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Written by: AGF
Today there’s no shortage of information available about the markets and plenty of people ready to share their opinions with you.
So how do you begin to make sense of it all, figure out what to do with your money and put your personal financial plan into action?
Just as you would seek professional help with your health, consulting a professional can make all the difference.
Investors are typically better off financially – and are more likely to meet their long-term investment objectives – if they work with a financial advisor1.
The average household with a financial advisor for 15 years or more has asset values 2.3x higher than an average comparable household who did not have a financial advisor.
*Source: Montmarquette, C., & Prud'Homme, A. (March 2020). More on the Value of Financial Advisors. CIRANO.
A financial advisor can play an important role in your investment future. Through every life-stage and during specific events, he or she can help you define your goals and stick to your plan, providing customized advice for your personal situation. An advisor can help you:
1. Put together a financial plan
Your advisor can help create a thorough plan that outlines the necessary steps to ensure you have enough money for your individual goals including retirement or a child’s education, as well as large purchases such as a house, car, cottage or wedding. They will also help you revisit your investments if your goals, priorities and circumstances change.
2. Choose investments that align with your goals
A financial advisor will help you to make sense of the thousands of financial products available, choosing those that align with your personal goals. They can also help you to focus on reducing debts and saving for the future.
3. Learn about investing concepts and best practices
Working with a financial advisor will give you an opportunity to learn investing concepts and best practices. Financial advisors have the expertise to help you understand current market events and how they may impact your investments. He or she can answer your questions and ensure you understand every step of the process.
4. Stay disciplined, monitor your portfolio and make changes as necessary
An advisor will consistently monitor your investments and your progress towards your goals. If markets rise dramatically or if a certain segment of the market significantly weakens, your advisor has the expertise to understand what has taken place, what the outlook is, whether your portfolio needs to be repositioned and how to make those adjustments. Also, if your portfolio should stay the course, he or she can help you stay disciplined in the face of market uncertainty.
5. Know when other experts are needed
Financial advisors can be your key point of contact and refer you to other experts when needed. He or she can not only guide you when to consult tax planners and accountants but also help you to navigate estate responsibilities.
These are just five of the many reasons why investors can benefit from working with a professional advisor. Whatever financial challenges you encounter in life, your advisor can adapt your plan to help you overcome these challenges and stay on course to meet your investment objectives.
Related: Oil Price Surge Could Force Central Banks To Hold Interest Rates Higher for Longer
1 Source: Montmarquette, C., & Prud'Homme, A. (March 2020). More on the Value of Financial Advisors. CIRANO.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
This material is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation of any specific investment product, strategy, or decision, and is not intended to suggest taking or refraining from any course of action. It is not intended to address the needs, circumstances, and objectives of any specific investor. This information is not meant as tax or legal advice. Investors should consult a financial advisor and/or tax professional before making investment, financial and/or tax-related decisions.