Financial planning is the first step toward your overall financial well-being and choosing a financial advisor who provides you with the necessary assistance and guidance is essential. Not only can a financial advisor help you create a plan to help you reach your financial goals and guide your progress along the way, but they also can help you save more, invest money wisely and reduce debt.
With technology continuously evolving and online financial planning services becoming more accessible, you may be considering an online advisor that offers automated investing services, also known as a robo-advisor. However, you can’t call your robo-advisor when the markets go wild, your goals need adjusting or new dreams develop. In these types of circumstances, a person-to-person interaction with a real-life financial advisor is much more valuable. Here’s why…
1. Robo-advisors are not financial planners.
Online advisors try to market themselves and their services as a replacement for real-life financial planners and advisors. Frankly, saving and investing are just too important for a bot to handle and a knowledgeable financial advisor does much more than that. They get to you know personally to help you create and implement a plan to help you reach your specific goals.
2. Human advisors can answer questions and offer advice.
A live financial advisor can provide a very comprehensive portfolio that considers all aspects of your financial situation. You can ask them specific questions and get immediate, detailed answers unlike a robo-advisor. By speaking to a real-life advisor, you’re able to provide a clear view of your finances, in your own words and receive professional advice.
3. Investing can be complex.
You may be thinking “if someone else can handle my investments for “free” online, why would I pay an advisor?” Developing a successful investment strategy requires planning with a financial advisor that understands your unique needs and goals. There is a lot that goes into investing and having a real-life financial advisor can help you navigate these considerations with confidence.
4. Your financial situation is one of a kind.
We can all agree that everyone’s situation is different, whether you are young and beginning to invest or older with more complicated finances. And as time goes on, you will go through big life changes which may alter your financial situation several times. Having a human financial advisor means you have someone by your side to provide their expertise, guidance and professional advice that is best suited to you, your personal and financial situation.
5. Advisors see you as a person, not a number.
Robo-advisors use software to automate your investments and may only see you as a bunch of numbers, while financial advisors see you as a real person. They are there to help you, listen to your needs and life goals, walk you through challenging topics and talk through why you’re investing. They develop a financial strategy that is customized for you and put your best interest first. They see each account as a person, a couple or a family, not just a set of numbers.
Finances and investments can get complicated. Having an experienced financial advisor as a partner to guide you through managing your investment portfolio and future retirement can be invaluable. Choosing the right financial advisor provides you financial confidence now and well into the retirement years ahead. Meet our advisors and schedule an appointment to learn more.
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Lakeland Financial Services is a division of Lakeland Bank.
*Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Lakeland Bank and Lakeland Financial Services are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
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The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Lakeland Bank and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Prior to making any investment decision, you should consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.
