New Year, New Wealth

Now is the time to prioritize your finances and investments!

Resolutions work to inspire individuals and those around them with trackable goals to better themselves. From new fitness commitments to learning a new skill, many find the beginning of the year to be the perfect time to start anew.

Becoming financially fit should be prioritized, as it is key to your success and a healthy financial future. During this time of year, you may have received a bonus or cash gifts, and it’s worth planning to put some of that money to good use. With wealth management services, you can get on the path to becoming financially fit in 2022 and start building your wealth for a better future.

We spoke with two experts on Amerant Bank’s Wealth Management team to get the breakdown on why you should start your journey now, and here is what they had to say:

The Basics

There are three different areas that make up wealth management at Amerant Bank: investments, preferred banking and trusts.

Investments

According to Leslie Bavaro, Domestic Wealth Management Manager at Amerant Bank, Investments is the most popular wealth management offering Amerant customers access. “It’s important to cater to all kinds of customers, and our platforms, like Amerant Smart Investing, are great for beginners who aren’t as familiar with investing,” she says. “We also have typical brokerage/advisory offerings for more seasoned investors, who prefer face-to-face meetings and curated investment portfolios.” Whether you’re just getting started or experienced, there’s an investment option for everyone.

Preferred Banking

Everyone banks, but which account is right for you? There are plenty of options to choose from, but in wealth management it’s important to assess current and long-term needs and benefits when picking one for you. “We offer the full-scope of wealth management banking products with the added benefit of having a personal relationship manager,” adds Pedro Parra, Amerant Bank’s Head of Wealth Management & International Banking. “Having a personal relationship with your manager is important to ensure you’re working towards your financial goals.”

Trusts

Finally, trust services are a great option for those who are looking to protect their wealth and families in the long run. Investing in services like on-and-offshore trusts, escrow accounts and life insurance trusts give you peace of mind and set up success for your most important asset: your loved ones.

Tips for Managing Your Wealth

So, with all the above information at your disposal, why would you choose to begin your wealth management journey now vs. later? The answer is right under your nose.

“The beginning of the year is so critical to many people as there’s money in motion,” says Parra. “Those who are eligible for bonuses will earn one sometime in the first quarter.” Engaging with a wealth management planner right from the beginning is key to make as much use of the moving money as possible.

If you’re a tenured wealth management customer, you’re already aware of these factors that make Q1 the optimal time to take the plunge, but for new, perhaps even timid investors who are more apprehensive about this, it’s also important to be aware that, as Bavaro states, “wealth management is not just for the wealthy.”

“With Amerant Smart Investing, somebody can start with as little as $5,000,” Bavaro continues. “Wealth management is for everybody and anybody who is interested in growing their money.”

So, if you’re ready to get started, Parra’s biggest recommendation is to carve out the time to meet with a wealth management planner sooner rather than later. “Treat it like a doctor’s appointment and make the commitment,” he says.

Lastly, it never hurts to come into a planning meeting with an advisor prepared. Do some research ahead of time. Mark key goals or milestones you want to hit. There are so many sources of information at customers’ disposal, and services like Amerant Smart Investing provide data in the palm of your hands.

Whether you’re a new or existing customer, you can start investing in your future today. Visit amerantbank.com/wealth-management.