It’s amazing how closely our expectations of something can dictate how pleased we are with it. Whether it’s a service, product, or experience, your initial level of expectation will play a big role in your overall satisfaction. So what can you do to make sure your expectations for retirement are realistic?
One of the easiest ways to eliminate unrealistic expectations is to do your homework. The Internet has made it super easy to research almost anything. From company websites to consumer reviews, you can get a better understanding of your subject matter by spending a little time online.
Another thing you can do is create a list of questions to ask before making a final decision. The more specific you get with your questions, the less you leave to chance. Let’s say you had a leak in your shower and were going to hire a plumber to make the repair. Besides the price of the job, you would probably also want to know if the repair would include returning your shower to its original condition, or if it will be necessary to bring in a different contractor to fix the wall and replace the tile. Without getting that question answered, you could be setting yourself up for a disappointing outcome.
The same thorough vetting process should hold true when selecting a financial advisor. You should discuss the expectations you would have as one of their clients and see if it matches up to their service deliverables. Even something as simple as how frequently you’d like to be communicated with could make a big difference in your level of satisfaction. An important decision like selecting a financial advisor isn’t something to take lightly, so make sure to do your homework.
Having thoughtful discussions about goals and expectations is something we do early on in our process. Offering complimentary, no-obligation meetings is a great way for us to learn about your needs, and it helps in our quest to always exceed your expectations. These meetings should be about more than money; they should be about uncovering what’s important to you. So make sure you’re sitting across the table from someone who understands that and takes the time to get to know you.
A simple lesson that was passed down to me many years ago and still guides me today was, “Say what you do and do what you say.” When you find someone who lives by that philosophy, chances are your expectations and overall satisfaction will be closely aligned.
