If you’ve done any searching on the internet, you’ve probably seen the advice to minimize your financial planning and retirement fees as much as possible. Many outlets for financial explanations and information recommend paying as little as possible to maintain your accounts. In general, many sources recommend a passive, uninvolved investment strategy that minimizes all costs for account management and financial planning.[1]
So, is this good advice? Well, the answer isn’t as cut and dry as it might seem. It is true that management fees are an important thing to consider, but what really matters is the value you’re getting from those fees. Many people have 401(k)s through their employers, for example, but is that 401(k) strategized for your unique situation? Is it designed to help you generate income in the most efficient way for you? What if there are other strategies that can meet your needs better? How would you take control of your account to repurpose your funds without making penalizing mistakes? Or what if you have a pension and are offered a pension buyout? How would you know if that offer is the right decision for you? How would you know how to execute that without making costly missteps?
There are endless questions and unique scenarios that your financial advisor can address with a level of expertise that comes from professional knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of your unique situation. Knowing that you have a financial strategy that factors in many situations and directly works to meet your unique goals and protect against your unique risks makes those fees worth it, especially when the alternative may be a costly misstep, not knowing there’s a better option for you, or a market correction in a portfolio that doesn’t match your risk tolerance. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.
If you are looking into having a professional help you manage your retirement finances, there will almost always be fees. But, if you pick a financial professional that’s right for you, those fees go toward financial guidance that can help you design a specific plan for your needs and goals. Rather than a one-size-fits-all retirement plan that you may find online—one that may not protect against a market correction or preserve your income streams the way you need at this stage in your life—a financial advisor focuses on your situation, what you want, and helps you make the right financial moves to help achieve your goals and protect against losses.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide how much you’re willing to pay for financial services. Minimizing costs are a highly important part of financial planning. If you’ve examined the costs of a financial advisor and decided against using one, make sure to ask yourself if you’re comfortable managing your life savings without a qualified, experienced financial professional.
If, however, you are interested in exploring what professional financial guidance can do for you, consider contacting one of our professionals today for a complimentary review of your finances. This meeting will allow you to get a sense of the kind of client-focused work a financial advisor can do, and you can decide for yourself if you think a financial advisor is worth it.