Putting Together a Lifetime Financial Advisory Team
Throughout, this book has emphasized the value of ongoing financial planning and the need to get qualified advice at each stage of the game. These people can not only help you with retirement, they can also help you with pulling all your financial decisions together for a lifetime. Here's how each sort of professional comes in most handy:
Tax professionals aren't necessary if you file a simple individual return every year, but if you've bought or sold a home in the last year, bought or sold investment assets, started or sold a business, or experienced a major life change (marriage, divorce, death of a spouse), it's a good idea to bring in a qualified tax professional such as a CPA or enrolled agent. Obviously to get the most mileage out of your tax preparation expert, keep good tax records throughout the year; your preparer can coach you on this.
Estate and real estate attorneys are generally separate professionals, but it's good to have contact with both because your house can be a significant part of your estate. A real estate attorney can make sure the paperwork on your real estate transaction as well as your mortgage deal are the best deal for you.
Not all people have the time or skill to manage their finances successfully. It's best to get a solid overview from a trained professional on where you should best invest your hard-earned money.
