“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”
~ Hans Hofmann
With the proliferation of consumer options, technology and information, the complexity of our lives has grown, leading us to make less-than-ideal financial decisions as we encounter endless choices in our daily lives. People respond to this situation either by becoming overwhelmed and not making a choice, resulting in “analysis paralysis,” or by over-consuming. What can be done to deal with this complexity in order to make the right decisions for your future?
Embracing a comprehensive financial planning approach can provide you and your family with a roadmap for reaching both your financial and life goals. It starts by looking at needs and desires of your family members and building a clear vision of the future. A comprehensive plan goes beyond the numbers, providing a broader picture of your life. It gives you perspective as to where you are and what it will take to achieve your long-term goals. As a result, you gain clarity and make more informed decisions, reducing the complexity and easing the stress of daily life.
Steps for simplifying financial complexity
What do you need to do to make your life more manageable, so that you can focus on what you really want? Here are four steps that will help you move in the right direction:
- Clarify your goals: Often people talk about their goals using broad strokes rather than digging into the details. Whether you want to open a business, retire by a certain age or buy a vacation home, clarifying your goals provides motivation for staying on track. With a clear picture, you become committed to your future. Doing this also makes your decision-making more purposeful.
- Identify the path: Once you know what you want, then determine what it will take to get there. It’s important to analyze what you have and what is in line with your goals, while determining the obstacles that inhibit you from ultimately achieving them.
- Avoid the noise: With the constant stream of information from the media, it can be difficult to refrain from reacting. When you follow your plan, you are better equipped to remove the noise of the media from influencing your decisions, allowing you to make more confident choices that optimally support your current and future goals.
- Use your plan to guide your choices: Having a well-defined plan provides a financial roadmap that eases the decision-making process. You build a life that fits with your vision and focuses on what’s important while disregarding the clutter.
Having a vision of where you want to be tomorrow and having a plan for how to get there can help you simplify your financial and life decisions. Selecting the right financial advisor is essential. An advisor will guide you through this process, provide tools to keep you on track and enable you to sort through what works, what matters and what is beneficial for you and your family.
The information herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but Wealth Dimensions Group, Ltd. (“WDG”) does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Prices, opinions and estimates reflect WDG ‘s judgment on the date hereof and are subject to change at any time without notice. Any statements nonfactual in nature constitute current opinions, which are subject to change. Projections are not guaranteed and may vary significantly. Past performance is not indicative of future results.