Create Realistic Resolutions that you can stick to. Set Specific Goals and Get Motivated
According to a recent Investopedia survey, the "Top Financial Resolutions for Americans in 2025" are:
Saving More Money
Paying Down Debt
Spending Less
Establish Financial Goals To Build Wealth in 2025
Are you unsure of your 2025 financial objectives? It's time to make a decision. However, which financial objectives can help you move more quickly from your current situation to your desired future state?
Establish Reasonable Financial Objectives
It is very important to write a plan of what you would like to accomplish.
Unrealistic Goals are self defeating. Set only goals that can be achieved and be specific on how you hope to accomplish the task. Also, TRACK YOUR PROGRESS!
Start here for free "Let's Make a Plan":
The Time To Begin Is Now
This may be the most important step of all. For years I've encountered people who wont start because they feel that they don't have enough money. That is just an excuse. You simply have to begin where you are!
Increase Your Worth
This is a great time to review all of your savings, investment, annuities, structured settlements and things that provide growth to your net worth. On the fixed income side of your portfolio be sure that you are keeping up with current market conditions. You may well be missing out on high paying opportunities. The same goes for your Stock Investments. Are they performing well compared to the overall market?
Akin Investments, Charleston, South Carolina Financial Objectives: Strengthen Retirement Assets
Are you maxing out your yearly contributions? Remember, 2025 Retirement Plan Limits Increased. Are you taking full advantage of the matching contributions from your employer?
Get Rid of Credit Card Debt
Take a very hard look at all debt an eliminate as much as possible. In the end you'll have much more investment capital and savings dollars.
Other Sound Financial Objectives
Always consider the time value of money. Review your overall financial picture to be sure you are receiving the best values for insurance, mortgage interest and the overall cost of money.
Must Have Documents
Everyone needs to have at least the very basics covered. No matter how poor they feel. Some have even inquired about a simple do-it-yourself option to help them get started on their own. Now days you can't even see a Doctor or go to the Emergency Room of your local hospital without being asked "do you have a "Durable Power of Attorney" or "Health Care Directive". A Will is also very important. Choose your executors, trustees or other representatives carefully. Make sure the contact information for them is up to date. Review all accounts and insurance policies and name your beneficiaries.
Research the documents that you need for free:
What are the Benefits of Working With A Financial Advisor?
With over 39 years as a registered investment professional I began my career in the early 80s. After working with two major wall street investment companies. In the fall of 2015 I began the process of setting up my own independent firm. January of 2016 my registration was approved in South Carolina.
My business model is different. I don’t sell any financial or insurance products. I never take custody of client funds or securities. I offer true fiduciary advice with no inherent conflicts of interest. My services are custom tailored to each specific clients need.
Registered Investment Advisors, are fiduciaries, meaning your interests always come first. You will have a continuing relationship with your RIA. An RIA must register with the SEC or state securities regulator, depending upon the assets under management.
Financial Planners help individuals and corporations meet their short and long term financial goals. Services include asset allocation, estate planning, tax planning, retirement and more.
There are several methods by which you might pay an investment advisor, including a fixed fee, an hourly fee, or a percentage of the value of assets managed.
A woman using her computer to research financial advisors, employing the best resource for informed financial decision-making. What factors should a potential client consider when shopping around for a financial advisor?
There are two main categories of professionals who can help you: the Stockbroker and the Registered Investment Advisor. They differ in two ways, A) their level of responsibility to you and B) how they get paid. A stockbroker is an employee at a financial firm who is paid a commission based on what you invest. They are a sales person. The investments they sell you must be appropriate at the time of recommendation but they have no further, on-going responsibility to you.
Begin with a search of the firm and it's representatives with FINRA's BrokerCheck! BrokerCheck is a free tool from FINRA that can help you research the professional backgrounds of investment professionals, brokerage firms and investment adviser firms.
How should a potential client evaluate the fees charged by financial advisors?
Potential clients should always check the Advisors ADV Part 2 A & B Firm Brochure. This is a legal document required by FINRA and the firms appropriate regulatory authority. The level of service is important. Robo Advisors are cheeper but service is limited. Human Financial Advisors. Many different types of specialists focus on helping you reach financial goals. Finding a fee-only financial planner gives you a good combination of specialized training and no conflicts of interest.
The median financial advisor fee is about 1% (Akin Investment is 0.89%) of the assets managed for you, although some charge by the hour or have a set rate per service. Some require a minimum balance, such as $250,000 (Akin Investments has NO Minimum) in assets to manage. Good when: You want specialized services like estate planning; you’re about to make a big life change, like retiring or getting married; your situation is complex.
BrokerCheck
Begin with a search of the firm and it's representatives with FINRA's BrokerCheck!
About BrokerCheck
BrokerCheck is a free tool from FINRA that can help you research the professional backgrounds of investment professionals, brokerage firms and investment adviser firms.
Firm Profile: Akin Investments, llc CRD# 281450
Individuale Profile: Stephen Herbert Akin CRD# 1104380
39 Years in the business
Where BrokerCheck Information Comes From
Both brokerage firms and individuals must be registered with FINRA to conduct securities transactions and business with the investing public. Individuals might also be required to meet state registration requirements. Additionally, firms must meet certain membership standards to attain registration. The information about brokerage firms and associated registered investment professionals that you find in BrokerCheck comes from the Central Registration Depository (CRD®), which is the securities industry online registration and licensing database. Information in CRD is obtained through forms that investment professionals, brokerage firms and regulators complete as part of the securities industry registration process.
The information about investment adviser firms and representatives comes from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) database.
Set yourself up for Success in 2025
Take the next step, schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
Asset and Cash Management Solutions
