In an effort to inspire clients and prospective clients to action in the realm of financial planning, we see an endless stream of commercials featuring exotic golf courses, beaches, sailboats, and marine mammals. Words like “hopes,” “dreams,” and “passions,” are often invoked. And for the smaller subset of people in this world who regularly use these terms, such a reference might be helpful.
But what about the rest of us?
In reality, many of these words fall on deaf ears because of a lack of resonance—because they seem a bit more sensational than the reality we’re pursuing. Even common phrases like “estate planning” and “wealth management” can feel distant to people with millions in assets because they still don’t feel like the words “estate” and “wealth” really apply to them.
Heck, even some of the most common words referenced in financial planning—like “values” and “goals”—aren’t exactly everyday language for most.
That’s why we talk so much about intention.
It’s less ethereal and more concrete. It’s active, but not overt. It might include loftier hopes, dreams, and goals, and it is definitely infused with purpose—but it is also practical.
Let’s be clear: There is nothing wrong with hopes, dreams, and passions featuring boast-worthy travel and lavish experiences. But it may be that your foremost intentions are a bit more down to earth:
- Your idea of an ideal retirement might simply be living near grandkids and having the time to go to their events.
- You might want to craft a meaningful existence without having to clock in or log in.
- You may just seek financial independence so that you’re working because you want to, not because you have to.
- You may be considering downsizing your geographic footprint so you can upsize your lifestyle.
- You could enjoy travel but prefer regional day trips.
Yes, if you wake up ready to re-write your personal mission statement and pursue your dreams and passions, we speak that language, too, and will use it to fuel your financial planning. If you have a goal to sail around the world or play 126 holes of golf per week, we’ll work to help make that a reality.
But don’t let these ready-for-TV aspirations stop you from living with intention. Our Intentional Planning System is designed to help you discern and articulate what’s most important in life—whatever that is—and activate those intentions through a deliberate planning process.