Retirement: A Goal Worth Planning

A recent Houston Chronicle article “Early retirement as a low-cost adventure,” seemed to imply that the assistance of financial planners with retirement planning is unnecessary because the advisor views retiring solely as a goal, and not a life to be lived.

Retirement is both a lifestyle and a goal. In my experience, generally retirement means having the ability and option to do what you want – travel, relax, visit friends and family – when you want, without having to work or worry about whether or not you can afford it. While a completely worry-free life may not be possible, it would be preferable to have one with minimal worries. Until one is living the retired life they want, it is a goal to be reached.

Part of being able to have this lifestyle is having the funds to do so, and financial planners can help with that. Admittedly, some people are able to handle everything to their satisfaction on their own. However, it has been my experience that most people are often too busy to be able to keep up with the latest news, products, training, and laws regarding investments. Why not have a professional that can at least take a second look? What if something was overlooked? What if you missed something that could adversely affect your retirement lifestyle?

As a financial advisor, helping clients achieve the lifestyle of their choosing is my goal. I work with them to find ways of helping to secure the funding for retirement, as well as ways of maintaining it. In addition, I try to increase awareness of and create solutions for roadblocks that could hinder clients in attaining the lifestyle that they want.