Investment professionals address variety of client needs

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During the long bull market of the 1990s, it wasn't all that hard to be a successful investor. But when the dot-com bubble burst and technology stocks went into an extended slump, it suddenly be-came a lot harder to navigate the investment world alone. |ret||ret||tab|

In fact, if you're going to make the right decisions in all types of markets, you'll need the help of an investment professional but that's not the only reasons to work with one.|ret||ret||tab|

Professional investment help is a plus for many reasons. Here are a few of the most common ones, courtesy of the For-um for Investor Advice:|ret||ret||tab|

Maintaining proper portfolio diversification Through the years, you may have bought some stocks here, some bonds there and some money market accounts somewhere else. But have you ever analyzed your portfolio to make sure it was properly diversified? An investment professional can help keep your assets allocated in a way that is appropriate for your individual goals, tolerance for risk and time horizon.|ret||ret||tab|

Dealing with an inheritance If you inherited a substantial sum of money, what would you do with it? Would you know the best way to invest it to help you meet your objectives? Would you know how to avoid taking a big tax hit? An investment professional, along with your tax adviser, can help you with these issues.|ret||ret||tab|

Planning for retirement You've probably already thought a bit about your retirement but have you really envisioned what it might look like? Will you spend your time traveling and pursuing hobbies, or will you do some part-time work or consulting? An investment professional can help you put a price tag on your goals and suggest investment strategies for achieving them. |ret||ret||tab|

By showing you how much you need to save and what type of return you need to earn, your investment professional can help guide you along a well-planned path toward retirement security.|ret||ret||tab|

Transferring 401(k) money When you leave your job, you'll have to decide what to do with your 401(k). You could just take the cash, but you'd have to pay income taxes, along with a possible 10 percent penalty. You could leave the money in your employer's plan, if al-lowed. Or you could roll over your 401(k) to an individual retirement ac-count or to your new employer's plan. |ret||ret||tab|

An investment professional can help you decide which move will be in your best interests.|ret||ret||tab|

For all these reasons, and many others, you'll want to work with a qualified investment professional. But don't just pick the first name you see. Ask your friends and relatives for recommendations. You may want to interview several people until you find who suits your needs. |ret||ret||tab|

Look for someone who has experience working with people like you.|ret||ret||tab|

Once you've found a good match, don't hesitate to get down to work. The sooner you start getting professional assistance, the faster progress you'll make toward your financial goals.|ret||ret||tab|

(Betty J. Neal, CFP, is an investment representative with Edward Jones.)[[In-content Ad]]