The Top 3 Questions to Ask.

Oftentimes when we meet with clients there are a few common questions or topics that tend to come up regularly - things that seem to be on the minds of many of our clients. Usually, it has to do with some event or circumstance that is relevant at the time. In 2022, that question has revolved around the idea of “should I change the level of risk in my investments considering what is happening in the market.”

3 Questions to Help you Decide!

When I was a student I got so stressed before tests! The week leading up to the test I would study loosely, be constantly stressed, and cram the day before.

Eventually, I learned to create a study plan two weeks before my test. I studied each day for a set time, had little stress, and usually performed well. With an appropriate plan I was able to enjoy my life without worrying about my test. I wasn’t planning for the worst but rather preparing myself so I would have freedom.

This is similar to the approach we use in life insurance planning.

My favorite part of working as a wealth manager is the array of questions from our clients during all market environments.

However, times of market volatility are generally when the most impactful questions come up. This is due to the emotions that go hand in hand with market volatility.

Cash Flow Management. What To Know and How Can It Help You?

If you ever google financial planning, there is no doubt that you will quickly come across the idea of budgeting. At Creekmur Wealth Advisors we prefer to focus less on budgeting and lean more into cash flow management as a foundation for beginning your financial journey.

Over several decades of working with people from all walks of life we have witnessed first hand that 

How do you make investment decisions? Do you look at data? Or look for an interesting opportunity?  Interestingly, most people don't look at facts when making decisions. They prefer a good story.¹

The biggest and most important decision an individual can make when starting retirement is the age they will decide to take social security. I stand by the fact that this is the most crucial decision you will make in your financial life and will have a huge impact on your financial plan depending on the decision that is made.

The majority of Americans are under informed about the rules surrounding social security and how the benefits program works. And we are not alone. If you have ever called the social security office, you may have realized that the workers may even be ill-informed as well.

A common question I receive as a wealth advisor is, "What investments someone can make to get a big return?"

While Creekmur Wealth Advisors spends a substantial amount of time researching, modeling, and planning investment strategies we do not believe that rate of return is the most important rate to focus on when it comes to investing. We do appreciate seeing a high rate of return and strive to achieve that.

However, the most important rate I would encourage clients to focus on and monitor is their savings rate since it is totally under the investors control and is the largest contributor to your final net worth.

Your savings rate is calculated by taking the total amount of your annual savings and dividing it by your gross or net income. I prefer using gross income as this encourages us to find tax-efficient methods of savings to maximize our savings rate.

Tax season has come and gone, but that does not mean the planning stops! While much of your focus prior to April 18th may have been on making sure you get your tax return submitted properly, the focus can now shift towards some other items that can improve your financial well-being over the course of the rest of the year.