I'm an investment guy. I can help you think about your asset allocation, the pros and cons of various investment approaches, how to locate your investments to minimize taxes, etc. I can put you on a path that, based on historical data, gives you a high probability of achieving your retirement goals with your investments. I can even direct you to blogs that will inspire you to become more frugal.
Still, EVEN WITH THE BEST LAID PLANS, YOU MAY RUN INTO BAD LUCK. I'm not talking about markets--I'm talking about health, lawsuits, and general emergencies. These will tip over the investment apple cart!
For this reason, I spend considerable time talking with clients about possible events outside the realm of direct investing. Emergency funds, managing debt, term life insurance, etc. are part of this important conversation.
Another huge pothole that can tip over the whole apple cart is a major lawsuit. Life can be going swimmingly, accounts can grow at a surprising pace, you've learned to have a lobster dinner at home along with a nice bottle of wine rather than at a posh restaurant, and a beautiful retirement can be seen on the horizon. And then, out of the clear blue, a major lawsuit pops up. Maybe someone got hurt at your house, or you were involved in a multiple car pile up. It doesn't matter. You could have someone coming after you for all you are worth. Apples start to cascade out.
Some contingencies are not easy to deal with. For example, the whole area of long-term care insurance is difficult to navigate. It is expensive, its premiums change, and it is difficult to determine how much a couple needs. Term insurance, by comparison, is fairly simple. It is inexpensive and easy to ballpark the right amount. Another relatively easy one is the potential life upending major lawsuit. What is needed is umbrella insurance. The good thing is that it is relatively inexpensive to get sufficient coverage. Here is a good article on what it is about:
Do One Thing: Buy an umbrella liability policy by Kate Ashford.
Once these cart-upsetting contingencies are dealt with, you are in a considerably better position for appropriately structured investments to get you a desirable retirement.
