IN Bethel Park Winter 2017 | Page 23
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
5
YOUR FINANCES
SPONSORED CONTENT
REASONS TO
PLAN FOR THE
UNKNOWN
W
hen you plan for the future, you may think about positive
events such as marriage, starting a family, retirement or
grandchildren. Yet there are other life changes, such as job
loss, illness, disability, or needing to care for a family member, that can
take an emotional and financial toll. While it’s natural to avoid thinking
about these difficult events, it’s shortsighted to ignore the possibilities.
Here are five compelling reasons why it’s better to prepare your
finances for the unexpected rather than simply cross your fingers.
CHALLENGING LIFE EVENTS ARE HARD ENOUGH TO MANAGE.
Financial decisions made in a moment of crisis may not be the
soundest ones and could have consequences for years to come. If you
have financial contingency plans in place, you may have less to worry
about or distract you from the issue at hand. You can be free to focus
on pressing personal situations when it matters most.
YOU’LL HAVE MORE CHOICES. Planning when things are going
well will give you more options for protecting your finances. Certain
options that guard against financial loss may not be available when
tragedy strikes. For example, it’s too late to buy insurance after a
kitchen fire or a family member becomes ill. Planning ahead can give
you peace of mind that you’ll be ready for these types of events.
CAREFUL PLANNING TAKES TIME. When you face an unexpected
situation, you may not have the time or energy to consider your
options carefully. With time on your side, you can be more deliberate,
thorough and informed. For example, you can make multiple
appointments to meet with tax, medical, financial planning and legal
professionals to get advice and recommendations. These professionals
can help you with a variety of tasks to prepare for the unexpected,
such as updating your will, researching and comparing prices on
financial products or insurance, establishing a trust or completing
a healthcare directive. All of these arrangements can be complex,
requiring a certain amount of your time and attention to get them in
order.
IT’S THE CONSIDERATE THING TO DO. Imagine the burden to family
members if you’re incapacitated and your finances are in disarray.
Having your financial dealings in order makes it easier for a loved one
to step in and help, as needed. Make sure a trusted family member
knows where key financial documents are and how to contact the
professionals who help with your finances.
ACTION BEATS FEAR. Conventional wisdom urges us to “hope for
the best and prepare for the worst.” It’s good advice, and having a
plan in place is empowering. You may not be able to prevent every
unpleasant occurrence in life, but you can soften the blow of a
personal hardship by putting safety nets in place. A financial advisor
can help you identify options to prepare for life’s uncertainties.
This Industry Insight was written by Jonathan D. Martin.
Jonathan D. Martin is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services,
Inc. in Bethel Park. He specializes in financial planning and asset management
strategies. Contact Jonathan’s office at 412.831.6240, extension 202, located at
88 Fort Couch Road, Suite 210, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, or on his website at www.
ameripriseadvisors.com/jonathan.d.martin. Jonathan is licensed/registered to do
business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA, OH, WV, AZ, CA, FL, IL, IN,
NC, NJ, SC and VA.
Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its affiliates or representatives may provide tax or
legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise
Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2017 Ameriprise
Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Take charge of your financial future.
Since 1894 Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more
confident about their financial future. As an Ameriprise financial advisor,
I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the
one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 412.831.6240 ext 202.
Jonathan D. Martin
Financial Advisor
88 Fort Couch Rd, Suite 210
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
412.831.6240 ext. 202
[email protected]
ameripriseadvisors.com/
jonathan.d.martin
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2016 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (8/16)
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