Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.

Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.

Financial planning perspective on life milestones | Money Matters

By Robert Toomey

My daughter recently graduated from a master’s program at a university in Texas. My wife and I attended the ceremony and made a car trip out of it, visiting the Grand Canyon and other national parks along the way.

Her graduation was a great milestone for both her and us. The trip got me reflecting on planning, how my daughter planned for it, and the importance of planning in successfully achieving milestones in life.

For a person graduating from any program of learning, there must be planning on both the student’s part and, in many cases, the parents’ or guardian’s part. Many planning questions and assumptions go into making the decision to embark on an intense study program. On the part of the student, of course, questions are focused on desirability of a career, personal strengths, which school may have the optimal program, or what resources and course of study are best to achieve the desired outcome.

On the parent or guardian’s part, some key questions might be: What counsel can I give my child in choosing this path? How might we best harbor financial and non-financial resources to support the person in this endeavor?

Is there a tie-in to financial planning in this type of planning? I would say very much so.

In financial planning, we take all we know about a person’s or family’s finances and financial resources and help them develop the best roadmap for achieving their financial goals. As planners, we very often run an education analysis for our clients with young children. Advance preparation in estimating the cost of future education for a child and establishing a savings program to fund those expenses is not only a critical part of a younger family’s financial goals, but also goes a long way in reducing the stresses and concerns of funding future education expenses.

Successfully achieving major milestones in life takes planning. Take retirement for example. Isn’t being prepared the best and least stressful way to arrive at this milestone? There is no better way in my mind to be prepared for any major life objective than to plan well for it.

From a planning perspective, I would view these “milestones” as goals which, in many cases, need financial resources to accomplish. A comprehensive financial plan takes into consideration a multitude of elements that are necessary in achieving many major life milestones and, most importantly, provides the client with important insights into the best ways to accomplish the goal or multiple goals.

Whether it be for education, retirement, estate planning, or other life goals, usually there is a financial component involved which can be analyzed and understood in a way that not only enhances the probability of success, but also reduces risk and stress in achieving the desired outcome.

Robert Toomey, CFA/CFP, is Vice President of Research for S. R. Schill & Associates on Mercer Island.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

t
FAA closes Kent-based Blue Origin flight mishap investigation

Agency requires company to implement 21 corrective actions before next launch

t
Kent salon owner bounces back from shop’s building fire

Wilder and Free Beauty Company sustains damage in Sept. 2 fire; seeks temporary location

t
Seattle Children’s to close downtown Kent thrift store

Kent Bargain Boutique opened 28 years ago

Dante is from the Netherlands and currently lives at Serenity Equine. He is a therapy horse who works with veterans from the Odyssey Project for Wounded Warriors. (Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing)
King County horse rescue organization falls on hard times

The Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation in Maple Valley is one of the top local horse rescues, but it’s struggling amid the aftermath of the pandemic and the increasing cost of hay. The rescue will hold a fundraising benefit Sept. 9.

File photo.
Environmental law group threatens to sue tire manufacturers over pollutants

Chemicals in tires allegedly end up in waterways and harm salmon populations.

In total, Boeing has awarded $500,000 in grants to Renton School Foundation. Photo courtesy of Renton School Foundation.
Boeing awards $250k grant to Renton School Foundation

The grant will help support mathematic development in the Renton School District

Dick’s Drive-In opened July 27 on the west side of the Commons Mall, facing Pacific Highway South. (Photo by Bruce Honda)
Order up: Dick’s Drive-In now open in Federal Way

Opened July 27 at The Commons Mall at South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South

File photo
Grant funding goes to King County hospitality businesses

Washington State Dept. of Commerce gives $79 million across the state’s hospitality sector.

t
NASA awards $35M contract to Blue Origin in Kent for solar power on the Moon

Company plans to turn Moon dust, crushed rock into solar-power systems

t
14 Kent hospitality businesses receive pandemic recovery grants

State Department of Commerce awards funds to hotels, bars, restaurants

t
Bridge Industrial buys 13-acre site in Kent for large warehouse

Property purchased for $8.5 million; site of former aluminium smelter to be cleaned up

t
Washington State Space Summit puts Kent front and center | Photos

Kent-based Blue Origin hosts NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, U.S. Sen. Cantwell and industry leaders