5 mistakes that can torpedo your client's finances

Neglecting to consider all the options.

Savvy investors use different kinds of investments to satisfy different financial needs. Don’t neglect the full array of available investments. Relying only on stocks, bonds and cash puts you at a disadvantage.

Failing to account for investment costs and tax ramifications.

Investing isn’t free. Usually, there is some sort of fee attached and those fees can gnaw away at your returns. Taxes can, too. Before long, what looked to be a nice return can devolve into a minimal, break-even or losing proposition. Don’t diminish the importance of investment costs because they diminish your wealth. You need to take time to learn about the costs that are applied to each type of investment.

Spending all that comes in.

Too many people let their income level set the ceiling on how much they spend each month. Such spendthrift habits leave people living paycheck to paycheck and when the inevitable emergency arises – a car repair, a medical bill – the bank account is short and they need to take on debt just to survive until the next payday.

Your budget, not your income, should dictate spending limits. If you don’t have a monthly budget – and many people don’t – now is a good time to create one. Just make sure the amount you budget to spend is less than your net income, and then stick to your budget. Otherwise, you’ll soon creep into the realm of deficit spending, a place best avoided.

Trying to go it alone.

Most people, whether they want to admit it or not, need investment advice. Without reliable guidance, they can end up lost in the financial jungle and succumb to numerous hazards that await the unwary. You need someone who understands all the upsides and all the pitfalls. But not all investment advice is equal, either. The person you choose should be both skilled and trustworthy and should always put your interests first.