When we think about financial planning, many of us immediately picture spreadsheets, graphs, and strict budgeting. But financial planning is about more than just the numbers—it’s about you and the people you love. It’s about your hopes, your dreams, and even your fears. At its core, financial planning should be driven by the things and people that matter most to you. By putting love at the forefront of financial planning, we keep the humanity in finance, ensuring that every goal, decision, and plan aligns with what’s closest to your heart.
Let’s explore how love can truly be at the heart of financial planning.
1. Your Loved Ones: The Heart of Financial Planning
Financial planning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s about more than just your individual financial situation—it’s about your family, your partner, your children, and those you care about most. When crafting a financial plan, it’s crucial to consider the well-being of those around you.
Are you saving for your children’s education? Do you want to help your parents as they age? How will your family be financially protected if something happens to you? Love motivates these questions and drives you to plan responsibly for the future.
By putting love first in your financial planning, you’re ensuring that your financial decisions align with your desire to provide, care for, and support your family. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are protected no matter what life throws your way.
2. Your Goals: Planning for What You Love to Do
Think of the things you love to do: perhaps it’s traveling the world, pursuing a creative passion, or starting a business. Financial planning is about helping you achieve the things that make life fulfilling.
When you create a financial plan that reflects what brings you joy, you’re more motivated to stick to it. Setting savings goals for the things you’re passionate about allows you to not only dream but to make those dreams a reality. Whether it’s retiring early to spend more time with family or buying a vacation home to create memories with loved ones, the emotional drive behind your financial goals is as important as the numbers.
When love is at the heart of your financial planning, your goals become more than financial objectives—they become pathways to the life you want to live.
3. Your Fears: Addressing What Worries You Most
Financial planning isn’t just about the exciting dreams and goals—it’s also about addressing the fears and uncertainties that keep you up at night. Maybe you worry about outliving your savings, dealing with unexpected medical expenses, or navigating the financial complexities of an uncertain economy.
By acknowledging and planning for the things that scare you, you take control of your future. Financial planning that is driven by love doesn’t shy away from these fears; instead, it puts protections in place to help you weather them. Whether it’s through creating an emergency fund, purchasing life insurance, or ensuring that your estate is in order, planning for the things you fear is an act of love for yourself and your family.
4. Keeping Your Dreams at the Center of the Plan
What are your deepest desires for the future? Financial planning should never lose sight of what you truly want in life. Whether your dream is to retire early, travel the world, or support charitable causes, your financial plan is a tool to make those dreams come true.
A love-driven approach to financial planning ensures that your dreams remain at the center of the conversation. We don’t just focus on the dollars and cents—we focus on the emotional connections you have with those dreams and how achieving them will enrich your life.
When we put love back into financial planning, it’s about recognizing that the financial journey isn’t only about reaching milestones, but also about ensuring you feel fulfilled and happy along the way.
5. Planning for Life’s Unexpected Turns
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Unexpected changes—both joyful and difficult—can arise at any time. From the birth of a new child to navigating divorce or widowhood, these moments shape your financial decisions in ways that no one could predict.
When you take a love-driven approach to financial planning, you prepare for life’s unexpected turns with compassion and foresight. You don’t just focus on preparing financially for these moments—you also prioritize your emotional well-being and the impact that these changes will have on those you love.
6. Keeping the “Human” in Financial Planning
In the end, financial planning isn’t just about the money. When you put love at the heart of your financial planning, it allows you to see beyond the spreadsheets and portfolio management to focus on what matters most: the human connection.
Whether it’s planning for a secure future for your children, ensuring that your spouse is cared for, or following your personal passions, financial planning should always keep your humanity front and center.
At the end of the day, financial planning done with love gives you one of the greatest gifts—knowing that you’re financially prepared for whatever life throws your way. It allows you to focus on making memories, pursuing dreams, and living a life filled with love and purpose.
Need further financial guidance?
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Donna understands first hand that life has many transitions. Having been widowed suddenly at age 40, reinventing her career, and blending her current family, she understands these unique needs and can give you clarity for moving forward!
Donna (Sephton) Kendrick, CFP®, CDFA®
This blog is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For specific professional assistance, the services of an appropriate professional should be sought.
A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
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