Can I find support to reach my goals?

Starting a new chapter in your life journey can be exciting and challenging. Whether it’s a new partnership or a separation, switching jobs or starting a new venture, a big change can shift your perspective and priorities. You don’t have to go it alone. You can find trusted partners to help guide you through it.

Core team

Loving friends and family can be great sources of support, but sometimes you need a professional. Begin with the starting lineup. Here are some key players who will have your back.

• Financial professional
  A financial professional can help you evaluate your current situation, envision your financial future and help you set realistic goals. They can also manage your investment portfolios. Learn more about the benefits of working with a financial professional and how to find one who will work for you.

• Certified public accountant (CPA)
  A CPA can do more than file your tax returns — which itself is an important job. A CPA can also keep you up to date on regulations, help you take advantage of capital gains and even losses from investing, and advise you on ongoing tax issues that can affect your bottom line. 

• Insurance agent
  A professional agent can help you build a comprehensive policy to meet all sorts of what-if situations that can impact your life, property or business. Along with explaining the pros and cons of various plans, insurance agents can help uncover ways to save by “bundling” different types of policies from a single insurer.

• Therapist or life coach
  Making big changes in your life can have financial repercussions while also taking a toll on your emotions. A variety of mental health and behavioral health professionals offer different approaches to help manage anxiety or develop better habits.

Additional recruits

Once you have your core go-to team, you can add other specialists as needed. Depending on the situation, there are other professionals who can help you create a plan, solve a problem or meet a goal.

• Real estate agent
  Life changes often involve address changes. You could be moving out as a single parent or settling down with a new partner, renting your own office space or downsizing as you approach retirement. A real estate agent can help you understand the real estate market and act as a location scout. They’ve also honed their negotiating skills, so use them to your advantage.

• Lawyers
  Legal professionals specialize in all sorts of ways to meet your needs. A divorce attorney can help navigate a new and painful process, or draft a prenup for a new marriage. A trust and estate lawyer can help you organize your finances and even plan a legacy for your children or favorite charities. A litigation attorney could represent you in a lawsuit if necessary.

• Mentor or sponsor
  If you’ve decided to follow your dreams to a new career, find someone who’s made them a reality. Reaching out to professionals in your chosen field for advice and guidance can help you understand the career demands while helping them get to know you. Expand your network and tell everyone you know about your new career goals.