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Financial Planning

Financial Planning during COVID

Financial Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. And with so many people laid off or working reduced hours, many people’s personal finances have been thrown into complete disarray. In other words, the pandemic is changing the way people deal with money. While there is still a great deal of uncertainty ahead of us, financial planning should not take a backseat just because it’s become more difficult to forecast for the long-term. Regardless of your current financial situation, there are steps you can take to lessen the financial hardship of the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for the future.

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How to Plan for Retirement Financially

Planning for retirement does not have to be a difficult or stressful process. However, waiting until the last minute to do so can make the transition less than smooth. It is never too late to start preparing for retirement, but starting now will be more mentally, and financially, rewarding than starting in a few years. When deciding on consulting with a financial adviser, they will ask a few basic questions to get started. Once those questions have been answered, the retiree will be on their way to creating a customized investment plan to financially prepare for retirement. But first, there are a few steps to take to ensure the first visit with a financial adviser in New Jersey is tailored to the needs of the retiree.  Before that first meeting, prepare by doing the following:

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How to Lower Investment Fees

When creating a savings plan, many people factor in an amount that they would like to invest. However, few people know how to factor in an investment fee. That’s right. It costs money to invest money.

Transaction fees versus ongoing fees

For those with an investment account, take a look at the annual report that is sent. Some firms will send a quarterly report as well. If this is the case, evaluate all documents together and identify any fees that appear on the statement. Specifically, there are two types of fees to look out for. Transaction fees will be those that occur when stock is bought or sold. At many investment firms, these fees may be waived for the first 25 transactions or so, but then cost a certain dollar amount or percentage of the sale, whichever is higher. Don’t be surprised if an affordable investment account suddenly becomes less once the trial period of 25 trades is over.

Other fees are less surprising.

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When Can I Retire?

Financial planning for retirement can be an intimidating task. Retirees will see a number, and might feel as if it is all the money they have left, for the rest of their life. But it’s not. This dramatic-seeming situation can easily be alleviated with the proper retirement planning and education. Financial advisors will guide a retiree through every step of the retirement plan, and answer any retirement questions along the way. Some frequently asked questions about retirement, and their answers, including: