One of the top questions we receive as financial advisors is, “What exactly do you do and how can you help someone like me?”
If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, you’re not alone. The answer we give when we meet new people is this: financial advisors are committed to helping individuals and families set and reach their financial goals. Advisors provide value beyond investment strategies and financial advice; they are there to help clients feel more financially confident for the expected and unexpected moments of life.
Here are some specific ways you can benefit from this professional relationship:
Personalized advice
There’s no “one size fits all” financial plan. A financial advisor can help you evaluate your current circumstances to create a plan of action specific to your goals and concerns. You don’t have to achieve a certain level of wealth or have complex finances to enlist their services. Financial advisors are equipped to serve you, whether you are starting out in your career, in the middle of your working years, entering retirement or if you’re already retired.
Investment strategies, product recommendations and more
A financial advisor will suggest ways to move forward based on your short, medium and long-term financial goals. Investment strategies will vary based on your time horizon – the years ahead of you in which you have to reach your goals. Your advisor may recommend a balance of stocks, bonds and other solutions aligned to your risk tolerance. You may be advised on ways to optimize your tax situation, which can include investing in accounts that offer tax advantages, such as a Roth or traditional IRA, Health Savings Account, or 529 plan. You can expect an advisor to review insurance coverage and other solutions to strengthen your financial safety net. Lastly, your financial plan may also include tips for saving and budgeting.
Confidence in your financial decision making
A financial advisor can be a sounding board as you move through life and experience events that impact your bottom line. You can ask your advisor for input on how a job change, large expenditure or other financial commitment will affect your financial outlook. You can feel more secure about your charitable giving when it’s been incorporated into your overall plan. Together you can adjust your investment strategies to accommodate life circumstances. As a result, you will be able to make financial decisions knowing you have considered the larger picture.
Multi-generational support
A trusted financial advisor can be a resource for your entire family. Your goals may include caring for aging parents or putting kids through college. Your advisor can also educate you on a wealth of topics that impact your family’s financial wellbeing. These may include estate planning, wealth transfer, wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, trusts and beneficiary assignments. It’s never too early to introduce your adult children to your advisor and encourage them to make use of financial planning services. Financial advisors understand the values that drive you and can help instill these as your family forms their relationship to money.
Collaboration
In addition to providing consultation to you, your advisor can work directly with a tax preparer and estate attorney as needed. By keeping your advisor in the loop on tax and estate matters, you can be assured of comprehensive professional support.
Ongoing advice for your changing circumstances
Life happens. Goals change. Markets fluctuate. In a constantly changing world, a lasting relationship with a financial advisor allows you to work in tandem with a partner you trust to navigate all that life will throw your way.
Beyond wealth management: building financial confidence in the community
Hughes Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC located in Scarborough, Maine, is deeply committed to financial education in the local community. As part of this mission, they will be presenting informative seminars as guest speakers at events hosted by the Maine Adult Education Association in Scarborough and the Portland Adult Education organization. These seminars are intended for adults and are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. It’s one more way they’re helping people build confidence in their financial future.
Register for upcoming in-person seminars
The Maine Adult Education Association in Scarborough and the Portland Adult Education organization are not affiliated with Ameriprise Financial. By clicking the registration links below, you will be visiting sites that will be subject to rules, regulations, privacy and security provisions that are separate, and may differ, from Ameriprise Financial.
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 | 6 Pillars of Financial Planning
Presented by Lisa Brislin, CFP®, AAMS™, Private Wealth Advisor
Scarborough Adult Education
11 Municipal Dr., Scarborough, ME
04074
Registration Link: Scarborough Adult Education
Wednesday, Feb. 4 | Preparing for Taxes in Retirement
Presented by Jennifer Goff, CFP®, MBA, Private Wealth Advisor
Portland Adult Education
Deering High School, Room 211
370 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME
04103
Registration link: Portland Adult Education
Monday, Mar. 9 | Financial Foundation: A guide to managing your money
Presented by Lisa Brislin, CFP®, AAMS™, Private Wealth Advisor
Scarborough Adult Education
11 Municipal Dr., Scarborough, ME
04074
Registration link: Scarborough Adult Education
These are informational seminars. There is no cost or obligation.
Lisa Brislin, CFP®, AAMS™, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Hughes Wealth Advisors a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.) in Scarborough, ME. Jennifer Goff, CFP®, MBA, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Hughes Wealth Advisors a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.) in Scarborough, ME.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.
Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
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