Mike Tyson famously said, “Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the face.” So why plan when things are going to change anyway? Here’s our answer.
We don’t know what tomorrow’s going to hold, but it’s helpful to explore what you have to work with and what you want to shoot for. Even though unexpected medical events, family members passing away, sudden job changes, or other things of that nature are bound to happen, the planning process can help give you direction and solid foundation for when they do. Tax brackets and investment laws might even change, but having to recalibrate your plans is still better than not having any at all.
I’ve gone through the planning process with many clients whose life situations later changed, but the value I see them get out of the planning process can be really transformational for their families. Even when life does shift, they have confidence in the foundation than their plan gives them. Things may not go exactly the way they wanted them to, but they’re able to see what direction they can go instead.
There’s also a sense of gratitude that comes from looking at the resources and situation you have during the initial planning process. Lyndon has experienced this, too, with clients who were afraid of running out of money until they were able to look objectively at their financial picture. Financial planning can help you feel more secure in your financial future, which has allowed many of his clients to put their money toward living a more fulfilling life instead of holding onto it out of fear. Many people even learn during the financial planning process that they already have enough money for the rest of their lives if they manage it and invest it correctly.
Another benefit of financial planning, even though we can’t control what happens to us, is having a plan for what actions you can take over the course of your life. This sense of direction empowers us to make the most out of the life we’re given and live more intentionally. Even though we can’t actually predict what will happen in our lives and when, the sense of direction and feeling of control that financial planning gives is immeasurable.
The first step in our financial planning process is to get together and talk (for free) about your current situation and where you’d like to be, so schedule your introductory meeting below. Let’s get planning!