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

  • What's Driving the Market

    Podcast Highlight - Answering Client Questions: What’s up with the Recession?

    March 13, 2023
    There’s been a moving definition over the last year and a half about what a Recession is and whether we’re in one. The team talks about what most analysts they respect are saying and some suggestions on how you can prepare for heading into a recession in 2023, in ways similar to how the East coast prepares for a hurricane.
    Read this Article
  • April Student of the Market

    April 29, 2025
    The first quarter of 2025 was very different from 2024, with international equities leading the way. How are the US “Mag 7” expected to perform going forward? Let’s take a look! In other news, is it a good time to buy? Finally, stock and bond correlations are changing.
    Read this Article
  • Womens History Month

    Celebrating Women’s History Month with Hetty

    March 24, 2021
    Hetty Green was easily the richest woman in the world during her lifetime. This article takes a look at her life and investing philosophy.
    Read this Article
  • Planning Your Exercise & Your Financial Fitness

    Planning Your Exercise & Financial Fitness

    June 28, 2022
    Most people don’t prepare to invest and that’s a big mistake. Using the analogy of getting physically fit, this article explores ways that you can prepare for financial uncertainty in much the same way you spend your energy to prepare your body for the stress of a fitness goal or staying active and healthy into your golden years. Preparation matters.
    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