Choosing a Financial Coach

Unique Investors Finding a Good Fit Diversification and Discipline

Like many endeavors, pursuing financial security can be more successful when a team approach is used. Experienced financial representatives can help their clients move from the minors to the major leagues of investing.

Working with a financial representative is much like exercise: the more effort expended, the better the results. Think of your financial representative as a financial coach — one who can help you cover all of your financial bases.

Changing Conditions

In baseball, the score can change from inning to inning. It's the same with investing. Market conditions change often — and sometimes dramatically.

Market volatility, together with shifting investor preferences, causes various investment styles to go in and out of favor. The results? Investments considered "hot" one year may cool considerably the next. A qualified financial representative:

• Takes the time to understand you and your goals
• Can recommend funds that fit your needs
• Helps you decide how to allocate your assets
• Analyzes how changing conditions affect you
• Works to deliver information while it's still timely and
• Helps make investing more convenient

Unique Investors

Each batter's swing is different, and so are you. Investors have unique needs, goals, risk tolerances and time horizons. Financial representatives understand this, and a financial representative can help identify investments that meet your individual objectives and preferences.

Good investment financial representatives know that there is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" investor. Consider the following examples.

Every Investor Has Different Long-Term and Short-Term Investment Goals

Long-Term Goals	Short-Term Goals
Accumulating assets for a secure retirement	Paying for a family vacation
Paying children's college expenses	Buying a first home in three years
Helping parents financially in their later years	Eliminating outstanding credit card debt

Finding a Good Fit

Financial representatives make an effort to identify investments that meet an individual's personal needs by considering these factors (among others) about each investor.

Age	Generally speaking, younger investors can invest more aggressively than older investors since the volatility of aggressive investments tends to even out over time.
Investment Objective	Some investors seek capital growth while others may seek investments that can provide income and protect assets accumulated over many years.
Risk Tolerance	Once you've determined your objectives, consider how much risk you are willing to take for the potential reward.
Time Horizon	Do you need the funds in one year? 15 years or more? Your financial time frame greatly influences the type of investments you choose.

Diversification and Discipline

A good financial representative knows that diversification can reduce risk since stocks and bonds react differently in various market conditions. A financial representative can help design asset-allocation strategies that combine all your investments and other financial resources into one comprehensive package.

Because your financial representative is familiar with your financial situation, investment goals and risk tolerance, he or she can help maintain your discipline when markets become volatile. It's only human for investors to become distracted by short-term events or market trends — but an experienced advisor can keep you focused on the long term.

Not a Spectator Sport

Before you step up to the plate, see your financial representative. When it comes to your investments, you can't afford to be a mere spectator — you must get into the game.

You should visit your financial advisor annually to determine if you investments are still on track with your financial goals. Always talk to your financial advisor before changing existing investments — or making any new ones.

---

Dearborn & Creggs Can Help

We believe that achieving financial success starts with a personal coach and a team approach. Together, you and your Dearborn & Creggs coach will create a game plan based on your unique goals and objectives. Then your representative will help you choose strategies and investment solutions to meet those goals.

Call your Dearborn & Creggs financial representative today and create your game plan for success.