Making Space to Think About the Future
Behavioral Finance | Planning Perspectives
Life moves quickly. Between work, family, friends, and staying on top of our daily responsibilities we usually focus on what’s right in front of us. It’s hard to find the time, space, and energy to think about the future when we’re juggling so much.
I was reminded of this in a recent meeting with a prospective client. I asked them if they’ve thought about what they’d like their retirement to look like. They responded with something along the lines of “that’s a great question; I haven’t given it much thought.” This type of response is common, and I could see the gears turning in their mind.
Many people come to our initial conversations expecting us to be focused on their investment portfolios and the ongoings of the market or economy. While we can speak fluently on those topics, one of the primary reasons we are so successful is we help our clients make the space to think intentionally about the future.
This is where all our client relationships start. We want to understand what is important to you and why. We help you organize, simplify, and optimize your financial life to help you define and meet your personal milestones. With that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to share thought provoking questions to consider, for wherever you are in life.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
For those in the early stages of their career and adult life…
- Are you prioritizing experiences, savings, or career growth right now?
- Have you thought about how your future needs, goals, and priorities will shift as your life evolves?
- How do you think about “wealth” beyond just money (time, health, freedom)?
- Are you clear on how much you’re spending vs saving?
- Where do you see yourself settling down long-term?
- What’s on your bucket list?
MID-CAREER/PRE-RETIREMENT
For those who are mid/late career with retirement around the corner…
- Are you living a balanced life? Enjoying today while also investing for the future.
- What would you want your ideal retirement to look like?
- Do you know how much you’ll need to maintain your current lifestyle in retirement?
- Are there people in your life that you may need to provide financial support for?
- Would you want to downsize, relocate, or travel more in future?
- Are you and your partner on the same page with what you want?
RETIREE
For those already in retirement…
- Do you feel good with the way you’re spending your time or money?
- Are you living the version of retirement you imagined?
- How are you staying socially and mentally engaged?
- What gives your life meaning and purpose today?
I’m fortunate to have the unique opportunity to work with people at various stages of life. One thing I’ve learned is how valuable it can be to pause, reflect, and think intentionally about the future.
As financial planners, part of our role is to create the space for that kind of thinking. We help our clients stay on track by simplifying their financial lives, organize accounts, manage their investments smartly, and optimize where they can be saving. The goal is to reduce the mental clutter and free up their time so they can enjoy their lives and focus on the big picture.