The World Cup is under way. Do you have World Cup fever like the rest of us? Soccer fans around the world have been waiting for this event as it rolls around every four years. This sporting event is the most widely viewed and followed event in the world. An estimated billion people rooting for their countries will be watching the matches. That is a lot of people cheering.
Which team will be the next World Champion, bringing home the World Cup trophy from a field of 32 teams?
To win it all, it takes a team that is working in unison. When it comes to your money, it also takes a team on your side working in harmony to help you reach your financial goals. I would like to share with you the most important professionals to have on your team when it comes to your money.
Financial Coach:
First you want to hire a Financial Coach, such as myself, that is helping you set financial goals, holding you accountable, guiding you to pay down debt, and giving you much needed advice on what best to do to improve your financial situation. A Personal Financial Coach should be knowledgeable about debt, credit, saving, retirement, budgeting, paying for college, and spending wisely. Plus, they can help you assemble the rest of your team.
Tax Preparer:
The United States tax code has a complexity of 73,954 pages. Whether filing your own personal taxes or one for your small business, you want a seasoned professional doing your taxes that knows how to take full advantage of the tax laws to keep your taxes at a minimum. Ask around for referrals if you don’t currently have one. Don’t be afraid to conduct an interview to get all your questions answered. You want to be comfortable with this person and establish a relationship since filing taxes is something you are required to do every year.
Insurance Agent:
In this day and age you need insurance to protect yourself against financial loss. You want an independent agent that is on your side and not on the side of any one company. Independent insurance agents represent a number of insurance companies and sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. They have the opportunity to find the best pricing and coverage for your individual needs.
Investment Brokerage Firm:
To build your retirement accounts, investment account, and fund your child’s college education, you need a good investment firm with reasonable fees. Keeping your costs down in commissions and fees is important. Technology has changed the way stock trades are made, and you can do it yourself through a discount broker. Check out companies like: Fidelity Investments, Ameritrade or Scottrade.
If you’d rather have an investment advisor handle your investments, find a full service advisor that is willing to teach you. You can tell if they have your best interest in mind when they are willing to educate you so you understand what they are investing your money in and why they are making the investment.
To score the winning goal and finish strong financially, it’s important to build your team with these four professionals. Money and finances can seem complex in our ever changing world today. Leave it to the pros to help you get ahead. Then you can relax while watching the soccer matches knowing that you have the best team assembled — just like the team that wins the World Cup!