Article

Summer Reminds Us to Be Flexible

Summer Reminds Us to Be Flexible

No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Your financial plan must be adaptable too. You don’t just set it and forget it. So how does someone grasp a fast-changing world to formulate a job or career strategy, and an investment strategy to accumulate capital needed to fund their secure future?

July 16, 2023
Summer Reminds Us to Be Flexible
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

As summer heats up, it pays to take a good look at how flexible you are. When you plan for the future, you need to be adaptable. No one knows what tomorrow holds.

This is certainly true in the world of work. To some, labor merely is about a job or the lack thereof. For others, the concept of labor transcends a job. It’s about a career, economic stability for self and family, satisfaction, fulfillment, success, and a sense of mission – a calling. Consider a young person attempting to think about a future of work that may span 50 to 60 years or more. How does one grasp a fast-changing world to formulate a job or career strategy, and an investment strategy to accumulate capital needed to fund their secure future?

Don’t Be Left Behind

Have you ever participated in one of those “future think” company planning sessions? You know, the one that asks where you want the company to be 5, 10 and 15 years hence?

Recent years have taught us that the marketplace in five years could be totally different from what we’re experiencing today. If businesses do not change the plan as they go along, they could be left behind, becoming obsolete and less profitable.

Flexibility counts. Anticipating change counts, with Plan B or even C at the ready. A plan, whether a career plan, a financial plan or a life transitions plan is a road map. Every road is subject to disruption, detours, potential dead ends and rabbit trails.

Yes, you want a concept of where you will be in one, five, 10 years and beyond. But any plan must be dynamic, fluid and adaptable. You cannot set it and forget it.

The Market Isn’t Static

Every money manager has a turnover ratio, on average selling a certain percentage of stocks every year. Stock buys may disappoint and underperform. Other stocks may reach a targeted sell point and be sold in favor of a better bargain.

Asset classes may underperform or outperform in the short run and then change direction. Assumptions may appear wrong near term and turn out to be sound in the long run. Diversification is important, as crystal balls are fallible.

Review Your “What If” Plan

Everyone, whether a breadwinner, a stay-at-home parent, a retiree or an investor, should have a contingency plan to deal with personal setbacks, career reverses and market disruptions because stuff happens. Change is the only constant. Well, death and taxes, also. Have you reviewed your “what if?” plans lately?

Have you reviewed next year’s tax strategy? Already we hear of end-of-year Christmas and holiday promotions. Have you started planning for next year?

May your summer be flexible.

Other content you may like

  • NOV Student of the Market

    Historic Stock and Bond Streaks

    November 29, 2023
    Is there potentially peak pessimism for bonds? Check out past stats for losing streaks for stocks and bonds, as well as long-term bond returns and starting interest rates. Take a look to see how not all stocks within the S&P500 are the same and find the historic sweet spots for stock and bond returns during a Fed pause.
    Read this Article
  • Mid-Quarter Roundtable Highlights

    Podcast Highlight - Where We Think Things are Going in the Coming Year

    December 10, 2022
    Taking a look at their previous predictions, the team discusses inflation and rate hikes: where they went, what they’re doing now, and how they could predict that trend. Here’s what they see, in their opinion, coming in the new year.
    Read this Article
  • Strong Valley Open House

    Our Annual Open House Celebration

    March 19, 2022
    We were so pleased to celebrate our Strong Valley community on Feb. 1st with a fun Open House. Set to live music playing in the background, our clients, their families and friends along with our strategic partners, enjoyed wine tasting, a fabulous buffet and dessert in our offices. It was a great night! Thank you to everyone who came out!
    Read this Article
  • Connecting Teens to Life, Hope and Love

    Connecting Teens to Life, Hope and Love

    May 17, 2022
    Supporting local community is important to us. As an organization, we get involved as volunteers and also with donations. Read about how Strong Valley is involved in a fundraiser for Fresno/Madera YFC.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset