In your twenties, there’s no doubt that you’re still in the process of learning how to be an adult, and financial stability can often seem far-fetched. With a host of expenses from student loan payments to rent, saving money might not be at the top of your priority list. But while it may feel daunting or like a lot of work, seeking out help from a professional financial advisor is essential for taking control of your finances as an adult.
A good financial advisor can provide you with guidance on budgeting effectively and creating plans for long-term savings goals. So whether you’re looking to ensure retirement security or pursuing other investments, receive expert advice at E.A. Buck Accounting & Tax Services. Knowing what action steps are necessary is invaluable information in achieving financial success.
Here are some ways a financial advisor can help you:
Goal-setting
A skilled financial advisor can help clients define their financial goals, prioritize them, and set feasible timelines for achieving them. Whether a client is planning to save for a child’s education, or looking to build a diverse investment portfolio, establishing clear financial goals is essential to a sound financial plan.
According to a survey conducted by various institutions, clients who set specific financial goals with their advisors are more likely to be satisfied with their financial progress and report higher levels of financial confidence. A financial advisor can help clients quantify their objectives by breaking them down into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
Budgeting
Financial advisors are responsible for creating budgets that are tailored to their client’s specific needs and goals. Having a well-planned budget is critical for creating financial stability and achieving long-term financial success.
One of the primary tasks of a financial advisor in budgeting is to analyze a client’s income, expenses, and financial obligations. By closely examining these factors, they can develop a budget that is realistic and achievable. The budget may include categories such as housing expenses, transportation costs, utility bills, groceries, entertainment, and savings.
In addition to creating a budget, a financial advisor also helps their clients to stick to it. They may review monthly expenses and suggest areas where clients can cut back while offering ideas on how to increase their cash flow. Revisiting the budget regularly is also vital, as life circumstances can change, which may require adjustments to the budget.
Tax planning
Tax planning is one of the significant roles of a financial advisor. It involves identifying tax-efficient methods to manage an individual’s finances and reduce their tax liability. Tax planning has become critical in recent years, given the constantly evolving tax laws and regulations. Without adequate tax planning, individuals may end up paying excessive taxes, which can negatively impact their finances.
An essential element of tax planning is assessing an individual’s overall financial situation. This includes evaluating their sources of income, assets, expenses, and debts. It is crucial to understand how these factors impact an individual’s tax liability to identify opportunities for tax savings.
A financial advisor can help individuals save on taxes by implementing strategies such as tax-deferred investments or tax-free income options. They can recommend investments such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans, or health savings accounts (HSAs), which allow individuals to contribute pre-tax dollars and reduce their taxable income. Additionally, eligible expenses such as medical bills or educational costs can also provide deductions or credits, reducing the amount of taxes owed.
Tax planning also involves optimizing tax deductions and credits. A financial advisor can help individuals identify eligible deductions and credits such as charitable contributions, mortgage interest, or medical expenses. Maximizing these deductions and credits can reduce tax liability significantly.
Working closely with a financial advisor during our 20s is essential to building a strong foundation for financial success later on in life. By having someone who can guide and advise you as you navigate the sometimes confusing world of investing, any young adult can look forward to a prosperous future. Investing in your financial health now will provide so many benefits down the line, allowing one to make insightful decisions and investments that could take care of them as they soon-to-be enter retirement. So even if it might seem very far away now, prepare yourself today and give yourself every chance of being set up for life tomorrow. Take advantage of today’s current economic landscape, work alongside a professional advisor, and construct the perfect portfolio for yourself – this is your chance to begin creating your own personal version of the American Dream.
