Yes, our minds are starting to turn to 2016! One of the first things we all think about in relation to a New Year is New Year Resolutions. Well if your financial health is not where you want it to be, a resolution that should be top of the list is to come and talk to us at Lyons Financial Services. And do this sooner rather than later if you want to see your financial health improving quickly!

How can we help you? Well first of all, we’ll spend a lot of time listening to you. We will want to understand exactly what it is that you want to achieve with your money – are you looking to get back on to an even keel, squirrel away some money for your children’s education in the future or build up a nest egg for your retirement? Maybe you simply want to make sure all will be okay financially if you are unable to work or indeed if you get sick or die prematurely.

Once we understand your financial goals, we will then want to understand where you are today in terms of your financial resources. We will need to understand your earnings and any other income, what you spend every month, what financial assets you have and also get a picture of your debts.

At this stage we then start to really earn our corn! Knowing where you are trying to get to financially and understanding where you are today, we will then develop a financial plan for you. This will set out a roadmap for you to achieve your financial goals.

Yes, this might result in some tough decisions for you as we might recommend that you need to cut right back on what you are spending on holidays and other luxury purchases. We might demonstrate that you need to be saving more for the future, that your current level of saving is simply not enough to achieve your future goals. We see our role as talking you through all the different challenges in your own roadmap.

And then we will put in place any financial products that might be needed to help you achieve your goals. These could be protection policies in case any unforeseen events occur, or a pension plan to save for your retirement.

Now you know your destination (your financial goals), your starting point (your financial situation today), you have your roadmap (your financial plan) and the vehicles to make it all happen (your policies). So let your financial journey begin!

However this is just the start of the journey and we won’t just send you on your way alone. We will want to meet you year after year to review your progress towards your financial goals. At that stage, we will adjust your plan as needed, and even tweak some of the policies as needed. And finally when you reach your financial objectives, our job is done! So why not start 2016 on the right footing and meet us to get your own financial journey underway? Now there’s one New Year Resolution really worth considering!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user 401(K) 2012