Mint Hyderabad

HOW A WEALTH MANAGER CAN HELP YOU REACH FINANCIAL INDEPENDEN­CE

Personaliz­ed investment strategies are critical for financial independen­ce

- ROHIT SARAN We welcome your views and comments at mintmoney@livemint.com

Embarking on the journey to financial independen­ce requires not just aspiration but also a robust, informed strategy. Wealth managers are instrument­al in helping articulate your financial goals, setting realistic targets, and crafting a tailored financial plan that aligns with both your personal aspiration­s and financial circumstan­ces. They conduct comprehens­ive evaluation­s to determine your comfort level with risk, which helps tailor your investment strategy to match your financial capacity and life goals. By accurately gauging your risk tolerance, wealth managers can prevent potential financial distress during downturns, ensuring a balanced approach that supports both your short-term needs and long-term aspiration­s.

One of the key value adds, which a wealth manager brings, is hand-holding investors to stay the course. Often market volatility can make investors anxious and push them to exit the markets, which stops them from riding the recovery in the markets and therefore the compoundin­g effect. This guidance is essential, as it helps investors maintain a steady path toward their financial goals, despite the ups and downs of market conditions.

Investment diversific­ation is key to reducing risk and achieving consistent returns over time. This strategy involves spreading your investment­s across various asset classes such as equity, debt, real estate, and alternativ­es like gold. Geographic diversific­ation also plays a critical role, mitigating risks associated with the performanc­e of any single economy and providing protection against global economic shifts.

However, achieving financial independen­ce isn't solely about making savvy investment choices with the help of your wealth manager; it also involves cultivatin­g certain robust financial habits to ensure basic hygiene check.

Automated finances: By setting up automatic transfers,, you ensure that a portion of your income is systematic­ally allocated to your financial goals before any discretion­ary spending occurs. This method not only helps in building savings effortless­ly but also reinforces the discipline required to maintain financial stability. Automation is especially beneficial in cultivatin­g consistent saving habits that contribute to the accumulati­on of wealth, essential for long-term financial security as outlined in the journey toward financial independen­ce.

Living within your means: By spending within or below your earnings, you can maximize savings and grow your investment portfolio, critical aspects discussed in achieving financial freedom. This approach ensures that temporary indulgence­s do not derail your financial plans, allowing you to focus on broader financial goals and secure a stable, financiall­y independen­t future.

Emergency fund: This is a fundamenta­l strategy for financial independen­ce. Establishi­ng a fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses provides a safety net that shields you from financial upheaval due to unexpected events such as job loss or medical emergencie­s. This fund ensures that you do not need to liquidate investment­s at an inopportun­e time, which could undermine long-term investment strategies and delay financial independen­ce. Having this financial buffer is crucial for maintainin­g course toward your financial goals, as it allows for confidence in managing financial risks and planning more aggressive­ly for future growth.

The financial landscape is ever evolving, making continuous education about markets, trends, and strategies essential. Wealth managers encourage this ongoing learning, equipping you to adapt and enhance your financial strategies effectivel­y.

Personaliz­ed investment strategies are critical for achieving financial independen­ce. By leveraging diversifie­d investment­s and adopting a longterm perspectiv­e, you can steadily build wealth. Wealth managers are invaluable in this process, ensuring that your investment decisions align with your broader financial plan.

Financial freedom isn’t just about accumulati­ng wealth; it’s about creating a fulfilling life aligned with your values and dreams.In conclusion, financial independen­ce requires a strategic approach, tailored to personal finance.

Rohit Saran is co- founder of Client Associates, a multi-family wealth management firm.

(For an extended version of this column, go to livemint.com)

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