By Jay Shareef and Chris Rhoads
As AI and robo-advisors gain popularity, it might seem convenient to let them handle your financial decisions. But what about those nuanced questions that come with being a federal employee or new economic shifts you weren’t expecting? That’s where having a trusted financial advisor can guide your steps in the right direction. Read on to understand the many benefits to working with a human advisor instead of relying solely on robo-advisors.
Expertise
Robo-advisors are helpful when you’re just starting your financial journey and have smaller balances to manage. Since there are often fewer fees with a robo-advisor, it’s a good fit for beginners. However, if you’ve been letting your robo-advisor run the show for a few years while your finances have grown and become more complex, it might be time to upgrade to a human financial advisor.
These are certified professionals with years of expertise in a wide variety of financial situations. Financial advisors are trained to help clients manage their finances and pursue their money goals. They stay up to date on the latest financial news and trends, which can help you receive the most current and relevant advice. No matter what’s happening in the markets or in your accounts, your financial advisor is equipped to develop the plan you need to pursue your financial goals with confidence.
Personalized Advice
The help of a robo-advisor is limited to its algorithm or the lines of code it uses to make decisions; and it only makes decisions with the basic information you provide. Data such as your risk tolerance, investment amount, and time horizon are used to calculate the best investments for you. Again, great for beginners.
When life gets more complex, you need financial advice that’s customized to your specific situation. A financial advisor takes a holistic approach to managing your money by reviewing your situation in greater detail. They get to know you, not just the numbers. They help you identify areas of improvement and find ways to solve your biggest financial issues.
A financial advisor is there to help you lay out a plan toward your financial goals too. A human advisor might help you strategize how you can retire early, how to expand your small business, or how to pay for your child’s college tuition.
Emotional Support
Finances are usually seen as a more logical topic, but emotions are deeply connected to your financial situation in ways you might not have considered. During times of economic uncertainty, you might feel scared, stressed, or concerned. When things are going extremely well, you might feel overjoyed, carefree, or impulsive. These emotions affect your ability to make wise financial and investment decisions.
A trustworthy human financial advisor guides you through those decisions with greater clarity. Instead of letting your emotions run the show, advisors look at your situation objectively to help you make an informed decision even in challenging moments.
Accountability
If you’ve had trouble sticking to your financial plan before, a financial advisor could provide the accountability you need. Financial advisors and planners can help you create a budget, track your expenses, and monitor your progress toward your financial goals.
They’ll also help you keep those end goals in mind when you consider the other financial decisions you want to make. If your goal is to buy a home, your financial advisor might remind you of that when you want to purchase a new Rolex.
Partner With an Experienced Financial Advisor
Basic financial scenarios may be adequate for AI robo-advisors, but when you require more than automated investment strategies, it’s wise to reach out to a financial advisor. These experienced professionals have the ability to craft tailored plans that align with your individual goals and financial circumstances as a federal employee.
If you’re seeking guidance from an advisor who takes a holistic approach, we at WealthFlow Financial are at your service. Reach out to us at (301) 798-5250 or schedule a phone call now to get started.
About Jay
Jay Shareef is vice president, financial advisor, federal benefits consultant, and co-founder at WealthFlow Financial, based in Frederick, MD. As a U.S. Army veteran, Jay is passionate about helping federal employees create a bulletproof plan for retirement and navigate the often confusing and complicated federal benefits landscape. He spends his days educating and providing clients with unbiased insurance benefits and retirement strategies to help his clients create guaranteed income for life. As a problem-solver and trustworthy resource, Jay always puts his clients and their needs first so they can find financial peace of mind. To learn more about Jay, connect with him on LinkedIn.
About Chris
Chris Rhoads is a co-founder and vice president of WealthFlow Financial, based in Frederick, MD. As a registered investment advisor and independent financial professional, Chris is committed to helping his clients in retirement and he takes a holistic approach to financial planning that includes insurance and risk management, investments and wealth management, retirement income planning, and estate and tax planning. Chris has been married to his wife, Tia, since 2009 and they live in Frederick, MD, together with their two young daughters. In his free time, Chris enjoys traveling, watching sports, and being active in causes about which he cares passionately. To learn more about Chris, connect with him on LinkedIn.