Written by Mike Milligan, CFP^®, MBA, Relationship Manager, AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust

Marketing efforts by major financial firms have left many to wonder, “Do relationships matter anymore?” Most investment plans and financial solutions are generic, meant for the masses as firms attempt to stay out of litigation.

While markets are going up, as they have since the last major market crash of 2008 (despite a few corrections), interest rates continue to remain low. Meanwhile, the app store on your cell phone makes the use of technology to do your investing, along with “robo” planning, readily available

Well, the easy answer is: History tends to repeat itself.  At some point, markets will decline, interest rates will rise, and when they do, wouldn’t it be nice to have a Relationship Manager by your side to help you with your financial planning and investing strategies?

You should want someone with the ability to help you coordinate between your accountant and attorney to ensure your overall plan is harmonious. Individuals are generally becoming increasingly less trusting of financial professionals because of high fees, commissions, and lack of communication. During these trying bear markets, you will need assistance from trusted individuals who put your needs first. This is where an AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust Relationship Manager becomes crucial. As a fiduciary, a Relationship Manager is obligated to act in accordance with your best interests as they coordinate with your other trusted professionals.

Here are the top 5 ways an AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust Relationship Manager can help you:

1. Assist you in defining your goals and make it a priority to help you achieve them.
2. Develop a financial plan that specifies how to execute your goals.
3. Perform a risk assessment and invest appropriately so you can sleep well at night.
4. Create customized investment plans focused on your goals.
5. Provide on-going communication to ensure that your plan’s execution is carried out as defined.

AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust has a team of professionals who make your financial objectives their number one priority.  The team delivers this service to our members through Relationship Managers. We are your resource to bring the full financial strength and intelligence of our firm to create, guide, and monitor you along the way. Most important, as a state-chartered trust company, we are a fiduciary. We must always make your best interests our top priority.

Let us help.  We offer a complimentary portfolio review of your current investments in order to determine if they are in line with your long term goals and objectives.  We also are always available to tailor a financial plan for you using our team-based financial planning approach.  Finally, we can offer first-class technology to you for view your wealth in one central, secure location online.  Contact me today to discuss how we can partner with you in your journey to develop, implement, execute, and maintain a solid financial plan.