One of our most popular New Year's resolutions is to stay fit and healthy, and it makes total sense. After a few weeks of letting ourselves go on carbolicious treats, we all want to reel it in a bit. Whether we make a plan to go to the gym, try a new sport, or eat healthier, staying fit involves a lot more than just the physical. It requires perseverance and accountability in a variety of categories. One dimension of fitness often overlooked is financial fitness. This is the feeling of security, peace of mind, and being on track to achieve your aspirations. It means knowing that you'll be debt-free by May, or having enough saved up to make that destination wedding a reality. One company, LearnVest, is a financial fitness trainer that can help every step of the way.
LearnVest is a different kind of online financial planner that leverages LearnVest planners and Investment Advisor Representatives (FINRA Series 65) to provide a personalized and comprehensive plan to help you clear your financial hurdles. Their premium product allows you to set goals, whether they be to dig out of credit card debt, or establish a reliable retirement fund. LearnVest works with all kinds of people to evaluate their current financial snapshot, establish a step-by-step, custom-built plan, and give specific directives to accomplish their goals within a realistic timeline.
The first step to dip your toe in is to take advantage of LearnVest's free online budgeting tools. Even logging onto their website can be enough to get inspired. With educational resources and blog posts, you'll be able to get a clearer idea of some of the top financial terms that most people need guidance on. Financial confidence starts with organization.
If you're in need of more guidance, that's where the premium service comes in. You can talk to a LearnVest financial planner about your dreams and goals. Think of it like a consultation with a physical trainer, who will ask you what you want to tone and how much you want to lose. The financial planner will then send you a detailed and personalized financial plan which dissects the three segments that impact financial health the most: credit cards, an emergency fund, and retirement. They give you specific options that describe different scenarios of increasing your savings versus decreasing your flex spending. You can then see projections of how much you could have saved for items such as down payments, credit card debt, and your retirement funds. You can also see a snapshot of your current finances, which includes your asset to debt ratio and net worth. From there, you'll get specific recommendations about which accounts to contribute to, if you can afford to quit your job, and if you're ready to afford a vacation.
The best part about LearnVest is that it's affordable and accessible. With 24-hour email access to your planner, quarterly check-ins, and a checklist and goal calendar, you'll have the tools you need to hold yourself accountable and manage your progress. You'll get a pay down order for credit cards, a debt-free date, and recommendations on whether you can afford that mortgage for your dream house, and if you can't, how to get there.
Fitness isn't just about the physical, it's about achieving confidence and health in all aspects of life. You don't have to do it alone. LearnVest is here to help train you for financial success.
Update: Follow this link to learn more about LearnVest and sign up for their free online tools.
LearnVest Planning Services is a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of LearnVest, Inc. that provides financial plans for its clients. Information shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Please consult a financial adviser for advice specific to your financial situation. LearnVest, Inc. is wholly owned by NM Planning, LLC, a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.