General Questions
There is no “right” way to work with an advisor; in fact, there are many ways you may work with your financial guide. But like any relationship, you need open, honest, and regular communication to help you succeed. One of the most effective approaches we’ve seen is using an advisor to help do the following:
- Clarify your financial goals
- Set checkpoints
- Keep you on the right track
You may prefer to talk over the phone, on the web, in person, or a combination of the three. And we’re here to work in the way that is best for you. As you explore the most appropriate fit for you, we recommend using a three step process for creating a comprehensive plan.
We understand how easy it is to get overloaded by the investor information available these days. It can be difficult to succeed alone, so you may need a guide for your financial journey. But how exactly do you choose a guide? Start by finding someone you’re comfortable talking to. Look for an individual focused on helping you achieve your goals, not meeting their quotas.
It’s OK to talk with someone, even us, and realize it’s not a great fit, so we offer a complimentary “Ask Us Anything” call before committing to anything. Get to know us. Find out if we are a fit for your financial goals. And if you’re struggling with the best questions to ask, here are a few to get you started.
Before discussing different types of investments, it is important to understand what you own and why you own it. Do you know the investments you have? What about the investments most appropriate for your financial goals? We believe the key to a successful investment strategy is choosing the tools that fit your long-term goals.
Once we determine the appropriate tools for your personalized plan, we help you optimize them for your success. We work with many types of investments: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and exchange traded funds. Our team also assists you with individual brokerage accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k), and other corporate retirement plans, trusts, and institutional accounts.
*Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.
Everyone defines “enough” differently. We believe that the key to a successful financial plan is determining how you define enough. In other words, how do you define the finish line? What does “success” mean to you? Our advisors assist you in defining your ideal end goal, then determine if you are on the appropriate path to get there.
But a great financial plan doesn’t focus only on retirement. We believe the journey should be as enjoyable as the destination, so we take other things into account as we develop your Signature Life Plan.
We believe that a great financial plan is proactive, so our advisors help you protect what you have by discovering the insurance solutions you need. We help you with a variety of insurance needs, like:
- Life
- Long-term care
- Disability insurance
As we work through your plan and determine the insurance coverage you need, we assist you in the areas of estate planning and executive benefits.
Choosing the right insurance carrier is overwhelming and confusing.
If you have questions about anything that we can do to help you meet your goals – just ask. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find it for you. In addition to our local contacts, our clients also have access to capital using margin lending, securities backed lines of credit, Raymond James Bank and Raymond James Investment Banking Services. Our other capabilities include assistance with public finance, capital markets and institutional services. To find out more, schedule a call. You can tell us what you’re trying to accomplish and we’ll help point you in the right direction.
A Securities Based Line of Credit (SBLC) may not be suitable for all clients. The proceeds from an SBLC cannot be (a) used to purchase or carry securities; (b) deposited into a Raymond James investment or trust account; (c) used to purchase any product issued or brokered through an affiliate of Raymond James, including insurance; or (d) otherwise used for the benefit of, or transferred to, an affiliate of Raymond James. Raymond James Bank does not accept RJF stock or any securities issued by affiliates of Raymond James Financial as pledged securities towards an SBLC. Borrowing on securities based lending products and using securities as collateral may involve a high degree of risk including unintended tax consequences and the possible need to sell your holdings, which may lead to a significant impact on long-term investment goals. Market conditions can magnify any potential for loss. If the market turns against the client, he or she may be required to quickly deposit additional securities and/or cash in the account(s) or pay down the loan to avoid liquidation. The securities in the Pledged Account(s) may be sold to meet the Collateral Call, and the firm can sell the client's securities without contacting them. A client is not entitled to choose which securities or other assets in his or her account are liquidated or sold to meet a Collateral Call. The firm can increase its maintenance requirements at any time and is not required to provide a client advance written notice. A client is not entitled to an extension of time on a Collateral Call. Increased interest rates could also affect LIBOR rates that apply to your SBLC causing the cost of the credit line to increase significantly. The interest rates charged are determined by the market value of pledged assets and the net value of the client's non-pledged Capital Access account. Securities Based Line of Credit provided by Raymond James Bank. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. are affiliated with Raymond James Bank, a Florida-chartered bank.
We focus on all aspects of financial planning, so feel free to ask us anything. If we don’t know the answer, we will find it for you.
Along with local contacts, we are connected to capital using margin lending, securities backed lines of credit, Raymond James Bank, and Raymond James Investment Banking Services. We are also equipped to assist with public finance, capital markets, and institutional services.
Schedule a call today to ask any financial question you have, then see how we can best help you.
* Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is an affiliate of Raymond James Bank, FSB, a federally chartered savings bank. Unless otherwise specified, products purchased from or held at Raymond James & Associates, Inc. are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of Raymond James Bank, FSB, and are not guaranteed by Raymond James Bank, FSB, an affiliate of Raymond James& Associates, Inc., and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal invested.
Financial Terms To Know
A method for reducing risk by not "putting all of your eggs in one basket."
An investment product that allows you to purchase a group of securities (stocks, bonds, cash or some combination) in one product. Each mutual fund has an investment objective and a professional manager or management team tasked with selecting the fund's investments for you.
A separately held account that contains 3-6 months of your living expenses.
Often used to refer to how much risk a person thinks they're comfortable taking. It's important to understand that there are several forms of risk - such as - risk of loss, opportunity cost and inflation risk.
Your net worth is what you own minus what you owe. If you only measure one thing to determine whether your or not your financial situation is improving, this is the one.
A qualified account owned by you, controlled by you.
Traditional IRA: An IRA that is funded with after tax dollars but contributions may be fully or partially deductible. Withdrawals from Traditional IRA's are taxable in the year they are received.
Roth IRA: An IRA that is funded with after tax dollars. Withdrawals from Roth IRAs are typically able to be withdrawn tax-free.
A qualified retirement plan, provided by your employer, that allows you to contribute some of your pay into your 401 k account before taxes.
A bond in security that represents a loan to a company or government entity that has specified repayment terms (term, interest rate and payment schedule.) It is backed by the claims paying ability of the issuing entity.
A stock represents ownership interest in a company. It allows an investor to participate in the growth (or decline) of the company during the time that they own the stock.
A legal entity that manages the distribution of your assets according to your wishes. A trust can be established before death or in a will and is typically used to make sure that assets are distributed to heirs over time (rather than all at once in a will) and to make sure that privacy is maintained during the probate process.
Managing Your Money Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
When you have a plan, you can make decisions confidently,
knowing that you're living your life intentionally.