming in and out at any given time. Conducting regular reviews ensures that important changes are accounted for and that anything that may affect your plan is addressed. Knowing where you are currently will help us get you to where you want to be ultimately.
YOU’RE YOUNG
If you are just starting out in your career then you may not even have thought about the importance of budgeting, managing cash-flow or planning for your future, but you are never too young to start. At some point you may need a house deposit, or you might be aware that you should really start looking at your savings and investments but don’t know where to begin. If this is the case, we are happy to talk to you and provide guidance.
YOU’VE REACHED MIDDLE-AGE
This may well be the time when your finances are at their most stretched. You may have a family, and therefore be facing increased costs associated with that, you may have a mortgage or you could be funding childcare or education.
Professional, independent financial advice will help you address your increasingly complex budget and ensure that your family are protected if anything were to happen to you.
YOU’RE PRE-RETIREMENT
When you are approaching the age where you want to retire, it’s important to look at whether this is financially possible. You will probably be earning more and spending less, and often, our clients find that they are actually able to retire earlier than they expected!
Being mindful of your outgoings is still important though, particularly if you have big life goals that will need funding. This is also the ideal time to update your life and other protection requirements, ensure that everything is still aligned to your circumstances and consider how you would like to eventually distribute your estate in the most tax-effective way.
YOU’RE ENTERING RETIREMENT
Once you begin your retirement you will be either financially free or may be looking at how to maintain a steady income. It’s time to look at any benefits you may be entitled to, and make sure you maximise these.
Budgeting will once again become important and you will need to control any expenses to stay within your available income. At this stage, managing your investments to generate income and protect them from rising inflation will become a primary investment activity.
It’s critical that you have sufficient health protection to avoid any unexpected health costs eating into your investments, but life insurance may only be relevant if it is needed to protect your retirement income for your spouse.
Whatever stage of your life you are at, we are always happy to talk through the best way to manage your current finances and plan for the future you dream of.
This article does not constitute financial advice and should not be construed as such.