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

  • Crafting a Rich Life in Retirement

    July 8, 2024
    To live a rich retirement life, begin with envisioning what brings you joy and fulfillment. From there you can use these strategies to maximize the assets you have. By focusing on what matters most to you, you can combine your financial goals with a plan that works to ensure that your retirement years are not just comfortable, but truly enriched with the beauty and depth of life’s experiences.
    Read this Article
  • The Federal Reserve in front of a backdrop of the U.S. American flag

    The Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy

    August 7, 2026
    Why does the Federal Reserve get so much attention? Learn what the Fed does and how monetary policy can influence economic conditions. This article offers a helpful overview of the Fed’s role, its limits, and why its decisions often appear in financial headlines.
    Read this Article
  • A magnifying glass laying over a line chart.

    Stocks, Bonds and Taxes

    April 17, 2026
    This article provides a quick overview of differences between stocks and bonds and then describes possible tax implications for each type of asset. There are several ways to minimize the impact of taxes with gains. One key consideration is the length of time an asset is held. Read on for more!
    Read this Article
  • Ranking the Best and Worst Presidents - Part I

    Ranking the Best and Worst Presidents – Part II

    October 14, 2020
    Every four years, Washington D.C. and Wall Street converge as Americans elect a president and Wall Street tries to figure out what the outcome means for the stock and bond markets. And since so many hypotheses on this topic abound, it’s hard to keep track of them all. Part II in this series of ranking presidents might surprise you.
    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