If you’re in your fifties or beyond, at some point you’ve probably received a shiny postcard in the mail inviting you a to financial seminar and a free steak dinner.
Maybe you’ve wondered, is it legit? Will you just be sold to? Most importantly, is it worth your valuable time?
Let’s take a peek behind the curtain of retirement seminars so you know what you’re getting into, should you choose to attend.
Now, unfortunately, some financial seminars are little more than a sales pitch… or worse, a scam. We can assure you that will not be your experience at Beacon’s events.
However, if you find yourself at a seminar pressuring you to buy into something immediately, pressuring you to take out a loan, or promising you anything that sounds too good to be true, run! Those are red flags. It’s best to stick with financial events hosted by fiduciaries. A fiduciary financial advisor has a legal obligation to act in your best interest.
Here’s why we believe it’s a good idea to attend a financial planning seminar hosted by an established, fiduciary firm:
1. Retirement planning shouldn’t be so confusing.
Tax strategies, pensions, Social Security, real estate, beneficiaries, estate planning… all of these topics fall under the large umbrella of financial planning. As you get closer to retirement, the decisions you make in each area not only impacts your future lifestyle, but it impacts each of the other areas, too!
2. Nothing beats a gourmet steak dinner—especially when you didn’t pay for it.
This isn’t Applebee’s. The menu at our financial seminars is high end, with savory selections including a thick steak filet, salmon grilled to perfection, and—at some locations—French onion soup, lobster bisque, grilled brussels sprouts, and flourless chocolate cake so rich you’ll leave feeling wealthier.
3. Get on the same page with your spouse.
Think of this as an educational date night that opens up the money conversation for you and your significant other. This could be your most productive dinner date ever! You should leave feeling confident, hopeful, and excited about what your future holds.
4. Social Security is complicated.
It’s crucial to know the role Social Security benefits play into your retirement income plan and overall financial strategy. Do you know the ideal time for you to draw benefits? It’s different for everyone, but do you know why? Do you know how spousal benefits work? Attending a financial seminar as you approach retirement will help you learn how and when to start collecting.
5. Get your questions answered.
You’ll have the chance to ask an experienced, fiduciary financial advisor your specific questions. If something about your retirement feels fuzzy, confusing, or has been keeping you up at night, a financial planning seminar is the perfect opportunity to squash that fear and get some clarity. At Beacon’s seminars, we like to get things started with an open Q&A. If you’d prefer to ask your question in private, our advisors are standing by after the presentation to meet with you one-on-one.
6. Gain practical knowledge from your peers.
You’ll be in a room with like-minded people who are in a similar life stage as you. The knowledge you’ll gain from learning about their experiences and having those conversations is immeasurable. Plus, they might ask a question you didn’t even think of but could benefit from. It’s the one piece of the presentation we can’t predict, because it totally depends on who’s there—and it’s always valuable.
7. Learn about a specific firm’s philosophies to see if you align.
Deciding who to trust for guidance with your money is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, especially as you approach retirement. Attending a retirement seminar gives you a chance to decide if you like the advisors and the firm.
Be sure to ask yourself:
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- Are they fiduciaries—i.e. do they have your best interests at heart?
- Do your values align?
- Do they show an understanding that your level of risk should change as you approach retirement?
- Do they treat you with respect?
- Bonus: Do they partner with other providers, like an estate attorney, a healthcare specialist, or a tax planner—so all the pieces of your retirement plan are in sync?
8. Learn new skills and strategies.
You’ll walk away with new strategies around tax savings in retirement, reaching your financial goals, and even saving money. Plus, you’ll get introduced to experts in the world of finance, so when you need an answer about your money, “you know a guy.”
9. Stay up-to-date on current events in the financial world, and beyond.
Our speakers live and breathe financial topics of every kind. They thoughtfully prepare topics which take current world events into account, such as:
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- The present state of the economy, and where they think it’s headed
- New laws on taxes, contribution limits, and RMDs (required minimum distributions)
- Inflation
- Market volatility
- Geopolitical concerns
10. Stay motivated on your financial journey.
It’s smart to keep your money situation top of mind, and attending a financial planning seminar is a good way to do that. At our events, our speakers aren’t dry and boring. The education and inspiration will help you stay motivated and focused, especially if you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your financial future.
Attending a Financial Planning Seminar Could Change Your Future.
We believe you can’t afford to miss a free opportunity to re-evaluate your financial plan. This hour of your time could pay off for the rest of your life!