financial strategies

These days, having a career presents many more new rewards and challenges than it ever used to. What we used to take for granted – including our work location – can sometimes change dramatically as companies continue to change and adapt to new economic situations.

This can be great for a business and its bottom line, but really tough on the employees within it. Because we never know exactly what the future holds, you may find yourself facing a job transfer at some point along your career path.

Many clients in their 50's and 60's are increasingly worried about the finances of their aging parents. This is especially true when it is difficult to predict interest income on investments. They often ask: 'How do I talk to them about their care and their finances?'

This topic raises many sensitive family dynamics including the adult child who is uncomfortable raising the topic with their parents and parents who are in denial or not comfortable discussing these personal care and financial issues with their children.

The term 'empty nest' evokes different feelings for everyone. It may have happened way too fast or maybe it took far too long, but with all your children almost grown and out of the house, a new phase of your life is about to begin. As with every stage of your journey, finances will play a key role in what's possible for you during your empty nest phase. By fine-tuning your current financial strategy and looking ahead at future challenges, you will be better positioned to achieve the success you deserve.

Much of what we do today is to improve our future financial position. As with anything, we can get better results by following a plan. This is why both an Estate Plan and a Financial Strategy are important for those who want to ensure better tomorrows for ourselves and our families.

Before a sky scraper can reach for the clouds, it needs a very strong foundation. Once the building is complete, the foundation is virtually unseen. The same goes for a financial strategy. The following are the basics of a strong financial foundation:

Budget - Governments and businesses use budgets to properly allocate resources. It's known as good business. A budget can help you figure out where your hard earned income is going and to identify ways to cut spending or increase savings.

A fire breaks out in a movie theatre. You're there with your spouse and children, as are several local merchants. Who do you save first? The butcher? The banker? The hardware store owner? Their families? Or your family and yourself?

A ridiculous question. Of course you would save your family and yourself first. Then why don't we use the same principles with our money? All too often the butcher, the banker and the hardware store owner get paid first and little or nothing is left for us.