10 Great Reasons to Talk With Clients Now

A new year can be a fresh start for wealth managers and their clients. Opening conversations set the tone for the New Year and getting clients to focus on their finances early can help them in myriad ways.

RegentAtlantic Capital Wealth Manager Jane Newton works with the already investment savvy: senior-level women on Wall Street. But they, too, benefit from a hand with putting their “financial house in order,” according to an announcement Feb 8. Newton has developed a list of “10 must do’s,” to help her clients to achieve fiscal “fitness.” She advises clients to: “Invest in yourself early in the New Year so you can focus the rest of the year on the things that really matter to you,” according to the release.

Newton has a web site that’s dedicated to her clients and runs a “Wall Street Women Forum” –an invitational event just for this special group. But the advice Newton provides is important for both sexes.

These are among those basic planning 101 conversations that are important for every client, and because things change: tax and gift and estate laws; work and family situations, type of compensation; retirement planning; kids off to school—these are conversations advisors don’t just have once with clients.   

Newton invites clients to discuss the following: 

“Take stock of your current financial situation:” Assets, liabilities and all the details.

“Give your portfolio a checkup:" Revisit "asset allocation.”

“Minimize investment expenses to maximize what you keep” 

“Diversify away from employer-related stock”

“Minimize income taxes”

“Consider a Roth IRA Conversion” 

“Reduce and refinance your debt”

“Review your will and estate plan” 

“Protect your nest egg” 

“Check your credit history”

For details see Newton’s “New Year’s Countdown to Financial Fitness.”