Frequently Asked Questions

Who is our broker Kestra
Why work with an independent financial advisor?
When is the right time to hire a financial advisor? Am I too young?

The right time to hire a financial advisor depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Here are some key moments when hiring a financial advisor can be particularly beneficial:

  • Starting Your Career: If you’re beginning to earn a significant income and want to make informed decisions about saving, investing, and budgeting, a financial advisor can help you build a strong financial foundation.
  • Major Life Events: Events like getting married, having children, buying a home, or starting a business can have significant financial implications. An advisor can provide guidance on how to navigate these changes.
  • Inheritance or Windfall: If you receive a large sum of money, such as an inheritance or a windfall, an advisor can help you manage it wisely to maximize its potential.
  • Planning for Retirement: Whether you’re just starting to save for retirement or getting closer to retirement age, an advisor can help you develop a plan to ensure you have enough resources for a comfortable retirement.
  • Complex Financial Situations: If you have complex financial needs, such as managing multiple investments, dealing with tax issues, or planning an estate, a financial advisor can offer expert advice.
  • Desire for Professional Guidance: If you feel uncertain about your financial decisions or simply want professional guidance to help you achieve your financial goals, an advisor can provide the expertise and support you need.

You are never too young to benefit from financial advice. In fact, starting early can give you a significant advantage, as it allows more time for your investments to grow and your financial strategies to develop. Hiring a financial advisor can be a wise decision at any stage of life, as they can help you make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and work towards a secure financial future.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

I’m new to financial planning. How can I get started?

Getting started with financial planning can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process more straightforward. Here’s a guide to help you begin:

  1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation:  – Income: List all sources of income. – Expenses: Track your monthly expenses, including fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (entertainment, dining out) costs. – Assets and Liabilities: Compile a list of your assets (savings, investments, property) and liabilities (debts, loans).
  2. Set Financial Goals: – Short-term goals: Goals you want to achieve within the next year, such as building an emergency fund or paying off a small debt. – Medium-term goals: Goals you plan to achieve in the next 1-5 years, like buying a car or saving for a down payment on a house. – Long-term goals: Goals that are 5+ years away, such as retirement savings or funding a child’s education.
  3. Create a Budget: – Use your assessment of income and expenses to create a budget that assigns funds towards your financial goals. – Look for areas where you can cut back on unnecessary spending to save more.
  4. Build an Emergency Fund: – Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses to cover unexpected situations like job loss or medical emergencies.
  5. Manage Debt: – Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as credit card balances.– Consider strategies like the snowball method (paying off smallest debts first) or the avalanche method (paying off highest-interest debts first).
  6. Start Saving and Investing:– Open a savings account for short-term goals and an investment account for long-term goals.– Consider contributing to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA.
  7. Protect Your Finances:– Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, including health, auto, home, and life insurance.– Consider disability insurance to protect your income in case you’re unable to work.
  8. Educate Yourself:– Read books, attend workshops, or take online courses on financial planning.– Follow reputable financial blogs and websites to stay informed about personal finance.
  9. Review and Adjust Regularly:– Regularly review your financial plan to ensure you’re on track to meet your goals.– Adjust your plan as your financial situation or goals change.

By taking these steps, you’ll establish a solid foundation for your financial future and be better prepared to make informed financial decisions. 

If you’re unsure about any aspect of financial planning, consider hiring a financial advisor.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

How often do we meet?

For new clients, we will meet at least twice in the beginning. The first meeting is the consultation to establish a plan for your specific financial needs. Then you will meet again to go over the plan presentation. Once established, plans are reviewed annually and meetings can be scheduled as needed. We are always available to answer questions and concerns via email and phone during business hours.

Do we have to meet in person?

Meeting in person is preferred but not required. We have clients in many states and can meet via video conferencing and/or by phone.

Do you work with other financial professionals?

Yes, we partner with tax and legal professionals but cannot provide legal or tax advice.

What documents do I need to bring?

CLICK HERE to download the Client Discovery Form. Please fill it out to the best of your ability and bring it with you to the meeting.

What is the minimum investment required to start?

We do not have a minimum investment but we will work with anyone with an active financial planning agreement regardless of accounts managed.

Book a CONSORT Appointment | Call 859-254-8330