Here are some fundamental financial questions you should ask yourself, depending on your age. If you need any help in answering them, you can contact me and arrange a meeting to discuss them. 

Questions you should ask in your 20s and 30s 

• How do I get comfortable and educated about investing? 
• My employer offers a workplace retirement plan; how much salary do I need to put away for my future? 
• If I marry, should I keep my finances separate from my spouse’s?
• Can I afford to be a stay-at-home parent for a while? 
• Will that hurt my career and my future financial security? 

Your 20s and 30s are critical years for saving toward your retirement. Starting to save as early as possible allows your money the greatest amount of time to compound – which is perhaps the most crucial factor in accumulating enough to retire comfortably. 

Questions you should ask in your 40s and 50s 

• At this stage of my financial life, I think I could benefit from working with a financial adviser. How do I find one I can trust? 
• How can I put aside money for my child’s education while still saving for my own retirement? 
• My marriage is uncertain – are there any financial moves I should make right now, just in case?
• What’s the best way to care for my elderly parents without jeopardizing my own financial security? 

During your 40s and 50s, life is racing ahead, both personally and professionally. You may be married, raising a family, managing household finances, saving for university tuition, paying a mortgage, and maintaining a demanding career. So how can you best plan for potential needs later in life and take advantage of opportunities to advance your progress toward your life goals? 

Questions you should ask in your 60s & Beyond 

• Could it help me financially to continue working past the traditional retirement age? 
• When should I apply to receive my state pension? 
• Should I consider my future health care costs when planning my retirement? 
• What if my partner passes away? 
• How can I help ensure that I’ll be financially secure as I move forward alone? 

At this stage, perhaps you’re eyeing retirement, exploring the world, spending time with grandchildren, pursuing hobbies, starting your own small business, or getting involved in philanthropic endeavours that help you give back and find meaning.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.