Creating a financial plan encourages you to see the big picture and then set long and short-term life goals. It is an important step in mapping out your path to a secure financial future. We are committed to assisting you along that path. When you have a financial plan, it’s easier to make financial decisions, as you and your family deal with the challenges brought on by a neurological disease. It helps you stay on track so you can realize your goals. Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can secure your financial well-being and give you peace of mind.

Every individual and family is unique, and there is no cookie-cutter approach to proper financial planning. Your financial goals and objectives are determined by your values; what’s important to you and your family. However, most financial plans share certain components and strategies. The financial planning tips below are just some of the things that your CFP will review with you as you develop your financial plan.

The first step in any financial plan is to establish an emergency fund. Most CFPs agree that you should have three to six months of your normal income in an account that’s safe and liquid. This account is your emergency fund, in case of unemployment, or if your neurological condition takes a turn for the worse and you need to take time off from work.

You should also save money for any planned expenses, such as home repairs, or needed appliance upgrades. The point is to make savings a habit, so you can be prepared for the planned and unplanned occurrences of life.

Next, if you have credit card debt, student loan debt, or medical bills, your priority should be to reduce and eventually eliminate that debt, so that your income can be channeled into saving and investing for the future. You should use all available funds to pay off your debt, so that after it is paid off you can redirect those funds to your retirement savings.

In addition, you should check the interest rates on your credit cards and student loans, to see if you can find lower rates.

Your CFP will be able to help you formulate a plan that makes sense with regards to debt elimination.

If your employer offers it, you should be saving in your 401(k) at least as much as your employer matches. This is the best way to get free money. Even if that account doesn’t make any profit, which is highly unlikely, your money is doubled because your employer is matching your contributions.

In addition to saving for your retirement using your employers 401(k), you should also consider making contributions to a traditional individual retirement account or Roth IRA.

Often, people with a neurological disease find the topic of insurance to be difficult.  The choices regarding appropriate coverage, carriers, and term options, can be confusing, and it is easy to make a mistake with this part of your financial plan.  Most people think they are appropriately covered with their insurance policies, but they find out, after a disaster, that they are not.  You should check your health insurance, your home insurance, your auto insurance, and your life insurance policies to make sure you have the right coverage.  An umbrella insurance policy, that adds a layer of protection over your auto and home insurance is also a good idea, particularly if you have assets over $1 million.

You should also look into the possibility of getting disability insurance, especially if you are in the early stages of your diagnosis.  Most companies provide only up to 60 percent of your income if you become disabled, but if you can afford it, and if it makes financial sense to obtain it, it could provide your family with an added layer of peace of mind.  This type of insurance may not be affordable, but it doesn’t hurt to look into.

The topic of insurance is a complex and difficult one.  A trusted and knowledgeable CFP can help you and your family make the right choices.

When you have a neurological disease, the unfortunate reality is there is no crystal ball that can predict how long you may be able to work. Therefore, it is important that you maximize your financial resources while you can. You need to plan for worst case scenarios now, so that your family can be secure in knowing you have taken the appropriate steps for them.

We are committed to assisting you in finding the answers to your financial questions, and preparing for your financial future.