Financial situation changed due to COVID? Professional advice can help

The pandemic's effects can be felt in many ways. If you aren't sure how to move forward, a financial professional can help.
By Brad Hearn, president of Retail Advice and Solutions.

After almost two years, the pandemic has brought major life changes, clouding the path to a stable retirement for many individuals. Americans are struggling with key decisions on investments and estate planning strategies, according to a recent Hearts & Wallets report, while the National Institute for Retirement Security says more than half of millennials and Gen Xers are more worried about their retirement security than before COVID hit.

Add in significant changes in the employment market, with women being disproportionately more affected than men and unprecedented numbers of workers taking part in the "Great Resignation," along with continued market volatility, and it's no wonder retirement security feels unattainable for many.

But there is hope. Making some smart money moves right now can get you on solid footing for your retirement. Don't know where to start? Professional advice - whether from a local financial professional or one offered through your workplace, a phone-based or virtual financial professional, or even digital advice tools - can help.

Where to start depends on your personal goals and how the pandemic may have impacted your progress. Here's what to consider:

If you quit your job as part of the Great Resignation …
… You'll need to make sure the career change doesn't derail your retirement plan. Think twice before cashing out of your previous workplace retirement plan, which can cost you big in taxes and penalties. Once you've landed in your next role, opt into the workplace retirement plan as soon as you're eligible, contributing at least enough to get an employer match - more if you can. And carefully consider the options for your old 401(k) or similar savings plan.

If your new plan provides access to professional advice, take advantage of it. Or consider speaking to someone outside of the workplace who can provide you advice based on your entire situation.

If you put off milestones, such as buying a house or getting married during the pandemic …
… It's time to get back on track, but be careful not to overspend to make up for lost time. A financial professional can help look at your current financial picture to create a financial strategy that will help you reach both your short- and long-term goals, or readjust them, as needed.

For newlywed (or soon-to-be-married) couples, a financial professional can serve as a third party to help you set financial goals and navigate the sometimes tricky waters of combining - or not combining - your finances as you begin building a life together and planning for the future. Financial professionals can also help you make sure you're adequately protecting yourself from a variety of risks.

If you want advice but aren't ready for an in-person meeting …
... The virtual environment provides you with a wonderful opportunity to redefine how you would like to interact with your future financial professional. Many workers have come to appreciate the hybrid or completely remote work environment during the pandemic. Consider a professional advice model where you can engage by phone to talk about retirement planning or other financial challenges you're facing.

If stimulus checks and a less-active social life have boosted your savings account …
… You'll want to make sure you're reviewing and making progress on your financial goals. If you've paid down debt, have built adequate emergency savings and are maxing out your retirement savings, you may want to look at your financial wish list - maybe starting a business, buying a second home or retiring early. Either way, you may also want to put your extra cash in savings into investments that match your goals.

Unsure what to do first? If all you need is investing guidance, digital tools can be a good place to start. Try using our calculator, and be sure to check out Kiplinger's resource center page. A financial professional can help you prioritize and achieve your goals and, if appropriate, help you allocate your investments.

If COVID forced you into retirement …
… Professional advice can help you stretch your nest egg as far as possible. Financial professionals can work with you to determine your best withdrawal strategy, after factoring in the size of your retirement savings, the types of accounts you have (taxable or non-taxable), Social Security and other income sources, and your expenses. They can also talk to you about whether it makes sense to consider working part time or using a guaranteed income product to ensure you never run out of money in retirement.

Remember, regardless of how you arrived at your current situation, taking the right steps now can help you feel confident that a financially secure retirement is in your future. Start today with getting the advice you need.

Editor's note: This article first appeared on Kiplinger.com

Sourcing:
Study: Americans Emerge from Pandemic in Need of Financial Advice
5 Ways COVID-19 Has Affected Women's Financial Planning | Kiplinger

The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ.

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