OFS Financial Services Planning Areas
When it comes to financial planning, we know you have goals, concerns and major life events you’re saving toward. OFS Financial Services is your partner to help ensure your preparation and pursue success. We believe there are seven key areas to evaluate when it comes to your financial planning efforts.
Seven Key Planning Areas
1. Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
- Tracking income and expenses
- Evaluating net worth
- Completing a financial inventory
- Developing a ‘snapshot’ of today
2. Investing for Major Expenses
- Educating children
- Buying a house or car
- Taking a trip of a lifetime
- Developing a cash reserve
3. Retirement Planning
- Estimating retirement income and age
- Estimating the value of government programs
- Assessing current retirement assets
- Determining how to take distributions
- Spending assets, passing them to heirs, and charitable giving
- Developing a plan to eliminate any gaps
4. Protecting Against Financial Crisis
- Life protection – Protecting your children’s education if you die
- Disability income – Protecting your income if you become disabled
- Business continuation planning – Buy-sell agreements
- Addressing health care concerns, including nursing home
- expenses and long-term care options
5. Asset Allocation
- Based on your time horizon and risk tolerance, what is the most appropriate asset mix of equities, bonds and cash?
- 92% of a portfolio’s return is based on the portfolio’s asset class mix, not market timing
6. Minimizing Taxes
- Reviewing tax-advantaged investment options
- Evaluating net worth
- Considering state or federal taxes
- Developing a tax deferral strategy
- Reviewing tax strategies for distributions from qualified plans
7. Preserving Wealth/Estate Planning
- Minimizing excess state taxes
- Helping plan for federal, state and inheritance taxes
- Funding the transfer of your family business
- Helping protect your legacy
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.
Asset allocation, which is driven by complex mathematical models, cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.
For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Investment Services LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.
Creating a Financial Road Map
Building for a bright financial future starts with creating a road map that involves a budget and plan to protect the people and things most important to you.
Your savings and investment journey kicks off with establishing an emergency fund to respond to any unexpected expenses. Once this foundation is developed, you’re on your way to saving and investing using vehicles that help you reach your short, mid and long-term goals.
A.) Create a Budget
B.) Financial Foundation
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Care
- Property & Casualty Insurance
- Health Insurance
C.) Emergency Funds: 0-1 Years
More liquidity and fewer tax advantages
Lower expected returns
- Money Market Accounts
- CDs
- Checking & Savings
D.) Short Term Funds: 1-7 Years
More liquidity and fewer tax advantages
Lower expected returns
- Mutual Funds
- Unit Investment Trust (UIT)
- CD’s
- U.S. Treasury Bills
- U.S. Treasury Notes
E.) Mid Term Funds: 7-10 Years
Less liquidity and more tax advantages
- Mutual Funds
- Unit Investment Trust (UIT)
- Variable Universal Life
- Zero Coupon Bonds
- Blue Chip Stocks
- Muni Bonds
F.) Long Term Funds: 10+ Years
Less liquidity and more tax advantages
Higher expected returns
- IRA’s
- 401(k)s
- Variable & Fixed Annuities
G.) Speculative Investment Funds
Higher expected returns
- Partnerships
- Stock Options
- Gold & Precious Metals
- New Issue Common Stocks
Cetera does not offer direct investments in commodities (such as gold or other precious metals).