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

  • Stocks Lose Money for the 26th Time

    Don't Judge Diversification on Feelings

    January 29, 2023
    Focusing on what happened in 2022, this Student of the Market shows an overview of last year’s performance compared to similar years in the market’s history. This may be a window into the possibilities for 2023 and the future of Federal Reserve rate hikes. Also a look at the numbers showing that even though portfolio diversification works, it doesn’t always feel good.
    Read this Article
  • Inflation Steadily on the Decline

    Inflation Steadily on the Decline

    May 1, 2023
    In this recap of March, Strong Valley team members Chris Conner, Kyle Trippel and Jason Rankin discuss the larger context of the recent bank failures; how dramatic rate increases played a part and how the market reacted. Could interest rate cuts be on the horizon? They also delve into the newly enacted Secure Act 2.0, touching some of the high points affecting retirement vehicles.
    Read this Article
  • Understanding Interest Rates and Your Financial Situation

    Understanding Interest Rates and Your Financial Situation

    January 18, 2022
    There is a lot of speculation going on in the news lately about the Fed raising the interest rates in 2022 or 2023. This quick read reviews the basic concept of interest rates, to help you understand how changing interest rates may affect your saving and borrowing habits.
    Read this Article
  • Charitable Ideas for What to Do With Your Money

    Charitable Ideas for What to Do With Your Money

    October 7, 2021
    Giving away some of your money is a great way to support the people and organizations you love. But there are smart ways to do it, minimizing your taxes and avoiding pitfalls along the way. This article is full of useful information. Learn from the great givers and let your advisor be your sounding board.
    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