Acting on What's Most Important to You

The old adage, "actions speak louder than words," is especially true for pursuing your life’s goals and dreams. The only way to make progress is to take the first step and keep moving. The same goes for achieving long-term financial security.

Count Your Blessings, Then Take Action
As the holidays prompt you to think about what is most important in life, why not ponder another question: What action can you take to better protect or advance your biggest priorities? Have you talked about doing something, but put it off? Now is the time to align words and deeds. Here are some steps you might consider to support common priorities:

Financial Security
A disciplined plan that protects against risk and builds assets over time is crucial to achieving financial security in retirement and beyond. Are you saving regularly and following a monthly budget? Have you calculated how much you will need to reach your near-term and long-term goals, and setting aside funds each month to achieve them? Your financial representative can help you explore your hopes and dreams and create the right plan to make them a reality.

Family
Think through scenarios and take necessary action so family members’ income is protected if disability or death strikes. Is there sufficient disability income (DI) insurance to pay for basic expenses? Do you have enough life insurance in place to cover survivors’ living expenses as well as their important life goals, such as higher education? Are wills and powers of attorney current? With these essentials you can feel confident the family will endure financially even in the worst-case scenario.

Health
Though they are critical to wellbeing and a long life, actions to foster good health can fall by the wayside in the face of other daily demands. Done consistently, even small things – like taking a brisk walk or recording your steps on a pedometer – can make a big difference. Visit healthfinder.gov for interactive tools, advice and health-related resources for all ages.

Education
Learning is a lifelong process that helps you stay current, employable, and stimulated as you age. Though your financial security plan may include college education for your children, remember to consider funding adult education as well. In addition to traditional and more expensive options, many webinars and training tools may be viewed online at little or no cost. Search industry association web sites for available training or find free videos from university sources on the Internet.

Leaving a Legacy
How do you want to be remembered? If you enjoy giving back through community service, volunteer with your church or a local non-profit organization, or find opportunities through serve.gov or volunteermatch.org. A thoughtful estate plan will help you address financial and tax obligations associated with leaving a legacy and ensure your desired gifts go to family or your favorite charity.

Work and Enterprise
Some people’s hard work and entrepreneurial initiative lead to success as business owners. If you are one of them, evaluate your vision for the future of the business and be sure you have taken the right legal and organizational steps to protect it. Your financial representative can connect you with resources that can help plan for business succession and protect your assets. Consider sharing your knowledge with the next generation by hiring interns or taking children to work so they can see how you make decisions and learn from your leadership style.

Taking action is the only way to achieve your personal goals and financial security plans. Your financial representative can help you create a specific plan to meet your risk profile and help you act to achieve it.