“It’s never too early to start saving for the future.” It’s the hallmark phrase of financial planning and a mantra revived by a slow-recovering economy. Pundits decree what’s hot and what’s not, urge you to do this or that, but your financial future ultimately comes down to what you want.

Now is the time to assess your situation, set goals and lay ground rules for establishing a realistic financial plan. And that’s where Oscar Peccorini comes in.

“The turn in the economy has forced us to take a look at our spending and pinch our pennies,” said Peccorni of American National Insurance Company in Brentwood. “People are re-evaluating their finances and looking to save wherever possible, and it’s a good time to step back and set the stage for a strong foundation for a sound financial future.”

Peccorini’s partner Nic Mutulo agrees: “Our generation isn’t a saving generation. We come from buy-now, pay-later mindset. But in the down economy, we’re starting to look at how we spend and how we save. What we do is look at your entire financial picture and help you find the best strategy to achieve your financial goals.”

The first step in that process is a fact-finding assessment. Peccorini and Mutulo take a “helicopter approach” to look at every facet of your financial situation. They look for areas where you may be investing too much money, such as car insurance, and areas where you aren’t investing enough, such as homeowner’s insurance.

Once a road map of your finances has been laid out, an agent at American National Insurance Company hosts a financial planning workshop to go over potential strategies for achieving your goals. The workshop isn’t client-specific, but a general overview of ways you can invest – and protect your investments.

Finally, Peccorini and Mutulo offer recommendations. That’s right. Up to this point, no fees have been charged and no contracts have been signed. These consulting services are complimentary.

“We’re not trying to sell you a product,” Peccorini said. “We serve as consultants to get you thinking about your financial future. We offer the analysis free of charge. If you end up signing with us, great, but at the very least we’ve educated you about how to prepare for the future.

“We’re willing to put in the sweat equity at the ground level to help establish trust because we care about your income and what’s going to happen to you. Clients value that approach, and we get most of our business from referrals.”

Peccorini said the most is important part is for you to be invested in your future and committed to making the changes that help you reach your goals. While he and Mutulo can’t wave a magic wand to make your financial future crystal clear, they offer a strategy to help you invest in yourself.

As representatives of an insurance company, the agents put together a basic contract without all the financial planning consultation, but Peccorini encourages clients to consider doing so.

American National Insurance Company is located at 325 Town Centre Terrace, Suite D in Brentwood. For more information, call Peccorini at 925-684-7055 or Mutulo at 925-684-1001.