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

  • The Rising Price of Crude Oil and Gasoline

    The Rising Price of Crude Oil and Gasoline

    March 22, 2022
    What should consumers and investors expect beyond March 2022? The oil market has been uncertain for several reasons. This article looks into factors that affect the price of oil, resulting in gasoline price changes. Add to that all of the products beyond the pump that contain crude oil and you get a better picture of how the cost of energy affects virtually every aspect of the economy.
    Read this Article
  • Tips for Leaving Inheritance to Family

    Tips for Leaving Inheritance to Family

    October 17, 2023
    What happens when you leave what’s probably one of your biggest investments – your individual retirement plan? You worked hard to save for your golden years. When you leave behind what money might remain to a family member, make sure you think about potential disruptions and have a plan before that time.
    Read this Article
  • In the Heat of Summer, Remember Your Resolutions?

    In the Heat of Summer - Remember Your Resolutions?

    June 26, 2024
    Now is a good time to check-in and see how you’re really doing with your New Year’s resolutions. Here are some key issues that you might have thought about for your to-do list at the beginning of the year. But now the year is nearly half gone and those things are just as important now. You still have time to cross them off your list.
    Read this Article
  • Investing Can Feel Turbulent

    Investing Can Feel Turbulent

    September 20, 2022
    After a big July for stocks, August was a bit disappointing at -4.1% even though historically the average return after “best months” is 1.1%. This month’s Student of the Market looks at those type of U.S. Stock Market ups and downs from a historical point of view, offering some relief to turbulent feelings by looking at the big picture.
    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