When I was growing up and my family would plan a road trip to a place we had never been to before, I remember my dad writing down directions on a piece of paper for my mom to read to him as he drove. At times, the trip went as planned and this system would work fine. However, there were times when something unexpected would occur and the handwritten directions would quickly become meaningless, causing us to stop and regroup.

Fast forward to a week and a half ago and I am driving my family home from a brief beach trip. I am in an unfamiliar area and suddenly realize that I’m off course. I need to recalibrate the directions to get us home. However, unlike when I was a kid, I have the benefit of turn-by-turn GPS and real-time traffic data to get us back on course without delay.

The juxtaposition of these two scenarios provides a very nice example of the value of having a proactive, ongoing financial planning relationship. This is one of the main reasons we are highly confident in the value of our Total Wealth Management planning service. As you walk through life, your goals and financial situation will change. Our Total Wealth Management service is designed to provide our clients with the following benefits, given the ever-changing nature of life:

• Alignment – You will live in alignment, so your values, goals and behaviors are united.
• Optimization – You will feel confident that your entire financial life is in order.
• Contentment – You will make better financial decisions and be able to freely pursue what is most important to you.

The best financial plan is one that adapts to your ever-changing circumstances and goals, so your plan remains relevant and helpful.

What about you? When have you needed to adapt your plan because of life’s changing circumstances and what was the outcome?