Make This the Year You Progress on Your Goals

DEWITT, Mich. - Jan. 27, 2016 - PRLog -- Shoulda, woulda, coulda. It's the language of regret. Make this the year you stop planning to get your financial house in order, and instead start taking action.

What should I do first?

Contact a financial advisor. He or she will get to know what's important to you and help you create an actionable financial goal based on that, as well as your tolerance for risk. He or she also will recommend investments and strategies that support and align with your goals.

What if I haven't yet determined my financial goals?

We recommend doing an inventory of both your needs and your wants. They might be short-term (affording a new car or building an emergency fund) or long-term (sending your child to college or retiring someday). If you're married, we recommend brainstorming separately and then comparing notes with your spouse. Once you have a better handle on what you want out of life, a financial advisor can help you determine how much money you'll need to achieve that. He or she will then work with you to develop strategies to accumulate that amount of money.

One of my overall goals this year is to be more organized. How can I apply that to my finances?

Staying on top of your finances is easier to do than ever. We suggest:

• Systematically investing. Why give yourself one more thing to remember? With systematic investing, you can make the process more automatic by investing a fixed amount at regular intervals.

• Scheduling regular meetings with your financial advisor. Before your calendar fills up, schedule biannual appointments to help you stay on track toward your financial goals.

• Downloading the Edward Jones app to your mobile device. You can stay close to your account and get market news while you're on the go.

• Moving your accounts under one roof. Account consolidation would allow your financial advisor to provide advice based on your complete financial picture, not just one piece of the puzzle.

• Consider assembling a team of professionals to help you develop your estate plan. An attorney could draft your estate-planning documents, a CPA or tax professional can help with potential tax issues, and your financial advisor could serve as a relationship manager between you and the team, helping make sure your needs and wishes are met.

How can I help protect my financial efforts from being derailed by unexpected events?

A vital part of any overall financial strategy includes life insurance. It's an important way to protect your family and your finances. A financial advisor can discuss the type and amount that makes the most sense for your situation.*

When you look back a year from now, do you want to be proud of the progress you've made toward organizing your finances and achieving your goals? Or feel frustrated by your inaction?

Make today the day you start down the path to realizing your financial goals by contacting a financial advisor.

Important information:

* Edward Jones operates as an insurance producer in California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts through the following subsidiaries, respectively: Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your attorney or a qualified tax professional regarding your situation.