In my initial conversations with clients, the biggest concern is typically around retirement and knowing how much one needs to save for their desired retirement lifestyle. Determining how much you need to save for retirement is a personalized process. It depends heavily on a myriad of factors, including your current age, desired retirement age, expected expenses in retirement, inflation rates, investment returns, and more.

A financial advisor in Charlotte, or anywhere near you, such as Foundation Wealth and Tax Advisors, can play a crucial role in helping you plan for retirement. Here are the steps a financial advisor can assist you with:

1. Assessment of Current Financial Situation: A financial advisor will start by assessing your current financial situation, including income, expenses, savings, investments, and debts. They will also consider any existing retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.
2. Goal Setting: You and your advisor will discuss your retirement goals, such as when you want to retire and the kind of lifestyle you wish to maintain in retirement. These goals will help determine how much you need to save.
3. Budgeting and Expense Planning: Advisors can help you create a budget that considers your current expenses and identifies potential savings that can be redirected toward retirement savings.
4. Inflation and Investment Returns: Advisors will factor in the impact of inflation on your future expenses and estimate the returns you can expect from your investments over time.
5. Retirement Income Sources & Savings Calculations: They will help you identify potential sources of retirement income, such as Social Security, pensions, and other investments. Using the information gathered, your advisor can estimate how much you need to save for retirement to achieve your goals. This often involves complex financial modeling.
6. Investment Strategy: Advisors can recommend an investment strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance and retirement goals. This may involve diversifying your investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, or other assets.
7. Regular Monitoring: A financial advisor will regularly review your retirement plan and adjust it as necessary to keep you on track. They can also help you make decisions about when to start taking Social Security benefits and how to manage your investments in retirement.
8. Tax Efficiency: Advisors, that are also CPAs like Foundation Wealth and Tax Advisors, can help you structure your retirement savings in a tax-efficient manner, taking advantage of retirement accounts with tax benefits, like IRAs and 401(k)s.
9. Estate Planning: If necessary, they can assist with estate planning to ensure your assets are transferred efficiently to heirs or beneficiaries.

The specific role of a financial advisor may vary depending on your unique circumstances and needs. They can provide expertise, guidance, and a structured approach to help you achieve your retirement savings goals.

To find a financial advisor in Charlotte, you can start by asking for recommendations from friends and family or searching online. Look for advisors who are certified and have experience with retirement planning, such as Foundation Wealth and Tax Advisors. It's also important to interview potential advisors to ensure they understand your goals and are a good fit for your needs.