Chances are, you are constantly thinking about your financial well-being, now and for the long-term. But is your current advisor asking you questions, too? As a fiduciary we’re legally required to do what’s in your best interest. That means going beyond the obvious to do what’s right for you, your family and your practice.

At Athletes Financial and the Athletes Financial Network, our advisors take the time to get to know you so we can have the maximum positive financial impact on your career and beyond. Maybe you are evaluating your financial game plan. Maybe you need ongoing accounting and tax advice. Or maybe you’re looking for a long-term retirement and transition plan. Whatever your goals, we take an integrated approach, because each of these aspects of your finances affects the other.

At Athletes Financial, we hold ourselves to the fiduciary standard, the highest in the industry. This means we enthusiastically accept the legal responsibility and obligation to serve our clients’ best interests. Sadly, some financial advisors and financial planners do not hold themselves to this same standard as we do. How do you know if your existing advisor or broker has your best interests at heart?

Here are a few questions to consider: Does your advisor earn commissions on funds or stocks he or she recommends? Does your advisor invest his or her personal assets in the same way they recommend to their clients? Are all costs clearly disclosed up front and provided in writing?

Achieving your financial goals depends on so much more than just investing. How might taxes impact your savings? Is your spending sustainable for the next 50+ years?  Do you have the right insurance should something unthinkable happen? Is your estate plan designed to preserve your wealth?

These are just a few of the important areas we incorporate into the customized plans we build for our clients. When we understand and align these critical components of financial health, our clients are able to enjoy a greater sense of confidence in their ability to achieve their highest aspirations.

Investing refers to the process of buying and selling different investments with the expectation of achieving a profit.  Investing can be stocks, bonds, real estate, and many others.  But to understand and achieve comfort prior to investing, we should talk about your goals first.

Investing is a tool that is used to achieve a greater provide than simply keeping in cash.  Interestingly though, most athletes are concerned about the risks that come with investing.  Meanwhile, they never realize the risks that come with NOT investing.

It’s a matter of indisputable fact. Markets go up and, yes, markets go down. The key to long-term peace of mind – and the secret to weathering the storm – is having a solid plan that’s designed to help you reach your goal despite the turbulence of the markets.

A good plan includes having the right balance of stocks and bonds – proportions determined based on your unique circumstances and goals. It also means keeping that balance no matter what happens in the market day to day or week to week. Of course, it’s not just about investments. It’s about insurance, wills, trusts and taxes and how each affects the other, today – and tomorrow.