Do you like boating? Have you ever tried to navigate a boat without a rudder? Managing your wealth without an expert by your side is a little like that, according to the Chelsea Groton Financial Services team. It's possible, but there's no telling when the tide could shift and take you off course, or how long it might take to get you to shore.

Having a trusted Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in your corner is invaluable. Both Robert Fradette, CFP®, CLTC, ChFC and Paulette Retsinas, CFP®, CLTC of Chelsea Groton Financial Services believe in the importance of interviewing a few different potential advisors before jumping in. This is, after all, a decision that will ideally be with you for a lifetime.

How it works

Chelsea Groton Financial Services believes that a wealth advisor is more than just a financial planner, so a holistic approach to planning is taken. When interested parties contact Bob or Paulette, they will arrange to meet the prospective client, and start the conversation by inviting the client to answer questions and provide documents that reflect their financial situation. Sharing information like mortgage statements, current investments, tuition costs, and even how much money is spent on coffee each week or what the average Saturday afternoon shopping trip costs, help the team to assess their client's situation.

They also work to understand their client's short-term goals, like summer vacation and purchasing a new car; as well as long-term goals, which could include an eventual second home or a particular lifestyle in retirement. Within short- and long-term goals, they'll work with clients to identify priorities—which items are wants versus needs. And of course, they'll also get a feel for the client's affinity for risk.

Once a client's financial house is initially put into order, a full range of investment options and insurance products that could suit the client's needs is suggested. The advisors will discuss each option in-depth, and ensure the client is ultimately making their own well-informed decisions. As the marketplace looks like it may fluctuate or as a client's needs change, high-touch advisors like Bob and Paulette will contact clients to discuss options for the products they are currently investing in. Based on the outlook and potential fees associated with changing their plan, clients may decide to keep investments where they are or move them. At the end of the day, the goal is to have the client completely comfortable making a decision that works for them.

Strength in numbers

Working with a wealth management practitioner means you'll have an expert with in-depth knowledge of the marketplace on your side. The team at Chelsea Groton Financial Services views the financial success of clients as a personal success of their own. They know the money being managed is hard-earned, and the outcome of financial decisions made today could affect how you live your life tomorrow. So as you're thinking about reaching out to a wealth manager for assistance in plotting your financial course, just be sure to pick a guide who can help you navigate to shore.

About Chelsea Groton Financial Services

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC. Member FINRA / SIPC. Chelsea Groton Financial Services is a trade name of the Bank. Infinex and the Bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Infinex are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a mutually owned bank with 14 locations throughout New London County. The Bank has nearly $973 million in assets and serves businesses, individuals and families throughout Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC.