Why Automatic Savings Plans Create Financial Confidence

By
Mark Nicolet, CFP®, MBA, ABFP™
February 1, 2019
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With a long weekend with my sons and my wife out of state for a reunion with friends, we found our way to Home Depot, the library, a car wash, and of course, a local pizza parlor. These small, but meaningful experiences for our boys’ weekend left me appreciating why a commitment to an automatic, monthly savings plan provides clarity and confidence within our day-to-day lives. We ventured out as my wife enjoyed the time with her friends, knowing we had already committed to saving a determined dollar amount, prior to the decisions of this weekend, this week, and this month. Some months naturally are more expensive than others, and outside of December, it’s hard to anticipate which month(s) will squeeze you. So, this confidence can be had when you have ALREADY settled on your 401k contribution, Roth IRA contribution, your non-retirement investment account contribution, your 529 plan contribution, your insurance contribution, and other vehicles you may be using to save for your priorities. There are a lot of options, but when accounts are being funded, the money isn’t available to spend, and you are taking advantage of dollar-cost averaging.

Once in place, what’s left to spend, is up to you. You will still need to manage the groceries, gas, and other (Target, of course), but I’m confident that you can live the life you want to live, spend intentionally, and still remain on course for future financial independence. More income creates more options, yet the behavior of savings is for everyone. If you have a structure, you can make incremental changes as income increases and priorities change. Eventually, you will have worked towards saving 15%, then 20%, and then 30%. It’s easier to retire when you are comfortable when living off of $.70 of every dollar. As a Decision Coach, I help families navigate how to best allocate their income on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis through consistent and intentional communication. This provides an immense amount of clarity when your future priorities are already being saved for, especially when my boys want to grab ice cream on the way home, and I have no hesitation in saying, “Yes.” Please contact me at mark.nicolet@trilogyfs.com if you are interested in discussing your personal situation.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuation in price levels of such securities. An investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels. Such a plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

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By Trilogy Financial
June 26, 2024

Introducing Financial Advisor West Covina

 

In West Covina, California, a team of skilled financial advisors at Trilogy Financial Services, including Jeffrey Hackbarth, CFP®, Julie Foong, and Perry Johnson III, AIF®, is guiding clients toward financial prosperity with tailored investment strategies. These advisors, with their deep understanding of the local and broader financial markets, provide robust and insightful strategies to optimize investments. Their collective expertise offers a substantial advantage to clients looking to navigate the complex world of financial planning in West Covina.

 

Understanding the West Covina Financial Landscape

 

The financial landscape in West Covina, California, presents a range of investment opportunities, shaped by its unique economic factors. Trilogy Financial Services' advisors, such as Jeffrey Hackbarth, CFP®, place a strong emphasis on understanding these local market trends and their potential impact on investment choices. Their deep connection with the West Covina economy enables them to tailor their strategies effectively, ensuring they leverage local strengths to benefit their clients' financial objectives.Some of these Key Strategies and Insights from Trilogy Financial Advisors include Collaborative Strategy and Comprehensive Solutions:|

  • Team-Based Approach: Highlighting a collaborative strategy, the West Covina office ensures clients benefit from the combined expertise of seasoned professionals.
  • Personalized Financial Planning: The advisors offer custom solutions, taking into account each client's financial situation and objectives.
  • Expert Management of Complex Financial Situations: The team's collective experience allows for effective management of a range of financial scenarios.

 

Tailored Investment Strategies

 

Each investor's journey is distinct, and advisors at Trilogy Financial Services recognize this. Jeffrey Hackbarth, with his extensive experience, illustrates the importance of creating investment plans that align with individual goals and life stages. From retirement planning to wealth management, their strategies are as unique as their clients.

Jeffrey Hackbarth, CFP®’s Expertise:

  • Over 20 years of experience in wealth management and financial planning.
  • Specialization in comprehensive wealth management, retirement planning, and family transition planning.
  • Emphasis on building client trust through clear communication and personalized planning.

 

 

 

 

 

Risk Management Techniques

Effective risk management is a cornerstone of successful investing. Julie Foongi, known for her client-focused approach, underscores the significance of a well-diversified portfolio. By balancing risk and return, these advisors help clients navigate market volatility with confidence.

Julie Foong’s Approach:

  • Combines creative financial planning with logical, goal-oriented strategies.
  • Utilizes life insurance and managed investments as part of a holistic financial plan.
  • Background in home loan consultancy, enriching her understanding of diverse financial needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Future-Proofing Your Investments

 

West Convia’s financial advisors are adept at adapting investment strategies to evolving market conditions and personal circumstances. Like Perry Johnson, they prioritize long-term sustainability, ensuring that clients' investments can withstand economic shifts and personal life changes.

Perry Johnson III, AIF®’s Methodology:

  • Focuses on creating comprehensive and organized financial plans.
  • Tailors strategies to encompass life goals and individual financial situations.
  • Over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, offering a holistic approach to planning.

 

 

 

 

 


Leveraging Technology for Investment Success

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in investment management. Trilogy Financial Services utilizes advanced tools and platforms to provide clients with real-time insights and streamlined financial planning processes.

 

Conclusion

 

The advisors at Trilogy Financial Services in West Covina are committed to guiding clients through the complexities of investing. With personalized strategies, expert risk management, and sophisticated technology, they are equipped to help you achieve your financial goals. For those seeking to maximize their investments, consulting with these local experts is an invaluable step towards financial prosperity.

 

Ready to Amplify Your Wealth today?

 

If you're ready to elevate your financial planning with our professional team, we invite you to schedule a meeting with us. At Trilogy Financial Services, our advisors in West Covina are dedicated to crafting personalized financial strategies that align with your unique goals. Don't wait to start your journey towards financial success:

  • Schedule a Meeting: Reach out to us to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our financial professionals.
  • Give Us a Call: Prefer a quick conversation? Feel free to give us a call to discuss your financial needs and how we can assist. Call Us To Get Started. (844) 356-4934

Schedule a No-Strings-Attached Portfolio Review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards achieving financial security and growth. This way, you're not just dreaming of an ideal retirement but actively working towards making it a reality.

 

 

 

 

*There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

By
Windus Fernandez Brinkkord, AIF®, CEPA
January 8, 2019

Insurance is a necessary component to creating a financial plan that works well for you, your family, and your long-term goals. It can take just one illness, one job loss, or one car accident to turn your world upside down and crumble your financial plan.

If you have the proper insurance in place from the start, however, you can weather these life-changing moments and keep your goals and dreams on the right trajectory.

  1. Auto Insurance – Auto insurance is a must and not just because the law requires that you carry it. Auto insurance can protect your assets in the case of an accident and make sure that not only can you shoulder liability in an accident but you can also get back on the road with a car that will carry you safely to and from work. Full coverage is especially important if you owe money on your vehicle. No one wants to keep making car payments on a vehicle that was totaled in an accident.
  2. Homeowners or Renters Insurance – You have worked hard to provide for your family and homeowners and renters insurance can protect you and get you back to where you were in the case of a natural disaster or a home break-in. Depending on where you live, you have seen the damage that can be done by tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and more. Be sure to check that your policy covers the weather most likely to wreak havoc in your neck of the woods.
  3. Life Insurance – Life insurance is absolutely necessary for any individual who supports another individual. So, if you are married or you have dependents, then you definitely want to make sure that their needs are covered if you meet an untimely death. Think about what life would be like for your dependents without your income and choose the amount of life insurance that you need accordingly.
  4. Health Insurance – Health insurance is such a smart choice. Medical costs have skyrocketed and long-term illness or serious injury can drain your savings fast. Having health insurance goes a long way in keeping your household doing well financially in the midst of a health crisis. If you do not receive health insurance through your employer, take the time to talk to your insurance agent about it.
  5. Disability Insurance – If you work you may already be getting this type of insurance through your employer. Look at the specific plan and if you are not getting enough coverage through your workplace then you may want to consider getting some through your agent or broker.

Disability insurance is important because it keeps your household operating during a long absence from work due to illness or injury.

Now is the time to make sure all of your “insurance ducks” are in a row. Catastrophe may never hit, but if it does, you want to make sure that you and your family are covered.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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