Understanding Financial Risk

Retirement is a significant milestone for any individual or family. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and saving your nest egg so you can finally enjoy your later years and reap the rewards you’ve been working for.

Financial risk is an inevitable part of a financial plan, yet understanding and managing it effectively may significantly increase your confidence and clarity in your financial journey, particularly as you plan for retirement. A financial professional should help you navigate these risks and seek consent that you are willing and capable of taking on the appropriate levels of risk that align with your long-term goals.

In this blog, we will explore financial risk, its impact on retirement income planning, and how we help our clients assess, manage, and regularly monitor their financial risks.

What is Financial Risk?

Financial risk encompasses the possibility of losing money on an investment or not achieving your financial goals due to various uncertainties. These uncertainties can stem from market fluctuations, economic downturns, or changes in interest rates, to name a few. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Market risk refers to the potential for an investment or strategy to lose value due to broader economic forces. For instance, a recession can affect stock prices across the board. Then there's interest rate risk, which particularly impacts fixed-income investments like bonds the most. When interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds tends to fall. Inflation risk is another critical factor, where the purchasing power of your money decreases over time.

Assessing Financial Risk

Assessing risk begins with understanding your personal financial situation and your goals. This includes evaluating your current assets, income, expenses, and your retirement income objectives. A comprehensive risk assessment considers both quantitative factors, such as your financial statements, and qualitative factors, like your risk tolerance and investment preferences.

Risk tolerance is a key component in this assessment. It reflects your emotional and financial ability to withstand fluctuations in your portfolio value. Some individuals are more risk-averse, preferring more conservative investments even if they offer lower returns, while others are risk-takers who are comfortable with the volatility for the potential of higher gains. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum is crucial for crafting a plan that you can stick with over the long term.

At Sherman Private Wealth, we evaluate an individual's risk tolerance using several different methods. While we employ software for an initial assessment, we place greater emphasis on having a conversation guided by specific questions and talking points to confirm and understand our clients' feelings about risk.  This is a brief selection of the kinds of questions and talking points that we find valuable to discuss.

• How do you define financial security?

• Tell me about your best and worst investment or strategy.

• What role does your spouse or partner play in your investment decisions?

• What strategies do you have in place should a working spouse pass away?

• How did you react to market downturns in the past?

• What level of returns do you expect from your investments over the long term?

Managing Financial Risk with Planning and Investment Strategies

Once we've assessed your tolerance for risk, the next step is to manage it effectively through strategic planning and portfolio management. 

Diversification is one of the most effective strategies for managing risk. By spreading investments across various asset classes—stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities for example—we can reduce the impact of poor performance in any single asset class.

Asset allocation is closely related to diversification and involves distributing your investments among different categories based on your risk tolerance, goals, and investment horizon. 

At Sherman Private Wealth, we take a global approach to asset allocation, taking into account all of our clients' assets, including their homes, investment properties, businesses, and cash. A well-balanced balance sheet could include a combination of equities for growth, bonds for income, and possibly real estate or commodities for added diversification.

Another essential strategy is rebalancing your investments regularly. Over time, the performance of different investments will shift, potentially leading your portfolio to deviate from your intended allocation. Regular rebalancing ensures your portfolio stays aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals. This might involve selling assets that have performed well and buying those that have underperformed, ensuring a disciplined approach to maintaining your investment strategy.

Managing the risks of your financial plan is as important as managing your portfolio risk. Identifying risks and considering insurance options can help protect against potential financial losses from events like illness, death, or asset damage. By transferring risk to insurance providers, individuals can ensure their financial goals remain intact during unforeseen circumstances. Regularly reviewing and updating insurance coverage ensures it aligns with evolving financial needs, providing a strong foundation for a comprehensive financial plan.

Monitoring Financial Risk

Managing financial risk is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regularly monitoring your financial plan and investments and adjusting your strategies as needed is vital for long-term success. This includes staying informed about market conditions, economic trends, and changes in your personal circumstances that might affect your ability to take risk.

Economic indicators such as inflation rates, interest rates, and employment figures provide valuable insights into the broader economic environment. By keeping a pulse on these indicators, you can make informed decisions about your investments. Additionally, personal life events—such as a career change, marriage, or significant health issues—can alter your financial situation and risk tolerance, necessitating adjustments to your investment strategy.

At Sherman Private Wealth, we discuss these financial risk topics in our regular client review meetings to understand if any changes or further discussions are needed. When changes are needed, we help to implement the adjustments and contine to monitor going forward.

Balancing Risk and Reward

One of the most challenging aspects of financial planning is striking the right balance between risk and reward. Taking on too little risk can result in insufficient growth of your investments, jeopardizing your retirement plans. On the other hand, taking on too much risk can lead to significant losses, especially in the short term.

A crucial part of a financial professional's job is helping you navigate this delicate balance. This involves not only selecting the right financial strategies but also educating you about the potential risks and rewards associated with each choice. By understanding the trade-offs, you can make more informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.

The Role of Professional Advice

While understanding and managing financial risks can seem daunting, seeking professional advice can make the process more manageable. At Sherman Private Wealth, we bring expertise and experience to help you navigate the complexities of financial risk management. Our role involves not only assessing, managing, and monitoring risks but also educating and guiding you through the process.

By working with a financial professional, you can benefit from a personalized approach tailored to your unique financial situation and goals. A financial professional can provide valuable insights, recommend appropriate investment strategies, and offer ongoing support to ensure that your financial plan remains on track.

Moreover, a financial professional can help you stay disciplined and avoid emotional decision-making, which can often lead to suboptimal outcomes. During periods of market volatility, it’s common for investors to react impulsively, making decisions based on fear or greed. A financial professional can provide objective guidance, helping you stay focused on your long-term goals and avoid making decisions that could jeopardize your financial future.

Ready to Better Understand Your Financial Risk?

Managing financial risks is a critical component of achieving long-term financial success. By assessing potential risks, implementing effective risk management strategies, and regularly monitoring and adapting to changes, you can confidently navigate the financial world's uncertainties. Remember, financial risk management is an ongoing process that requires diligence, adaptability, and informed decision-making.

While the complexities of financial risks can be challenging, you don’t have to face them alone. We at Sherman Private Wealth stand ready to provide the expertise, guidance, and support you need to manage risks effectively and work towards your financial goals. Together, we can build a robust financial plan that not only preserves your wealth but also provides you with a retirement income stream.

In the end, managing financial risks is not just about avoiding losses but about making informed decisions that align with your goals and risk tolerance. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected and having the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. With the right approach, you can navigate the financial landscape with clarity and work toward the financial confidence you deserve.

If you’re interested in better understanding the risks you are currently taking and determining where you may need to make changes to your financial plan and investment strategies, please schedule a 15-minute introduction meeting with me to determine if our firm could be the right fit for you!