The 5 Signs That You Need A Financial Advisor

We all have turning points in our lives, which are times when we need the help of a financial advisor. Mary Beth Storjohann, a canny advisor and the founder of Workable Wealth in San Diego, pints out when those times are. 

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you need professional help for a problem. Can you fix the sink yourself or call a plumber? The same question often arises about finances and here’s when to call in a pro.

Financial questions pop up that you consider silly or stupid; financial problems arise that you feel you can handle alone – not necessarily the best course. As happens often in life generally, not reaching out to a professional often delays you reaching your goals and incurs more out-of-pocket expenses.

There are no stupid questions when it comes to your finances. Don’t sit on the sidelines and fear asking a question or think you’re unqualified to go to a planner. Solid and respectable planners let you know if they can’t help you and refer a professional who can. They also let you know if they think you can plan your finances yourself.

Here are signs you may need a financial planner:

You recently married. To merge or not to merge finances is a huge question: emotions to contend with, forms to update, cash flow to track, debts to pay down, goals to lay out and spending habits and needs to reorganize and prioritize.

Communication during this transition helps you navigate possible questions about taxes, investment allocation updates, selecting benefits, joint roles in management of the household, deciding whether to maintain separate bank accounts and more.

You own a business. Whether considering starting your own business or a long-term entrepreneur, you likely need to know how to prioritize goals, pay yourself while keeping the operation running and the best way to manage cash flow on an income that fluctuates monthly.

Not to mention saving for retirement, obtaining health insurance and protecting you and your family against a loss in income from death or disability.

You want to make a big purchase. Simple budgeting often enables you to handle large purchases. If you look to buy a first home or make another sizeable investment, understanding the overall effect on your cash flow, lifestyle and future goals looms large.

How much home can you afford? What’s your budget for home maintenance? What other goals go on the back burner? What about your future savings?

You make a career change. Job or career changes also bring changes in income and benefits. Make sure you maximize your company benefits, leave no retirement accounts behind and ignored, plan appropriately for income fluctuations, take into account future job growth or career prospects and consider the transition’s overall influence on your lifestyle.

Your family’s growing. A baby comes with a slew of considerations: ensuring your emergency fund of three to six months’ expenses; adjusting your spending for child care, groceries and medical costs; and updating your estate plan and insurance coverage in case something happens to you, among many other needed updates.

The first step in asking for help always seems the hardest. The assistance and feedback may surprise you when you open up to the idea that you need not handle all financial questions solo.