Clients come to see me when they want to take control of their finances. It can be because of a divorce, career change or losing a spouse. Sometimes, clients are just weary from worrying about money and ready to make a change. Regardless of the situation, we all want a sense of security in our finances. I use a framework to help clients take action, create structure and measure their progress: Choice, Control, Calm.
- Make the CHOICE to own your financial future. Know your income and expenses. The pattern of your income and expenses is your cash flow. It tells you where you stand and identifies ways to quickly improve your finances.
- Take CONTROL by putting measures in place to protect against unexpected events that threaten your income, dramatically increase your expenses or interrupt your savings progress.
- Embrace taking control of your money and the decisions around it so you can experience a sense of CALM in your personal finances.
Take action! Do these three things to see progress in your finances:
- Create a baseline to monitor your cash flow then make adjustments as life happens
- Review your insurance to make sure you have protected against possible threats to your progress
- Establish a regular pattern of savings to fund your cash reserve and your retirement
Financial planning helps us make it all work as we navigate the transitions in our lives. We may share the same dreams and goals, but the trajectory is not always the same. Looking at our finances within the context of our life events can help us stay focused so that we reach our goals.
Author: Debrah Farnell is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of H. Beck, Inc., which is not affiliated with the University of Mary Washington. Securities and investment advisory services offered through H. Beck, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. 6600 Rockledge Drive, Sixth Floor, Bethesda, MD 20817.
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