5 Best Ways to Access Help for Financial Planning

Having a strong financial plan is the foundation of a secure financial future. However, creating and implementing a plan can be overwhelming. 

For those who feel lost or need guidance, there are numerous resources available for help with financial planning. 

Here are some of the best ways to access help:

Financial Advisors

Financial advisors are professionals such as Presidio Wealth Management and others who are trained to give financial advice and help individuals and families develop a financial strategy. 

They assess their client’s financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance to recommend investments, insurance, and other financial products. 

Financial advisors may charge a fee for their services, but tailored, expert advice can be worth the investment.

Online Resources

The internet has made accessing financial help much easier. Many websites offer helpful information on topics like budgeting, retirement planning, debt management, and more. 

Free online tools like calculators and budgeting apps can also be immensely helpful in organizing and planning finances.

Community Resources

Many communities offer resources for financial education and planning. Check with local credit unions, libraries, or non-profit organizations to see if there are any classes or seminars available. 

Community resources often offer free or low-cost help and can be an excellent way to connect with other people in similar situations.

Government Agencies

Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, Social Security Administration, and the Department of Labor provide a wealth of information on financial planning. They have resources to help people understand social security benefits, retirement planning, and protecting oneself from fraud.

While the information provided may not be personalized to an individual's situation, it can still be valuable in creating a strong financial foundation.

Family and Friends

Sometimes the best help can come from the people who know us best. Family and friends can offer support, guidance, and a sounding board for financial concerns. They may have gone through similar experiences or know of resources that can be helpful.

Final Thoughts

In summary, accessing help for financial planning can be a daunting task, but there are numerous resources available. 

Whether working with a financial advisor, using online tools, attending community classes, tapping into government resources, or seeking guidance from family and friends, there's no need to go it alone. 

Taking the time to create and implement a solid financial plan can lead to a brighter and more secure financial future.

Teach Yourself the Basics of Business Without the College Fees: Recommended Reading for Tech Entrepreneurs

Once you’ve found the perfect tech idea, it’s time to get under the noses of investors and learn more about the workings of the business world. Every eager tech entrepreneur must start somewhere and take some time to build their skills and knowledge. If you don’t have the cash to spend on college courses or business workshops, then we recommend an alternative cost-effective option… head to your local bookstore and hunt down the top reads for start-ups.

Why not learn from books written by well-renowned business leaders and entrepreneurs? We’ve called in the help of Where The Trade Buys, a leading supplier of display panels. Grab some inspiration from their recommended reads for entrepreneurs starting out on their business journey.

The Industries of the Future by Alec Ross

Penned by the former Senior Advisor for Innovation to Hillary Clinton during her time as Secretary of State, Alec Ross released this book in 2016 and just as relevant as it was back then. The New York Times bestseller will always ensure that you’re one step ahead and will ensure that you acquire the right information that is extremely valuable.

The books author has been influenced by some of the most powerful people in the tech industry and has even been granted access to them through his professional position. Unlike no other, you’ll learn more about the sector’s quickest advancements, including cyber security and robotics!

Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact The World by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler

If you’re launching your own business, this book should be early on your list. With two authors, two opinions and two different experiences being brought to the table, you’ll be able to understand how businesses can go from an initial idea to a multi-million-pound corporation using innovative tech such as 3D printing. 





This book understands the importance of learning from the best, and even has the secrets Richard Branson lives by which could help you when deciding on direction. From building the company itself to orchestrating impulsive campaigns, this book is great for any creative with big dreams.

The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future by Kevin Kelly

Former Executive Editor of Wired Magazine, Kevin Kelly, released this book in 2016 which forecasts the next three decades of technology. In this book, Kelly perfectly demonstrates how various technological forces will overlap, mix and co-depend on each other — something that a lot of firms aren’t thinking about already, but should be.

Within this book, you’ll be able to see how tech will continue to impact our day-to-day lives. Make sure you’re prepared for the inevitable changes and stay ahead of your competition.

How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg

Everyone’s heard of Google — even those who try and avoid technology like the plague. Written by two Google executives, this book takes us inside of the biggest firm on the planet and reveals how its been able to stay on top for so long.

By reading this book, you’ll be able to view the corporate strategy used by Google, as well as an insight to its workplace culture; this includes collaborative decision-making, management and the overall philosophy of the company. Make sure this one is on your list, especially if you want to use your creativity to push your brand forward.

Networking Like a Pro by Ivan R. Misner

If you’re new to your sector, this book will be your Bible. It’s all about networking, which is crucial when it comes to leaving your mark among industry peers. From this read, you’ll learn how to boost your knowledge and combat any challenges that could be faced.

If you want to leave a lasting impression on both your customers and competitors, you must create genuine relationships that could be beneficial in the future. With tools, templates and a results-measuring system to help you action your networking strategy and make valuable business connections.

Which book will you be reading first?

Do Multiple Bank Accounts Make Finances Easier to Manage?

It isn’t unheard of for people to open and maintain multiple bank accounts. If you want to handle your financial situation well, multiple bank accounts may be something to seriously consider. Maintaining several banks accounts at the same time can in some cases be extremely practical. It offers advantages that can simplify the handling of finances.

Multiple Bank Accounts Can Provide You with Diversification Advantages

Having multiple bank accounts can be suitable for individuals who are interested in financial diversification. People should refrain from safeguarding their assets in single spots. This can often be a major no-no. 

Note, too, that asset diversification can be advantageous to people who want to enhance the coverage they receive from federal deposit insurance plans they have in place.

Multiple Bank Accounts Can Be Suitable for Individuals Who Have Substantial Balances

If you’re equipped with any bank accounts that have comparatively substantial balances, then keeping track of multiple options may be up your alley. Putting money in different locations can sometimes be beneficial for individuals who are looking to steer clear of perhaps going beyond various insurance restrictions, too.

Multiple Bank Accounts Enable You to Distinguish between Your Checking and Savings Accounts Easily

If you’re looking into opening a savings account, you should do some research in advance. Maintaining numerous bank accounts enables individuals to keep their checking and saving accounts apart. 

It isn’t uncommon for people to access their savings accounts for purposes that have nothing to do with gathering money for later times, however. If you want to dodge that typical pitfall, getting other bank accounts can be intelligent.

Multiple Bank Accounts Can Be Terrific for People Who Struggle with Choices

Some people struggle with choices. It can be hard for some people to make choices regarding orders at dining establishments. It can be hard for some people to make choices that relate to their financial situations, too. 

If you open several bank accounts, you can test them all thoroughly. Assessing various financial institutions can help you assess quality. It can help you assess everything from representative behavior to feature convenience.

Handling finances can be a huge hassle for many people in this world. It’s something that people have to do, however. If you want to make taking care of your finances as simple as possible, you should look into maybe opening several bank accounts. Some of the savviest finance gurus around advocate the concept of keeping more than one bank account.

How To Find The Money to Pay For Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected expenses are a fact of life. From medical bills to home repairs, the one thing you can anticipate is that bills will pop up. When that happens, creative ways to find money to pay for them can mean the difference between barely skating by and moving on with life.

Yard Sales

Yard sales may not seem like a sound way to make extra money, but if you have a large quantity of unused items, selling them will add up. Some people report earnings of several hundred dollars, simply by selling the clothes and small items they no longer use.

Selling Household Items Online

There is a brisk market for unwanted household items online. Sites like Craigslist exist primarily to help you do just that and recently, localized Facebook groups have seen surges in membership as people buy, sell and trade their items among others in their communities. 

Emergency Funds

If you have an emergency fund, consider the wisdom of using it for your current unexpected expenses. Emergency funds are an excellent way to hedge against the uncertainties of life, so if you have not done so already, consider this an opportunity to start by saving even five or ten dollars per month.

Find Out if You Really Owe

You may be able to negotiate your expense. Contact the company you owe and find out if they are willing to lower the price for a cash deal or haggle on some of the costs. This can be particularly true of service and medical bills.

Refocus Priorities

When funds are short, cutting the budget in areas with some leeway, such as entertainment, dining out or clothing expenses, can give you the money now to tackle that extra expense. Cutting those areas rarely causes long term issues but can give you immediate relief with bills.

Home Equity Loans

If the expense you need to cover is higher than the other methods can help with, consider a home equity loan. This allows you to capitalize on the equity you have in your home to create a cash flow, often at very affordable interest rates.

When you look around at your assets, you will find that there is almost always a way to find money to pay for unexpected expenses. With a little creativity, you can handle a bill you did not anticipate and enjoy the satisfaction of paying off a debt.

Informational credit to The Mortgage Centre.

Staying Ahead of Financial Problems

In today’s economy, financial stability is far from a given. And as more Boomers approach retirement age, the pinch is being felt. When living on a fixed income, how can you make moves to keep yourself ahead of the game, and not having to go back to work in your retirement years?

Plan Ahead

Take a look at your monthly budget. See how much your bills equal, and how much you have coming in a month. Is it just social security or a pension? Try to put a little bit away whenever you can, and figure out what expenses you can cut out of your spending. Figure out cheap ways to go on vacations or visit your kids. There are lots of ways to cut down on travel expenses on the internet. The important thing to realize is that putting a little forethought into things can save big money in the future.

Stay Within Your Means

If planning ahead is the best way to keep you out of financial trouble, this is the easiest. Don’t spend what you don’t have. It’s just that simple. Only bringing in 500 bucks a month and relying on your savings? Don’t spend 550. Can’t pay for something with cash? Don’t pay for it with a credit card. Of course, things aren’t always so cut and dried. Sure, you’re going to need to over extend every once in a while, a home repair or a car repair. Look for senior or AARP discounts. Just make sure that if you do use credit cards, you’ll be able to pay down the balance in a timely manner.

Take a Look at Your Assets

Do you have stocks? Maybe an old 401(k)? Or a structured settlement from an accident? Keeping an eye on these assets can be a good way to stay ahead when financial instability comes nipping at your heels. Stocks are easy to sell, call a stock broker. 401(k)s have a few more rules. There are two kinds, the traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Each has different withdrawal rules. With a traditional, there are penalties if you withdraw your money too early. There are no penalties with a Roth, but you can’t withdraw until you’ve had the account for five years. If you have one, selling a structured settlement or a portion of it may be the way to go. 

 Instead of receiving your money in timed payouts, you can receive a lump sum to help you out of any financial difficulties you may find yourself in. By selling only a portion of the structured settlement, even a portion of the timed payouts, you can continue to have checks come in while also receiveing the lump sum. In retirement, every bit of income counts. Companies can help you sell your structured settlement quickly and painlessly, and all costs can come out of what ever the lump sum ends up being, so nothing has to come out of pocket. 

Just Pay Attention

This may seem like a simplified way of summing up the above points, but it cannot be overstated. Pay attention to what’s going on in your finances. If something looks out of the ordinary, follow up on it. If you see something on your bank or credit card statements doesn’t belong there, make a phone call. It’s up to you to make sure that you know what’s going on with your money. Talk to a financial manager, take time to go over your finances monthly, and you should be able to stay ahead of the game.