Relocating? How to Move Your Financial Plan with You

When was the last time you moved? Whether it was last week or you’ve lived in your home for decades, you likely have an idea of how difficult moving to a new place can be. In addition to preparing and the move itself, getting settled in a new location — whether across town or across the country — can involve its own share of culture shock.

That means, whether you’re moving for work or pleasure, you have a lot to consider. From packing and changing your address to setting up new accounts with your utility companies and settling in, relocating requires planning. Of course, moving can also be expensive — and that by itself can require financial planning.

From weighing the pros and cons of relocation to making the move and settling into a new home, consider the following before, during, and after your move.

Pre-move

If you’re just starting to weigh the pros and cons of relocating, where can you begin? There’s so much to think of and do!

— Do you have emergency funds in an accessible savings account you can use to assist with the move?

— Will you be keeping the same job in your new location? Whether you are or not, will your income level change?

— If moving to a new city or state, how will your income compare to the cost of living in the area?

— What could a move look like next year when you do this year’s taxes?

— If your employer is offering you a new opportunity in a new location, will they offer relocation assistance or temporary housing?

— If you’ll be leaving your job, will your next one offer a benefits package?

— Are you selling your home?

– Do you plan to own — and pay property tax on — the home you have now and the home you’ll be buying in your new location?

– If you choose to own two homes, will you rent out your current home to create a revenue stream? If so, will you be managing the property or hiring a property management company?

– If you’ll own two homes but not rent one out, will you hire caretakers or travel to your first home regularly for upkeep?

– Whether choosing to keep or sell your first home, do you have funds available to purchase a second home?

– Are or will funds for your new home purchase be available while your first home is still on the market? If not, will you temporarily be renting in your new location until your home sells?

Decision made

If you’ve made the decision to relocate, what do you need to seriously consider at this point? Add these financial planning steps to your moving to-do list.

— Adjust your goal planning based on your soon-to-be new salary, cost of living, benefits, and other relocation-related financial changes.

— Add money to emergency funds to support your move if necessary.

— If you’re changing jobs, consider what you will do with your former employer’s retirement plan, including what it will look like logistically and in terms of fees.

— Gather your financial documents. Whether you use EverPlans or keep a handy list of your documents, be sure to track and keep them safe as you move.

Settling in

After the move, getting used to a new way of life can take some time. The amount of time you spend commuting could change, you may have to travel further for groceries, or your new homeowner association may have different regulations. No matter the number and magnitude of those changes, however, one constant should remain: your financial plan. Your goals may remain the same or change entirely due to your relocation but, in the end, proper planning will keep you on track.

Have you begun or will you be interviewing financial planners in your new location to find the best fit? Whether you’ll be in a long-distance advisory relationship or are looking for someone new, meet with your financial planner as you begin relocation considerations to prepare for all possible circumstances surrounding your move.