6 Easy Ways a Financial Advisor Can Add Value

This article, last updated in December 2023, is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA.

freeimage-8078086-high1) Risk Management

I know risk management is just another term for insurance. No one wants to read about insurance, much less buy more of it. Insurance however is just a way to share the risk. There are many risks we face and not all of them can be insured against. A good financial advisor will be able to articulate the risks and offer the ways to manage these risks.

 

2) Cash Flow

Face it, money is tight. The economy is not exactly roaring. One way a financial adviser can add value is to get a handle on your expenses. It won’t be their job to tell you what your budget is. That’s your job. A good advisor however will be able to tell you what the consequences of going off the reservation too far are. Day to day living expenses, saving for retirement and education and oh, paying for a little vacation all add up.

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7 Habits of Highly Effective People That Want to Retire

This article, last updated in December 2023, is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA.

age-old wooden trunk with treasures

1) Start Early

Do you want to increase your chances of retiring at a reasonable age? Start early. As The Rolling Stones said, “Time Is On My Side.” Well said.  Don’t kick yourself for not starting earlier. You can’t turn the clock back. Just begin where you are now.

2) Live Beneath Your Means

This goes without saying. Which is why it needs to be said. To get to your retirement, you’re going to need to have some assets and income.  Don’t fall into the trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses. Live beneath your means and get to the retirement finish line long before the Joneses.Continue Reading: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People That Want to Retire

The Difference Between Tax-Deferred and Tax-Free Investing

This article, last updated in December 2023, is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA. Investors need to know the difference between tax-deferred and tax-free investing. Tax-Deferred Investing Investors can avail themselves to tax-deferred investing by contributing to their 401(k) plan at work or by funding their IRA. Contributions to… Continue Reading: The Difference Between Tax-Deferred and Tax-Free Investing

7 Reasons Not to Wait Until Thanksgiving to be Grateful

This article is original content written by local Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to be grateful.  You can be grateful every day.  It’s your choice.  Life might not be going swimmingly well for you every day.  I get it.  I truly hope you didn’t expect… Continue Reading: 7 Reasons Not to Wait Until Thanksgiving to be Grateful

5 Reasons to Fund a 529 College Savings Plan

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA 1) College is Expensive Financing a college education today can be a big challenge.  Having written some checks for college I find it handy to have a cold six pack close by. According to the College Board, the average tuition… Continue Reading: 5 Reasons to Fund a 529 College Savings Plan

4 Things Every Investor Can Control

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA Investors can easily get distracted these days.  Hop in the car on the way to work, turn on the radio and get updates on the stock market futures. Check your online portfolio at work during your lunch break.  Perhaps you… Continue Reading: 4 Things Every Investor Can Control

7 Reasons Why All Investors Over Age 70 1/2 Should Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA Our observation is that many people are very generous with the donations they make.  It sure helps that there is likely a tax deduction for this, no question.  Many people are accustomed to donating cash, writing a check to the… Continue Reading: 7 Reasons Why All Investors Over Age 70 1/2 Should Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA The Hunger Games was a bestselling novel that was subsequently made into a movie.  Both were awesome.  The setting is one where the Capital is abundant in riches.  The outlying 12 Districts are all living in poverty.  Every year there… Continue Reading: May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

6 Easy Ways to Navigate a Recession

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA. Everyone ‘knows’ and is constantly talking about the next Recession, if we are not already in it already. What is a Recession? The textbook definition of a Recession is when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracts for two straight quarters.… Continue Reading: 6 Easy Ways to Navigate a Recession