One of the great benefits of technology is being able to interact virtually with experts. I’ve been taking “virtual” private lessons on the penny whistle (or Irish whistle, if you prefer) from Blayne Chastain in Greeley, CO. I’m in northeast Indiana and would have to drive at least an hour (if I’m lucky) to find a local whistle teacher.
If you need retirement planning help and don’t have a local financial planner/advisor you feel comfortable working with, perhaps a virtual relationship is the answer. Between e-mail, Skype, and phone calls, I can do pretty much the same work for my clients online compared to meeting in person. Just because you may not have a local retirement planning advisor doesn’t mean you have to go without; a virtual arrangement may be just the ticket.
(PS. As you can tell from the start of the video, I’ve got a ways yet to go on becoming a better whistle player. But it’s not a bad start after working about a week or so with Blayne. If you are into the Irish whistle or flute, check out his web site at blaynechastain.com!)
At first glance it may seem strange that you would relate your whistle teacher to financial planning but you’re actually quite right. Whenever there is money involved – whether it be investments, retirement funds, 401K – you need to be able to trust your financial planner. Technology has now made it possible for us to communicate in real time even though the parties are on both ends of the country or halfway around the world. A virtual financial planner whom you trust and will work for your best interests is worth all those telecommunications expenses.