Throughout your 30s and 40s, financial planning is a big topic. From human resources meetings at work to information at the bank, everywhere you’re bombarded with information about savings accounts, 401Ks, Roth retirement accounts, etc. That’s the stage in life where you want to make sure you’re putting enough money away in your retirement account so that when you finally get to the age you can retire from work, you’re able to live the lifestyle you’d been dreaming of. For some people that means travel. For others it means starting a new hobby. For still others, it might mean having security and long-term health insurance to remain independent.

Whatever your retirement goals, you want to be sure you have the money set aside to afford them, and to live comfortably in the style you prefer. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to financial planning after retirement:

• Remember to adjust for inflation. You may think you have enough saved up, but the cost of living is always on the rise. Don’t neglect that when deciding how much money to use each year.
• Go over your will and estate plan every year. Things change, especially in families. You’ll want to make sure your will reflects any changes such as divorce or death.
• Think about long-term care insurance. It’s not a topic most of us want to plan for, but it’s important to be prepared. Did you know that long-term care insurance will cover at-home care as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities?
• Protect yourself and your money by being aware of scams. Phishing and telemarketing scams, as well as Medicaid/health insurance scams target seniors. Being aware of what these are can help protect your assets.

Financial advisors are a great resource to help with financial planning in your pre-retirement years. But the need for their help doesn’t go away just because you’ve saved the money and retired. Sure, the money’s now there to do what you’ve dreamed of. But you want to make sure it will last. And you want to make sure you have what you need to live comfortably and independently for many years to come. That’s why it’s important to continue to work with a financial planner.

At Piedmont Home Care, we often see clients who rely on family members or friends for financial advice. This can be great in some instances, but with many issues you might want professional advice to make sure your financial future is secure.

If you’re looking for a financial advisor for yourself or your loved ones, here are a few things to keep in mind:

– Look for someone who is experienced with advising retirees and planning for long-term care needs.
– Talk with them or conduct a short interview to make sure you can communicate well and have good rapport. Financial decisions can be emotional, so it’s important to trust your advisor.
– Ask potential advisors what services they provide and what their approach generally is, to make sure their values line up with yours.
– Ask about fees and whether they have a minimum net worth or income requirements.

For help finding a financial planner, check out these sites:

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. This site has a locater tool, plus tips for financial planning. Veterans Beneficiary Financial Planning.