W Advertorial featured monthly in the Valley News Dispatch > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Edward Jones New Year's Resolution: Talk with a Financial Advisor Now that we've reached 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make- volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others - why not make a financial resolution, too? If you're going to enjoy a comfortable retirement, you should know, among other things, how much money you'll need. And you may have a much better chance of knowing this if you get some professional help. Here's an interesting finding: A study by financial research firm Dalbar revealed that investors who worked with a financial advisor were far more likely to have estimated what they'll need for retirement, and much more likely to be satisfied with the amount of their retirement savings, than those who tried to "do-it-themself." How do financial advisors help their clients in these ways? First, consider the issue of determining how much money will be needed for retirement. It's not always easy for individuals to estimate this amount. But financial advisors can help clients like you arrive at this figure by exploring your hopes and goals. How long do you plan to work? What kind of lifestyle do you anticipate enjoying in retirement? Next comes the other key question: How much money will be available for retirement? This big question leads to many others: How much do you need to invest each year? About what sort of investment return will you need to reach your retirement income goals? What level of risk are you willing to take to achieve that return? What is the role of other income sources such as Social Security or any pensions you might have? Having a financial advisor help you gain a clear idea of your retirement income picture can certainly be reassuring. But there may be other reasons why trying to "do-it- yourself" may not be a wise idea. For example, when the financial markets are down, as was the case for much of 2022, you're more prone to make mistake-laden decisions based on short-term volatility. When you work with a financial advisor, you'll get guidance that can help you avoid making decisions driven primarily by emotions - which can often be the wrong ones. In some areas of life, going it alone can be exciting-but when it comes to planning for your financial future, you may benefit from some company along the way. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Member SIPC Seth D. Thompson, CFP®, AAMS® Certified Financial Planner Office: 412-828-2437 Email: seth.thompson@edwardjones.com 201 Allegheny Ave. Suite 2 Oakmont, PA 15139 W Advertorial featured monthly in the Valley News Dispatch > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Edward Jones New Year's Resolution : Talk with a Financial Advisor Now that we've reached 2024 , you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year . But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make volunteering , going to the gym more , learning a new language and others - why not make a financial resolution , too ? If you're going to enjoy a comfortable retirement , you should know , among other things , how much money you'll need . And you may have a much better chance of knowing this if you get some professional help . Here's an interesting finding : A study by financial research firm Dalbar revealed that investors who worked with a financial advisor were far more likely to have estimated what they'll need for retirement , and much more likely to be satisfied with the amount of their retirement savings , than those who tried to " do - it - themself . " How do financial advisors help their clients in these ways ? First , consider the issue of determining how much money will be needed for retirement . It's not always easy for individuals to estimate this amount . But financial advisors can help clients like you arrive at this figure by exploring your hopes and goals . How long do you plan to work ? What kind of lifestyle do you anticipate enjoying in retirement ? Next comes the other key question : How much money will be available for retirement ? This big question leads to many others : How much do you need to invest each year ? About what sort of investment return will you need to reach your retirement income goals ? What level of risk are you willing to take to achieve that return ? What is the role of other income sources such as Social Security or any pensions you might have ? Having a financial advisor help you gain a clear idea of your retirement income picture can certainly be reassuring . But there may be other reasons why trying to " do - it yourself " may not be a wise idea . For example , when the financial markets are down , as was the case for much of 2022 , you're more prone to make mistake - laden decisions based on short - term volatility . When you work with a financial advisor , you'll get guidance that can help you avoid making decisions driven primarily by emotions - which can often be the wrong ones . In some areas of life , going it alone can be exciting - but when it comes to planning for your financial future , you may benefit from some company along the way . This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor . Member SIPC Seth D. Thompson , CFP® , AAMS® Certified Financial Planner Office : 412-828-2437 Email : seth.thompson@edwardjones.com 201 Allegheny Ave. Suite 2 Oakmont , PA 15139