Since you’re reading this, my guess is that you’re at least a bit concerned about your financial future. That’s good. If you’re a reasonable adult, you’ve likely grasped that planning for that is a must, particularly in this era of uncertainty. After all, money worries and the stress they produce is one of the biggest enemies of peaceful living.

And yes, many are aware of this in spirit, but fail to grasp it fully, partly because financial planning can seem overwhelming, and it’s easy to want to postpone grabbing the bull by the horns. I’m here to encourage you, though, to finally let the wealth management experts handle your finances, as the benefits are simply too good to pass up.

What is wealth management?

Put simply, this term encompasses the creation of a wealth-building plan to support livelihood as well as other life goals and desires. Wealth management professionals will examine accounts and expenses and provide various options to improve your situation. In terms of tax efficiency at the very least, in my experience you cannot do better than to let them do the job. With respect to investment strategy, you can use these pros’ help to make decisions in tandem, or give them complete trust and wait for their plan.

These groups or individuals — in addressing a variety of clients’ financial needs — offer a range of services, from investment advice to retirement planning, estate planning to tax strategy. In addition, they work as consultants — can tailor a strategy according to each person’s financial needs and goals.

Such management is a comprehensive project, not just investment advice, and people with high net worth often implement it, since they usually significantly benefit from an integrated approach. Keep in mind, too, that anyone can reap its benefits: the, “You have to be rich for it to be worth it” is a myth. Managers are paid via fees that are usually based on clients’ assets under management (AUM).

• Expert advice: Once you have a financial service watching your back, you have the chance to use all its seasoned help (typically representing many fields) to create a strategy. Typically, these firms are staffed by professionals with knowledge of tax issues and implications, investments, real estate, superannuation and other areas. All will coach you and make sure you don’t fall into any potential money traps.

• Optimized cash flow and earnings: This is paramount, especially if you’re living on the edge or (God forbid) in debt, as it’s hard to keep your head above water when you have no clue how much money you’re paying for debts. A wealth management service can help optimize cash flow and balance earning versus spending. Moreover, they will provide a solid plan for savings and loan repayments. Once you’re out of debt, wealth managers will offer investment options suited to new needs and goals.

• An end to tax stress: Taxes are complex and prone to changes, but, depending on your knowledge, you can use them to your advantage and save serious cash in the effort. The golden goal is referred to as tax-free spending, but you need to know your stuff to get there. Of course, most humans don’t, so getting advice from professionals whose job is to stay on top of codes and policy is a wise move. I’ve found that there is a way for you to save on virtually every tax — funds that can then be put into retirement or other accounts.

• Retirement planning: It’s never too early to think about retirement. However, once you start looking into options, you’ll likely be meet with various complex schemes, and many savers get justifiably confused. Letting a wealth manager guide you through the process is a reliable way to lay a foundation for golden years.

Polk & Associates

Large enough to serve a diverse clientele, yet small enough to maintain a hands-on approach, we are committed to maintaining the highest accounting and ethical standards with continuous education, extensive research resources, and excellent quality control.

Polk and Associates is a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The firm participates in the AICPA Peer Review Program, and has always received the highest level of award for its audit practice and quality control.