As human beings, we tend to move the goal posts on ourselves. For instance, we would often rather starting a healthier diet or new workout routine tomorrow instead of today (and as we enter the holiday season it gets pretty easy to wait until January). When it comes to our finances, this inclination to wait is very common. We tell ourselves we will wait until we are closer to retirement, until we are making more money, or we put our kids through college. While this series highlights how the priorities at each stage in life will change, it also shows that just getting started with a planning process can go a long way to making the next stage in life better for ourselves and our family.

This series was created around the conversations we have with clients every day. Here is the short version: life can get pretty complicated! People are starting careers. They are starting families. They are buying, selling, and starting businesses. They are changing jobs to pursue their interests. They are building and buying homes and helping take care of their parents or grandparents. At every stage in life we are faced with major life decisions. A good financial planning process allows you to become more financially resilient so you can think clearly and make the right decisions for you and your family.

This point by Shane Parrish from his book “Clear Thinking” is not related to financial planning, but it perfectly captures what a good planning process should do at every stage in life: “The greatest aid to judgment is starting from a good position. A good position allows you to think clearly rather than be forced by circumstances into a decision.” Regardless of where we are in life, there is never a perfect time to get started. However, we can all improve our financial positioning by doing one thing that is squarely under our control today: getting started.

As we wrap up this annual series, we would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on how we can improve it. In case you missed any of the installments, please explore each article from this seriers here: 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s , 60’s, 70’s & Beyond

Disclosures