We want to talk to you about your financial health. But first, let’s consider something you’re probably already familiar with: our collective physical health in America.
In the United States, there are currently more than 20,000 prescription drugs available. Companies like Pfizer and Merck run ads regularly — the happy couple walking on the beach, the older-but-vibrant person playing tennis. Many of these products offer real, life-changing benefits. Having access to them is a remarkable thing. But access without guidance can be dangerous. That’s exactly why our lawmakers require a prescription. A doctor must understand how these medications work, how they interact with one another, and — most importantly — how they apply to your specific health situation. What helps one person can harm another. The stakes are high, and the complexity is real.
Now let’s consider your financial health. The parallels are striking.
In the United States today, there are 7,000+ mutual funds, 3,000+ ETFs, 4,000+ stocks, 10,000+ bonds, thousands of annuities, and a growing universe of alternative investments. And yes — companies like Fidelity and others run ads showing happy couples on the beach and active retirees enjoying the good life. The similarities are hard to miss.
Many of these financial products are excellent. Access to them is genuinely valuable. But unlike prescription medications, there’s no required guidance, no financial “prescription,” no gatekeeper ensuring the right product reaches the right person. You are free to self-diagnose and self-treat — buyer beware.
A good financial planner must understand not only the products themselves, but also the broader economic environment, ever-changing tax rules, the very real risks of investor behavior, and much more. It is complex, and the stakes are very high.
Here is the most important thing we want you to take away: there are approximately 100,000 Certified Financial Planners® practicing in the United States today, and we speak for all of them when we say — you do not have to navigate this alone.
Don’t let fear, procrastination, or uncertainty keep you from reaching out. We’re as close as your phone, and we’re ready to help. We are looking forward to hearing your story, getting to know your personal situation, and ultimately, we hope to help you find confidence as we address your financial health together.
Your Friends at PFG,
Aaron Puckett, MBA, CFP® | David Hemler, MS, CFP® | Paul Sorenson, CFP® | Jacob Puckett, MA, CFP®, CKA®
Call us: (410) 871-4040 | pfgplanning.com
