It’s almost 2026. At the moment, we’re writing this in the thick of busy holiday schedules, but we know the quiet winter months of January and February are just around the corner. We find that in those meetings towards the beginning of the year, a lot of reflection happens. There is one question in particular that we consistently encourage you to revisit individually and with your families.
“Have any of our priorities changed?”
Watch: Nick’s Take On Rediscovering Priorities in Retirement
When we begin the planning process, we always begin with what’s most important to us. That ties in our core values, our long-term goals, and the things we want to accomplish along the way. We build the plan, and we move forward.
That’s why it’s so important to revisit that first question from time to time. Life changes, and as we move through seasons of life, we have the freedom to change with it. That’s why we stop and ask if what was most important when we started our plan is still most important. Sometimes that answer changes, and it’s helpful to know. We don’t want to be prioritizing things financially that aren’t the priority anymore.
As we are in the busiest time of year with the holiday season, I’ll leave you with a few questions to help get your mental gears turning ahead of the strategic planning we will be doing in early 2026.
- Has our family’s definition of success changed in the last few years, both professionally and personally?
- What is a goal that seems less appealing to me now than when I first set it?
- Where do I feel the most tension between what I say I value and what I actually prioritize?
- What would my calendar look like if it reflected my true priorities—not just my commitments?
- What’s one small decision that would make the next decade easier, even if it made this year harder?
- What is one thing my future self would thank me for changing this year?
- Do we have a plan for wealth that’s over and above what we planned on?
What other questions would you add to this list? I find, personally, that even just setting aside 30 minutes with a pen and paper tends to uncover some really important observations about myself, our family, and the life we are building.
You have the freedom to grow and adapt as you move through life. As your wealth coach, we want to adapt and move with you to financially enable what’s most important to you in each season.