For most of us, financial planning is an intimidating and overwhelming subject. There are so many elements to consider and so much information from a seemingly endless sea of voices. And with advancements like robo-advisors, cryptocurrency, and investment apps added to the mix, it can feel impossible to keep up. But it doesn’t have to be that way. What if you could cut through the confusion to finally feel confident and in control of your finances? It’s time to get smart about your money management.
With easy-to-follow guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, The Smart Person’s Guide to Financial Planning & Investments covers everything you need to know to finally achieve financial security and peace of mind.
Whether you’re a beginner with zero financial literacy or you’re looking to brush up on your personal finance goals, this no-nonsense guidebook makes financial planning easy with straightforward advice on:
· Setting smart financial goals-and tackling them one step at a time
· Clearing the air on debt by understanding how it can help you, how it can hurt you, how to live with it, and how to get out of debt
· Choosing the financial planner who’s right for you
· Demystifying investing and learning about investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more
· How-and why-to have tough conversations about money
· Client stories following common tricky financial situations-and effective solutions
· Simplifying retirement planning and making sure your strategy fits your needs
· Securing your family’s future with estate planning
Tabela de Conteúdo
Introduction
Chapter One: Finding Help: How to Choose a Financial Planner
Mark and Elizabeth’s Money Battle
Full-Service Brokerage Firms
Discount Brokers and Mutual Fund Companies
Banks
Independent Financial Advisors
Robo-Advisors and Investment Apps
Chapter Two: Financial Goal-Setting: How to Tackle Your Goals One Step at a Time
James and Pamela’s Big Dream
Chapter Three: Getting to Your Goals Together: How-and Why-to Have Tough Conversations about Money
Margaret’s Tragedy
Chapter Four: Dealing with Debt: Why Debt Isn’t Actually the End of the World-and What to Do about It
Justin and Cecilia’s Uncertain Future
There’s No Magic Number When It Comes to Saving for Retirement
Chapter Five: Investment Products: What They Are and How to Choose Them
Jeff and Angela’s Problem Child
Stocks
Bonds
Mutual Funds
Exchange-Traded Funds
Separately Managed Accounts and Hedge Funds
Stock Options
Cryptocurrency
Meme Stocks
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Sustainable and Ethical Investing
Chapter Six: Preparing for Your Family’s Future: Estate Planning (and Why It Matters)
Roger’s Stubborn Setup
Wills
Estate and Inheritance Taxes
Larger Estates
Trusts
Durable Power of Attorney
Healthcare Power of Attorney (or Proxy) and Living Will
Joe’s House
Conclusion