Life Stages and Financial Planning



Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008

by Ted Krestanowich
Cambridge Consultants

As one goes through life's stages your goals and requirements will change. What is right for you at age 25 is probably not the same as when you are 55. A financial plan will assist you in reaching those goals, and at a minimum will bring peace of mind. As the American baseball player/philosopher Yogi Berra said --

"If you don't know where you are going you will end up somewhere else."

The stages and goals in a person's life generally unfold as follows:

Stage 1: Starting your career this stage is normally characterized by one central fact - namely you are broke. For some this never changes but with a plan and some discipline it does not need to be so.

Goals: Pay off your student loans

Purchase a car

Buy consumer goods furniture, ipods, etc.

Build a good credit rating

Stage 2: Career / Family you may settle down, get married, start a family. Now it's time to become serious about financial matters particularly if you have a partner or children who are dependent on you.

Goals: Purchase a home

Proper insurance coverage

Make a will/Power of Attorney

Start saving some money

Stage 3: Middle Age middle age is defined as when the phone rings on a Saturday night and you hope it's not for you. This stage normally involves paying down mortgages and starting to think seriously about retirement.

Goals: Pay off the mortgage

Put some serious money into retirement savings

Educate the kids

Think about purchasing a cottage or vacation property

Stage 4: Pre-retirement Years this stage is usually one of heavy savings.

Goals: Grow your retirement savings

Reduce debt (the goal is zero debt upon retirement)

Plan your retirement life style

Stage 5: Retirement a well-earned retirement; put your feet up and relax

Goals: Travel

Make necessary changes to your will

Establish an estate plan

Manage your tax bill

Remember that all plans will change over time. Surprises occur, some good and some bad. Your financial plan should be flexible enough to adapt to changes, but simple enough so that you will follow through.

Biography of Ted Krestanowich BSc, PFP, FMA

  • President of Cambridge Consultants (25 years)
  • Specialization in taxation, investments
  • Formerly stock broker with Merrill Lynch Canada
  • Formerly President of local executive recruitment firm
  • Former member of Board of Directors and Vice-President – Cambrian Credit Union (9 years)
  • Graduate of University of Manitoba – BSc (Math / Statistics)
  • Canadian Securities Course (I & II) –Canadian Securities Institute
  • Professional Financial Planning course (PFP) – Canadian Securities Institute
  • Canadian Investment Finance – Canadian Securities Institute
  • Life Licensing Qualifying course – Investment Funds Institute of Canada
  • Weath Management Techniques - Canadian Securities Institute

      Website: www.cambridgeconsultants.ca

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