Did you ever go into a store looking for a new computer, get drawn in by a salesman and come out with a combination of equipment that you have no idea how to work or even if you needed the bells and whistles you paid for?
You probably listened to the guy spout off terms you'd never heard of, and didn't even know what questions were appropriate to ask- because, let's face it, you want the thing to work when you plug it in, not conk out when you really need it, and not require umpteen calls to technical support where you're on hold longer than you talk to a live person. Then the person is probably from an overseas country where labor is cheaper and they don't always have a great command of the English language or the ability to solve your problem.
You wonder if you paid too much, got what you were promised, made the right choice, and might have gotten a better price if you'd only waited another week or month for the prices to drop. I've been right there with you.
I know it's the same iffy feeling for some of my clients when they first approach me to see if they have an option to hold onto their capital gains. They have to start somewhere, but how do they know they've come to the right place?
This is an honest query, because when you are not familiar with new, often complex concepts, it's difficult to know if you're being given the straight story.
This is the perfect case where building a good, solid rapport and first offering education without requiring any commitment is the only way to go.
My weekly teleclasses give callers the chance to listen to capital gains saving concepts presented as an overview. Although examples are given for illustrative purposes, no specific advice is given. First, you must be made aware of what strategies exist.
The "Interview with the Pros" package provides a comprehensive introduction to the different types of specialists you may need to guide you to the best decision. With this knowledge you can choose a competent professional to assist you in making the correct choice for your unique situation. If you feel comfortable with the individuals in the series, you can employ them to work for you as well.
The whole thing keeps coming back to the same principles.
1. Educate yourself on the options available to you.
2. Give yourself time to plan and get comfortable with your decision.
3. Choose competent professionals with your best interest at heart
4. Take appropriate action when it can make a huge difference in your financial future. Don't wait until your choices are taken away from you. It is up to you to safeguard your financial future, as well as that of those you care for.
Paula Straub
askpaula@savegainstax.com
