Financial planning in its essence is intentionality and action. Goals that are too vague such as “saving for retirement” are not sufficient to make meaningful quantitative and qualitative decisions. And planning for the future also means living NOW. The journey of the present makes all life stages, including retirement, that much more fulfilling. Fabulous memories encourage the making of more adventures as we journey through life stages that lead us to the summits of joys and valleys of challenges.

My daughter and I recently went on a bucket list adventure to Iceland celebrating the completion of my CFP ® certification and her graduation from the University of Kansas in Finance and Accounting and the start of her career at Ernst & Young. We have both been dialed into our career goals these last several years. And now it was time to lock into the joy of the achievements we accomplished. The beautiful pause and reward of this epic trip together was priceless.

Often, we default to a mindset of “I can’t wait until” or “when…then…” both of which negate the joy of the present.

• I can’t wait for the kids to be older.
• I can’t wait to have a job.
• I can’t wait for vacation.
• I can’t wait until I’m healthy.
• I can’t wait to retire.

OR

• When I have the time, then I’ll take some time off.
• When life is less busy, then we can enjoy a vacation.
• When things slow down, then I’ll start a healthy lifestyle.
• When I retire, then I will enjoy my free time.

Planning can require delayed gratification to be sure, but it is not about all or nothing. It’s about being consistent both with our time and money. For finances that means having an adequate cash reserve for unexpected large expenses, having appropriate allocations on investments for short- and long-term goals, mitigating life risks with insurance, and adequately saving for retirement and adventures.

We must also be as intentional with our time and health. Both are precious commodities. That means purposefully scheduling time off, enforcing boundaries for work life balance, and being as committed and concrete with scheduled leisure and health activities as work endeavors.

At Syverson Strege, we practice goal based financial planning, not just wealth accumulation. We have in-depth conversations with our clients to ensure we understand their unique dreams, goals, and purpose of money. We then create concrete strategies and a comprehensive financial plan to achieve those goals in life’s earning years, at retirement, and at death. The time is NOW to bring joy, intentionality, and fulfillment of a life well lived.

When is the last time you have taken the opportunity to review your finances and time? Do they currently align with your joys, dreams, goals, and desires? How much should you be saving to achieve your short- and long-term goals? What are your top priorities? What is your financial independence or full retirement goal?

Successful financial planning and deliberate dreams are the foundations of a life of no regrets. Life challenges happen and outstanding joys occur. Both offer opportunities to make intentional choices to maximize joy in the present and move us toward the future we desire.

To receive a complimentary consultation to assist you in answering these questions, feel free to call us at 515-225-6000 or visit us online.