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New Year, New Goals: How Financial Planning Software Can Help Your Clients Achieve Theirs

The new year brings out the best in all of us.

From resolutions about losing weight to getting more sleep to better time management, most of us set some lofty goals for ourselves.

One of the most impactful resolutions anyone can make is to improve their financial health.

This is where you — an experienced financial planner — can play a key role in a person’s resolution coming true.

Key Takeaways
  • Financial planning software helps clients manage their finances effectively by offering budgeting, expense tracking, investment management, and detailed financial analysis.
  • Financial planners have an opportunity to help clients reassess their financial needs and goals as we move into the new year.
  • Different types of financial software can allow clients to set specific goals and track their progress, from retirement planning software to tax and estate planning software.
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As the new year unfolds, it brings with it a sense of renewal and an opportunity for your financial clients to set fresh goals. Having the right financial planning software can be a game-changer in helping your clients achieve their resolutions and navigate their financial journeys with confidence.

Let’s look at some of the most effective financial planning tools for ringing in a year of financial success.

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Understanding Financial Planning Software

Financial planning software is designed to help individuals manage their finances more effectively.

It offers a range of features that can assist with budgeting, tracking expenses, managing investments, creating investment strategies, and planning for future financial goals.

With user-friendly interfaces and advanced analytics, these tools provide valuable insights that can help clients make informed financial decisions.

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Here are some of the benefits of good financial planning software:

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Enhanced Organization and Tracking:

Financial planning software can make a big difference in helping your clients monitor their income, their expenses, and their investments.
This level of organization can help a client stay on top of their finances and track their progress toward their goals.

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Automated Budgeting and Expense Management:

Financial planning software can make a big difference in helping your clients monitor their income, their expenses, and their investments.
This level of organization can help a client stay on top of their finances and track their progress toward their goals.

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Comprehensive Financial Analysis:

Good financial planning software can provide you with the ability to do a deeper dive into a client’s financial health and allow you to analyze their income, expenses, debts, investments, and long-term estate plans.
With tools like cash flow analysis, retirement projections, and tax optimization, clients can gain a clear picture of their financial situation and make data-driven decisions.

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Goal Setting and Progress Tracking:

Setting financial goals is crucial for achieving long-term success. Wealth management software allows clients to set specific goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house, planning for retirement, or leaving a legacy for family members through an estate.
The right software can help to track progress and provide visual representations of how close clients are to achieving these goals.

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Investment Management:

Managing investments can be complex, but financial planning software simplifies the process.
Clients can link their investment accounts, track performance, and receive personalized investment recommendations. This feature helps clients make informed investment decisions and optimize their portfolios.

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Peace of Mind through Long-Term Planning:

Good financial planning software offers peace of mind by providing clients with a comprehensive view of their financial health and a clear path toward their long-term goals. This includes essential areas such as estate planning, retirement planning, and tax planning.

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How Financial Planning Software Can Help Your Clients Achieve Their New Year’s Goals

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to save more money and/or get our budget in order.

As a financial planner, you no doubt have plenty of clients who are coming to you with new goals for their money and investments for the next calendar year.

Knowing how best to help them stick to their resolutions is a big part of your job…and your ultimate success.

Here are some strategies to consider when you have a client who is ready to put more effort into their budgeting and long-term financial plan:

#1: Review and Update Financial Goals

Encourage your clients to start the year by reviewing their client portfolios and financial goals. This is a great time to assess their progress, adjust their targets, and set new objectives. Remind them that their financial goals need to align with what’s important to them and reflect their personal values and priorities.

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#2: Create a Budget and Stick to It

Help your clients establish a realistic budget that aligns with their income and expenses.

Financial planning software can simplify this process by tracking spending patterns and providing insights. Encourage clients to review their budgets regularly and make adjustments as needed.

#3: Build an Emergency Fund

Stress the importance of having an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Advise clients to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a readily accessible account. This provides a financial safety net and reduces the reliance on credit in emergencies.

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#4: Pay Down Debt

Work with your clients to develop a debt repayment plan. Prioritize high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, and encourage clients to make extra payments whenever possible. Highlighting the long-term benefits of reducing debt can motivate clients to stay committed to their repayment plans.

#5: Maximize Retirement Contributions

Remind clients to maximize their retirement account contributions, especially if their employer offers matching contributions. Retirement planning software can help clients project their retirement needs and ensure they are on track to meet their goals.

Encourage them to take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs.

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#6: Review and Optimize Investments

Advise clients to regularly review their investments and engage in portfolio management strategies.

Financial planning software can provide personalized investment recommendations and help clients choose the right financial institutions that align with their different investment strategies while also optimizing their portfolios for better returns.

#7: Plan for Taxes

Tax planning is essential for minimizing liabilities and maximizing savings. Encourage clients to keep accurate records, take advantage of deductions and credits, and plan for tax-efficient investments.

Tax planning software can assist in identifying tax-saving opportunities and providing personalized tax advice.

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#8: Update Estate Plans

Estate planning ensures that clients’ assets are distributed according to their wishes. Advise clients to review and update their wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations annually. Estate planning software can help clients organize their estate plans and ensure all necessary documents are in place.

#9: Set Up Savings Accounts

Encourage clients to set up savings accounts to house emergency funds. Having a separate account where money can still be accessed if needed, but it’s not tied up in long-term savings is a good way to manage financial stability.

Most banks offer their customers a client portal through which they can transfer money directly from their checking account. Larger institutions often offer ways this can be done automatically. Automating savings makes it easier to consistently set aside money for future goals without the temptation to spend it.

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#10: Educate and Empower

Provide clients with educational resources to enhance their financial literacy. Understanding financial concepts and strategies empowers clients to make informed decisions and take control of their financial future.

By following these wealth management tips and tricks, your clients can start the new year with a solid financial foundation and a clear path toward achieving their financial goals.

Encourage your clients to take proactive steps, stay informed, and leverage the power of financial planning software to navigate their financial journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

Start Your Year Right with Holistiplan

Every financial planner knows that client engagement is a key part of a successful partnership. For today’s clients, this is going to mean having the right financial tools to help establish goals, analyze their progress, and determine what next steps need to be taken to get each client where they want to go.

With Holistiplan, you can start to chart that path today.

Holistiplan is a revolutionary software system that focuses on a client’s tax and estate planning needs. From helping clients optimize their tax strategies to ensuring their estate plans are up-to-date, Holistiplan provides the comprehensive support necessary for effective long-term financial planning.

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If you want to help your clients start their new year with the most comprehensive financial plan possible, reach out to Holistiplan today.

Come see why more than 8,000 other financial planners have resolved to make Holistiplan part of their holistic financial planning toolkit!

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