Additional aspects of an intelligent plan require revisiting insurance plans-both life and long-term care options. It has been estimated that the cost of informal care-that which is provided by family or friends-runs as high as $300 billion or more a year. With that statistic taken into account, it is easy to see how quickly the ability to leave a financial legacy can be decimated.
The Results
During these stressful and volatile times in the economy, the best thing an advisor can provide clients is assurance that despite all the economic uncertainty, there are still aspects of their financial plans that they can control. Once investors are educated and understand the process advisors use to construct a solid financial plan, they'll achieve a balance of understanding and command; thus setting the stage for a successful retirement.
Craig Skeels, CFP, ChFC, CLU, is a managing director and partner at Apex Wealth Management Group, a division of United Capital Financial Advisers Inc. in Oxnard, Calif. For nearly three decades, Skeels has been advising retirees to continuously monitor and reevaluate their decisions regarding financial, tax, health and estate issues. For more information, please visit www.apex500.com.