By Dan Costello
In these volatile financial markets, it’s hard to find a good investment, but I have an investment that’s guaranteed to generate an outstanding return for you. Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time and invest in Apple stock in the year 2000, but, barring that, I think the best investment you can make in 2012 is an investment in your family. It’s guaranteed.
There are many ways to invest in your family, but, as one example, I was given a great piece of advice many years ago. An older friend suggested that I take each of my children out individually once a month ― to lunch, or dinner, or to a movie. The goal: try to spend two hours, just my daughter and me, one-on-one, and give her my full attention.
I tried it. It was a great idea. Usually, we just had fun; occasionally, she actually opened up and told me about a problem she faced. My girls are both in university now, and I’m very glad that I made that investment of time in our relationship. It’s paying huge dividends today.
Another guaranteed investment in your family is having a solid financial protection plan for them. If your family depends on you financially, then you need to plan for their financial security.
We live in a rapidly aging society and without a good protection plan you can easily outlive your money. Unexpected injuries, illnesses or even death can also have serious implications on your finance. A good, well thought-out protection plan ensures you do not leave your family with a substantial financial burden that can negatively affect their future.
Let’s be frank, does anyone really want to talk about life, or death, or illness, or accidents, or disability, or outliving one’s savings? We don’t. Good professional financial planners do.
Dedicated professional financial planners are armed with extensive knowledge in all aspects of finances and are able to give you the tips you may need when you plan for your family’s financial security. These professionals will guide you through difficult subjects that you don’t want to talk about but need to.
A great investment in you family is to take two hours once a year to sit down with a professional financial planner.
Find someone knowledgeable whom you can trust, and talk about what you have and what you want. Don’t feel pressured, or obligated, but do talk about the risks you face and the options you have to protect your family’s financial future. It’s a small investment that will pay handsome returns ― guaranteed.