When it comes to life insurance, there are many options available – so many, in fact, that it can be an intimidating process to undertake. Many clients are overwhelmed, or unsure about which option is best in terms of cost, coverage and meeting their goals. That said, insurance can be quickly and easily simplified by dividing it into two broad categories: permanent and term.

Each of these insurance categories has multiple variations. The chart below is intended to provide clarity and relieve some of the anxiety associated with choosing the most appropriate insurance option for your situation. If you have questions about insurance options and what would best suit your needs and goals, please contact my team – we’d be pleased to answer your questions!

A financial plan is like a roadmap to achieving the financial future you envision. It starts by identifying where you are financially and provides directions for getting to where you want to go.There are many areas that make up your finances: your assets and liabilities, investment portfolio, cash flow, tax situation, retirement income, insurance and estate plan (or lack thereof).

Your lifestyle also plays a role. For a financial plan to be effective, each one of these areas must be addressed in a coordinated way in order to provide a personalized, comprehensive financial solution.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

As with any goal or strategy, a financial plan must have objectives. How do you see yourself five, ten or 20+ years in the future? After determining your current financial state in the areas mentioned above, you will need to establish a clear vision in order to start creating and implementing a plan.This includes what your retirement lifestyle will be, because only then can you determine needs for investments and income. If you have children, it may also include funding for their education or other endeavours.

Once you’ve clarified your current financial situation and understand your vision for the future, calculations can then be made to determine how your assets need to grow in order to reach those goals. This will determine the investment plan that you’ll need to produce the necessary returns from your assets.

A comprehensive financial plan must also take into account the tax ramifications of your finances and identify strategies to minimize your tax liabilities. Additionally, your financial plan should mitigate risk and protect your wealth through the use of tools such as insurance products. The use of insurance can also be beneficial in your estate plan, as there are ways to minimize taxation and maximize the wealth of your estate.

If all this sounds a bit complex or outside of your comfort zone, consider working with a financial advisor. Find someone who understands the implications that each area of your financial plan has on achieving the goals you’ve set. He or she may need to liaise with other professionals, such as your lawyer or accountant, in order to do a complete and thorough job.

BOTTOM LINE

A proper financial plan is more than managing your investments, creating tax minimization strategies or planning for your retirement. It is all of these things plus others, including risk management (insurance) and estate planning.

A comprehensive financial plan requires the coordination of all these areas in order to maximize the wealth potential from your current financial situation. It begins with setting clear financial goals and working through all the aforementioned areas. This is generally best done by working with a capable financial advisor, as all these areas must be addressed in a coordinated way in order to create an effective, holistic financial plan.

It is easy to neglect your finances in your twenties but there are a few fantastic money-related opportunities that you could be missing. Paying a little attention to your financial situation now can give you a serious head start on retirement and achieving a debt free life.

Here are 5 money moves everyone should make before they turn 30: