Your Financial Life Isn’t Black and White
By Guest Blogger Jason Moore CFP®, AIF®

We’re here to talk about the gray.

While a computer can crunch the numbers, it can’t address the nuances that a personal connection can. When talking about your money and your life, we embrace what computers do best – analyzing data and providing insights. This frees us up to focus on what we do best – connecting with you, your needs and your goals – which leads to even deeper relationships and better advice.

No doubt technology will continue to shape how we’re all connected and work together; however, we believe personal, face-to-face advice can’t be replicated by the zeros and ones of your computer. Here’s why:

1. Financial advice is science and art. There’s real emotion wrapped up in money – security, opportunities, dreams. And, there’s real value in having someone help you resist emotional reactions when personal circumstances may cloud your judgment or when markets turn (how would you manage your portfolio and would you even want to?).

2. We know the industry but, more importantly, we know you. Who you are and what is important to you is revealed much more robustly through conversations versus quiz-like questions on a computer screen. By listening to you, we’re able to explore your current realities and future goals with human judgment based on knowledge and experience … not just data. We can help you get to the bottom of what you want your money to help you achieve in life, and we can share what your complete financial picture means in light of your short- and long-term goals.

3. We plan for the in-between areas (and the unexpected). With a comprehensive plan, we’re able to prepare for what-ifs, such as the need for long-term care, and can compassionately show you how different life events may impact your financial future. Because we have a history with you and an eye on your future, we know what questions to ask (and when) to personalize and adjust your plan according to your evolving needs. And, because we have a rapport with you, we stay abreast of changes in your life to provide wise investment counsel.

4. We keep you accountable to help reach your goals. You know how it’s easier to exercise when you have a partner to meet up with or help motivate you? Working with a financial advisor has the same type of benefit – someone at your side. You can count on us to help you stick to your budget and suggest where you might make adjustments to your life to better save for future goals.

5. We inspire you to answer difficult questions. Left alone, it’s easier to avoid tough topics, such as where you plan to live as the decades progress or how your estate will be divided among family when you pass away. As we guide you through a decision-making process – one real person to another – to help you live the life you want, we can broach those sensitive topics that are hard to face on your own, and we can develop a plan.

6. We help you through all of life’s opportunities – and challenges. Not only can we tell you what you need to do to keep your money and strive to grow it – based on your comfort with risk or a specific goal like seeing the wonders of the world – but we can challenge your assumptions. This helps us cut through to what you’re really comfortable with before you take risks that you thought were within your comfort level but weren’t. We not only provide insight into your full financial picture, but share personalized strategies taking into account the big and little moments of your life

7. Don’t let short term emotions derail your long-term plan. Legendary investor Warren Buffett once quoted “If you cannot control your emotions, you cannot control your money. Market volatility is uncomfortable and it’s natural to feel that way given the volatility we’ve seen in the equity markets recently. It’s important to remember though that emotionally driven decisions can often lead to under performance. For example, if you look at the S&P 500 over the last 15 years, it’s been up on average 6.7%. However, if you strip out the best 20 days over that time frame your performance goes from being positive to be down on average about 1%. It’s important that you stay focused on your long-term goal and stay invested during these volatile times. There are two important things to keep in mind during these times. 1.) Focus on your asset allocation because that allocation was designed with your long-term objectives in mind. 2.) If you do have some concerns, I encourage you to speak with your financial advisor who can help you navigate through these more volatile times in the market.

About Jason E Moore CFP®, AIF®
Jason Moore is a Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Raymond James. While focusing his business on his clients’ individual financial objectives, Jason believes the most successful wealth management strategies look at the big picture. It is this comprehensive, solution-focused approach, delivered with constant personal attention and a commitment to his clients’ best interests, that sets Jason apart. Jason is dedicated to managing and preserving wealth for you and your family. By establishing deep and valued relationships with you, he is able to gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs and goals. Jason works hard to enhance and preserve your investments, while assisting you in realizing your goals through long-term financial solutions using portfolio management, retirement planning (including IRAs, 401(k)s), estate planning, 529 education savings plans, and more. Prior to beginning his career in financial services in 2008, he received his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Toledo. He is a member of Dor-wood Optimist. When not working, Jason enjoys CrossFit, golf, and hiking with his family.