The concept of hiring a financial planner may seem like an unnecessary expense or something reserved for the ultra-wealthy. However, the truth is that a financial planner can make a significant difference in your financial life, regardless of your income or assets. Here are a few reasons having a financial planner is important for everyone: 

1. A financial planner helps you define and prioritize your financial goals, whether it's buying a home, saving for your children's education, or planning for retirement. They create a roadmap tailored to your unique circumstances to help you reach these objectives faster and more efficiently.

2. Financial planners are trained and experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of the financial world. They can provide valuable insights, investment strategies, and tax-saving techniques that the average person may not be aware of. 

3. A financial planner helps you assess your risk tolerance and develop an investment strategy that aligns with your goals and comfort level. They can help you diversify your portfolio to minimize risk and maximize returns over the long term.

4. Life is unpredictable, and financial planners are skilled at adapting your financial plan to changing circumstances. Whether it's a job change, marriage, divorce, or unexpected windfalls or expenses, they can help you navigate these transitions smoothly.

5. Working with a financial planner can increase your financial literacy, as you gain a better understanding of financial concepts and learn how to make informed decisions on your own. 

Financial planners focus on long-term wealth creation and preservation. They can help you build a sustainable financial future that supports your desired lifestyle throughout your lifetime and beyond. A financial planner is not just for the wealthy; it's a valuable resource for anyone seeking financial stability, growth, and peace of mind.

When engaging a financial planner, it's crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you're making an informed decision and that the planner aligns with your financial goals and values. Here's a list of questions to consider:

1. What are your qualifications and credentials? Ask about their education, certifications (e.g., CFP, CFA, CPA), and experience in financial planning. You can verify a financial planner's certification and background here.

2. Will you have a fiduciary duty to me? Ensure that your financial planner is legally bound to act in your best interest and prioritize your financial well-being.

3. How do you charge for your services? Understand their fee structure, whether it's fee-only, fee-based, or commission-based, and what the total costs will be.

4. What services do you offer? Clarify the range of services they provide, such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, etc.

5. What is your approach to financial planning? Gain insight into their overall philosophy and methodology when it comes to creating and managing financial plans.

6. What types of clients do you typically work with? Understand the demographics or financial situations of their typical clients to determine if they have experience working with clients similar to your circumstances and goals.

7. How do you tailor your services to my specific situation? Ensure they create a personalized financial plan tailored to your goals and financial circumstances.

8. How often will we meet, and how do you communicate with clients? Discuss the frequency of meetings and the methods of communication, whether in-person, phone calls, or virtual meetings.

9. How do you address conflicts of interest? Ask about how they manage potential conflicts of interest.

10. Have you ever been publicly disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions in your career? Inquire about their professional conduct and whether they have faced any disciplinary actions or legal issues related to their financial planning practice. This question can help you gauge their integrity and trustworthiness as a financial advisor.

These questions will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your potential financial planner's approach, ethics, and client base, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the right advisor for your financial needs.

Yes, we do! At Centura Advisors, LLC, we believe that establishing a strong and trusting relationship with our clients is essential for successful financial planning. That's why we offer a complimentary consultation to all prospective clients.

You'll have the opportunity to get to know us better by asking us questions, exploring our services, and gaining insight into our approach to determine if we are the right fit for your needs. 

However, we also want to hear from you. We'll use this discovery meeting to learn about your financial situation, goals, and aspirations as well. We believe this is an excellent first step toward building a strong partnership focused on your financial success. 

If you're interested in scheduling your complimentary consultation, contact us today!

No, financial planning is much more encompassing than retirement planning. While retirement planning is a crucial component of financial planning, the two are not synonymous. Financial planning is a comprehensive and dynamic process that encompasses a wide range of financial aspects, including budgeting, saving, investing, insurance, estate planning, tax optimization, and more. Retirement planning, on the other hand, focuses specifically on preparing for your retirement years, addressing questions like when you can retire, how much you need to save, and how to generate income during retirement.

Financial planning takes into account your entire financial life, from managing day-to-day expenses to achieving long-term financial goals. It considers various life stages, financial milestones, and potential unexpected events. By engaging in comprehensive financial planning, you can ensure that you are not only well-prepared for retirement but also equipped to navigate all aspects of your financial journey. 

Diversifying your portfolio means spreading your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and more, to reduce risk. It's a fundamental principle of a sound investment strategy because it helps protect your investments from the potential underperformance of any single investment or asset class. Diversification can enhance the potential for stable, long-term returns while minimizing the impact of market volatility.

A financial advisor is equipped to implement diversification effectively in your portfolio. They assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon to create a well-balanced investment strategy that aligns with your unique circumstances. By diversifying your investments, a financial advisor can help you achieve a smoother and more predictable investment experience, ultimately working toward your long-term financial objectives while managing risk. Diversification is a cornerstone of prudent financial advising, and partnering with a knowledgeable advisor ensures it is done in a way that maximizes your financial well-being.