Personal Finance

It probably goes without saying that most people don’t have what it takes to be a financial expert, and would rather not spend too much time watching their investments. But when it comes down to it, you can’t afford not to. A financial advisor can help monitor your expenses and your investments then match them up to meet your retirement goals and expectations.

The first step in working with a financial advisor is to visualize what your retirement might look like. This entails projecting your potential expenses as well as deciding how much annual money you’ll require to fulfill that vision. Spending time figuring out the answers to these questions is critical before any financial advisor can help you choose the proper investment balance.

The second step involves building a diversified well-rounded investment portfolio. If you have access to a company 401 (k) plan, you’ll want to contribute the maximum allowed. If you’re self-employed, an SEP-IRA plan allow you to contribute up to 25 percent of your earnings to a maximum of $40,000. Next, tackle non-retirement investments such as trust funds, brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, and the likes. A good financial advisor will help you diversify your investments and ensure that you are not investing too aggressively or passively, depending upon your age and situation. Many financial advisors argue not having more than three to five percent in any one stock and selling any money-losing investments. Finally, it is important to save as much and for as long a time period as possible. You may not think you have the extra funds, especially when you’re young, however in many cases, the right financial advisor can help you find that cash.

How Can I Find A Financial Advisor?

Finding the right financial advisor can make all the difference in the world. Of course you’ll want to find one that has proper credentials, a good reputation, and understands your situation. But beyond that, it’s important to find one who is really willing to understand your specific needs, goals, and dreams. Many financial advisors have great investment ideas, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for you. Remember, by investing properly today, you can retire in style tomorrow.

Posted on May 26, 2006 at 5:43 PM

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How Much will it Cost?

You can expect that tuition costs from an MBA run about $35- $37,000 per year. In addition to the tuition, you will require living expenses and depending upon your status, single or married, you can plan on needing $20,000 0 $25,000 in addition. In just two years, the typical length of an MBA program, you will use up about $ 110,000.00. There are several scholarships available both merit and need based. Many larger companies offer employees an MBA as a bonus to pay. These companies are investing in their futures and realize that a well educated employee will contribute more significantly to the overall development of the company, than a non- MBA and look forward to investing in their own future.

Many MBA candidates elect to continue their full time employment while pursuing their degrees. Most of the top business schools accommodate these students by offering night, weekend and on-line programs. Less than 40% of all MBA students are enrolled on a full-time basis, the majority chooses to accomplish this feat on during their own free time.

After the MBA

The people that you meet during your MBA courses will likely be some of the most influential people of your future. Many self-starters and entrepreneurs have MBAs. Using their initial employment opportunities to learn how business functions, they enter an MBA program to discover that there are better ways to do things these people will become your allies.

Whether you choose to self- finance, borrow money or are given the opportunity to get an MBA - it is well worth the financial investment.

Is it worth the investment?

Earnings (as reported by the top three universities)

SALARY	Pre- MBA	Post MBA	Annual Tuition
Northwestern	70,000	125,000	36,370
Chicago	67,000	127,000	34,400
Wharton	75,000	144,000	35,203

Posted on May 5, 2006 at 5:32 PM

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