Financial Health Checkup: Investing in Q2
With the first quarter of 2022 in the books, many Americans have started tackling their investment-focused new year resolutions in order to preserve their assets and wealth. However, that doesn’t mean the planning and evaluating is complete.
As we kick off the second quarter, now is a good time to revisit – or review for the first time – your investment objectives and goals as part of your financial plan to ensure you stay on track for the year. At Frost, we recommend clients do this twice a year and adjust plans as needed to protect and grow wealth.
As you take on this task, here are four areas where extra attention may pay off:
- Retirement planning. If you are one of millions of Americans who have experienced major career events in the past two years, like a job change or voluntary exit from the workforce, you should consider how this change may impact your goals and plans for retirement. Review your expectations of income over the current period and into retirement. Additionally, make sure your asset allocation still matches your investment objectives and risk tolerance. You should also consider adjusting your contributions to a 401k or IRA if your income has changed.
- Reupping savings and examining equity. While investing for long-term growth is key to a healthy financial future, it is also important to have easy access to a liquid emergency fund (enough to cover 3-6 months of living expenses is recommended) to handle unexpected situations. Check your liquid balances and start setting a little extra aside, if necessary. In addition, consider how to best use debt to your advantage. With interest rates still at historic lows, this may be a good time to use your home equity to invest in growing your business or remodeling your kitchen, either of which could pay you back handsomely.
- Estate planning. As you begin estate planning for the future, ensure your banking and investment accounts are titled to align with what is detailed in your estate plan. Additionally, as you are reviewing your financial accounts and insurance policies, take an extra few minutes to review your beneficiaries and make sure those listed still reflect your wishes. Review your will, family trusts and power of attorney and decide whether they require an update. Finally, don’t forget that the current estate and gift tax exemption ends in 2025, which means the exemption will drop to a $5 million cap.
Frost specialists in banking, investments and insurance can help you navigate the year ahead and ensure that your financial plan is still aligned with your goals. As always, we are here to help you improve and preserve your financial health for today and the future. Financial health is just a call or a click away.
Would you like to talk to a financial professional? Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com.
Evans Attwell
Senior Vice President
Frost Bank
Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Investment and insurance products are offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Frost Brokerage Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Frost Bank. Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance. Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC. Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals