Help Us, Help You!

​By Roy Larsen, CFP®, AAMS®

As I write this blog post, I just completed spending the first part of the year going through all of our clients personal information portals. In 2019, almost every firm offers their families a convenient way to track their financial world and as importantly, keep their Certified Financial Planner™ updated on anything that may provide a planning opportunity to strengthen their position. How amazing is technology that in just the last 15 years you can exchange an hour or so of your time for a trained professional to look out for your family the entire year. Planning has come a long way!

After going through all 58 of our families portals, do you know what the recurring theme was? Yep, the majority of the portals contained no information whatsoever! Ugh....I get it! The subject matter is not very sexy. Even though this is your world and is important to you, it's doesn't make it any less boring. Everyone tells you to hire a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ who will act as a fiduciary and in work in your best interest. Lets be honest however, It's similar to going to your doctor. You know you have to, but you would rather just get a pill to fix everything and go about your day rather.

Let me give you a helping hand if I may. This doesn't have to be hard or take all that long. If you know what we need and simply give us 30 minutes, a few times a year devoted to your data, you have truly helped us to do the best possible job we can do for you. 

Most of us  within your personal portals give you a vault to upload important documents. Make sure the following are their for your advisor to view.

Documents:

• Annual Tax Returns
• Current Healthcare Policies
• Wills, Trusts & POA's
• Social Security Statements
• Insurance Policies
• Company Pension & Options Program information

There may be others, but clearly any document that your advsior would need to dive deeper in or changes annually. 

Personal Portal Updates:

• Income changes.
• Qualified Plan contribution changes.
• Ensure all financial accounts are linked.
• Updated Property information.
• Updated Loan Information.
• Any changes to your listed goals or timelines.  
• Complete family information.

Easy peasy! There may be other items your advsior needs but this is the lions share of what we require to ensure you stay on track and provide timely advice and strategies that can benefit you today and for many years to come!

Do not hesitate to call us if we can help you achieve your goals while simplifying the planning process. One hour a year of your time will pay off in years of great decisions and peace of mind!

---

Roy Larsen, CFP®, AAMS® is a Fee Only Certified Financial Planner practitioner and acknowledged fiduciary. He works with clients in the Gainesville, GA. area outside of Atlanta and throughout the United States. Larsen Wealth Management specialized in the distribution phase of retirement or your version of chapter two. Roy has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal as well as the New York Times and has won the 5-Star Professional award for 6 consecutive years as one of the top Wealth Managers in Atlanta. Roy can be reached at 678-696-8755 or roylarsen @investinretirement.net. 
 
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information purposed only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individuals(s). To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.