Submitted by Nancy J. LaPointe, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL® for Navigate Financial
I was asked at a social wine event, “What are the most important tips you have learned that people typically don’t know, but need to know?” That is a loaded question and very subjective. Basically, you are asking me 
what I think people need to know and giving me permission to get on my high horse. That sounds like fun!
1) Real Estate agents and Mortgage Brokers do not pay your mortgage, you do. Don’t buy beyond your capacity to live your day to day life well, or in a manner that compromises your future.
2) Do not nickel and dime your life away. Saving and acting to achieve meaningful goals is more valuable then instant gratification.
3) If you are still here, it’s not the end. You can, with focus and discipline, change the track you are on.
4) Compound interest is to be cherished and sought. Paying interest is to be avoided.
5) The market will always be in flux and will be volatile and that is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be beneficial when you’re in the accumulation phase, for you are buying and not selling.
6) Life insurance is not an investment. It is a tool to fulfill your commitment and financial responsibilities to those you love when you’re no longer here to do the work yourself.
7) You do not always have control of your life, so set up Plan B for the “just in case”. Disability insurance and long term care insurance help take care of you when you can no longer provide for yourself and your loved ones or you need assistance. Accidents and illnesses happen. You are not immune. Your choice is to provide yourself with a parachute or not. You don’t choose if the airplane has an issue.
Nancy LaPointe is a financial advisor located at Navigate Financial, 4520 Intelco Loop SE, Suite 1D, Lacey WA 98503. She offers securities and advisory services as an Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. She can be reached at 360-628-8175. This communication is strictly intended for individual residing in the states of AZ, CA, GA, IA, MT, NM, OH, OR, WA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various state regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services.
