Yulian Isakov

Typically people shy away from dealing with estate planning issues as long as they can. Unfortunately, when the time comes, survivors have to make critical financial and legal decisions for which they may not be prepared.

Most people invest their money to achieve a comfortable and secure retirement, to help their children pay through college, or to make a large purchase such as a home. No matter the goals you have in your mind, you will need to have a specific plan to help you reach those goals, so when the times comes you'll know you've accumulated enough funds.

You may be already retired but you still have work to do making sure your assets are working as hard as they can for you producing the income that you need to cover your retirement living.

Even if you are completely risk-averse and no longer want to take on the risks associated with higher yielding investments, you can still use your available cash to pursue growth opportunities no just holding onto a plain cash position that you draw on and deplete quickly over time.

It's always good to have at least a basic foundation of fundamental investment knowledge whether you're a beginner to investing or working with a professional financial advisor.

Explore alternative investments such as commodities, hedge funds, mutual funds with alternative strategies, and futures to round off your portfolio.

Since the Federal Reserve's recent round of quantitative easing, developed and emerging market investment opportunities are beginning to look more attractive to U.S and foreign investors. In fact, the Fed's actions have prompted a small resurgence of confidence in economies overseas.

It is more important than ever to ask your Financial Advisor the right questions before you set forth on a path for the next years to come. When you discuss your investment goals and your portfolio with your Financial Advisor, consider asking questions that can help you understand the economic and market environment today and assess the steps you would need to take to move forward.

Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans may have various loan provisions allowing participants to take loans against their retirement savings or take withdrawals in times of hardship.

Many don't know this, but if you are currently participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as your 401(k) plan, you may not have to keep all your retirement savings locked in the employer plan and wait until you change jobs or retire to rollover your funds. With an in-service distribution, you will have more control over your retirement assets.