What is known now

What is known now is too many people have less than ideal financial circumstances. There is room for improvement in the category of financial literacy. 

Our past experiences shape the way we think and feel. Our thoughts and feelings influence our decisions. Decisions we make, or don’t make, lead us to our results.

If it is true that we got to where we are today because of our best thinking, then it may be time for input from experts. There is no shortage of information, and everyone has an opinion. No wonder people get overwhelmed and procrastinate. 

Love is the answer. When a person loves someone, their motivation can be intense and unstoppable. Ironically, however, most still have not yet completed their arrangement(s). What is it that contributes to this common situation? 

Fear of the unknown. Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.”. No one wants to make a mistake, so a wait and see approach might feel safer.

What if a decision was made based on what is known today? Isn’t that better than the wait and see approach? Taking inventory of the facts, as they currently exist, is a great place to start. Getting organized may feel like a daunting task. Would it help to have a guide? A guide can be an accountability partner or advisor. A written financial plan with encrypted, digital copies of your important papers may be significant in the way it makes people feel. It is important to note the written financial plan is beneficial for those involved with making important decisions as well as everyone who may be impacted by those decisions. 

Your plan might begin with a basic will, power of attorney and healthcare directive. Estate Plan Navigator software connects our financial professionals with estate planning attorneys, allowing our clients to create high quality, custom estate plans at a fraction of the normal cost.

Everyone needs an estate plan. Did you know that if you don’t have one, then your state has one for you? Based on what you know today, your plan should document your current wishes and intentions. As things change, you may update your arrangements. It may be much easier and less expensive than you think. Those who have a plan tend to fare better!

Craig Lytle is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He is the founder of INCOME & ESTATE PLANNING PARTNERS, P.A. and author of The Sandwich Generation The Sandwich Generation: Stuck in the Middle? -Between Children and Elders-: 9781644923504: Books: Amazon.com

Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC (LSF), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offered through Lion Street Advisors, LLC (LSA), an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). LSF and LSA are affiliated companies and do not provide tax or legal advice, nor does Income & Estate Planning. This site is published for residents of the United States only. Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every advisor listed.

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every advisor listed.

FINRA BrokerCheck | Lion Street Advisors Client Relationship Summary | Lion Street Financial Client Relationship Summary