Why Not Visiting A Financial Advisor Is A Great Idea, Visit a VIRTUAL Financial Advisor instead. I used to talk about how many miles to the gallon I could get in my car. Since March, I talk more about how many “months” to the gallon…I don’t know about you, but I don’t really notice as much when gas prices are down, because I don’t drive nearly as much!
We all have been learning how to continue to have a life without our usual outings and interactions. And, I don’t know about you, but I like some of the changes. Now, do I like the fact that my eldest son graduated this year and we couldn’t have an Open House? Nope. I didn’t like that at all. I do, however, like the fact that I have had a couple of doctor appointments without leaving the house. It used to just annoy me to have to take time off of work to spend a few hours of my time just to have my prescriptions refilled. I got to facetime “my guy” (I refer to my P.A. as “my guy”), and wallah, three more months of pills!
As our world moves to becoming more and more virtual, from facetiming with relatives, to doing insurance reviews over the phone, my practice is becoming more virtual as well. My clients like it, and here is why they like having a Virtual Financial Advisor:
Working with a Virtual Financial Advisor Can Save Time:
You know how it usually goes, or if you don’t, here is how it usually goes: You get a phone call or a letter from an advisor…it is review time! You get out your calendar. You need to find a time that not only works during his open appointment times, but you also need to take into account drive time, traffic, wait time, appointment time, etc… Depending on how far away his office is, this could be a three or four hour ordeal!
Wouldn’t it be great to, let’s say, do a review from your couch at 3 p.m. on Sunday, or during your lunch break, or even on vacation? If you have internet access, you’re golden. As a part of my virtual practice, I can meet with my clients at any time. It opens my schedule to be able to run appointments as a virtual financial advisor at a time that’s convenient for them, not just in a 9-5 slot Monday through Friday. We log on, take care of business, and bada boom! An hour tops. It’s fabulous.
It Can Help Save Money:
For a lot of us in rural areas, the nearest advisor can often be 30+ miles away. Now if I have an appointment like this, I am spending money on gas, I may “bat my eyelashes” and convince my husband to eat out, and I probably am going to want to do a little shopping at Hobby Lobby or a Thrift store while I’m there. Not that eating out and shopping isn’t fun, but I’d rather do that on a day when I can just relax and not have to think about throwing “an appointment” in there. Plus, for those of us still working, we may have to use personal time off from work, or make other arrangements. Again, doesn’t that 3 p.m. on a Sunday sound better?
It is “Portable”:
You may have the rest of your life planned out. Good for you! You know what John Lennon said about that? “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” He was a wise guy, in a good way. The point is, you may move. Maybe you’re planning on being a snow-bird, spending half the year in a warmer climate. It doesn’t matter with a virtual advisor! I am always on the other screen no matter if you met me in Traverse City, but you now live in Florida!
Working with a Virtual Financial Advisor allows You a Better chance To Find “The One”:
One of my favorite articles that I have written was titled: “Sultry 5’7” Advisor Looking For “The One.” You see, I’m pretty picky about the kind of clients I take on. My ideal client is someone who has spent some time in the field of education, (teachers are my specialty, after all), who wants to learn about how to plan/manage a retirement unique to their situation, and wants to have a good time doing it! Wouldn’t it be nice to find “The One” for you as well? It is very possible that there is not a virtual financial advisor specializing in educators in your proximity. The advice given to your girlfriend who retired from her work in the auto industry should not be the same advice given to you. In fact, it shouldn’t be the same as another retired educator!
Everyone’s situation is different, and finding an advisor who speaks your language is crucial. Using a virtual advisor does not let geography get in the way. Isn’t that great?
So, as we adapt to our “new normal,” just know conducting business virtually is very normal for me. If you’d like to save time and money, going the virtual route could be a good option for you. If you’d like your advisor (literally) at your finger tips, no matter where you are, this option is very appealing. And, if you’d like a “specialist” when dealing with educator’s retirement, well what can I say? Maybe you too have found “The One.” Let’s chat…and you don’t even need to drive to see me or clean your kitchen before I get there ?
