Lately, I’ve had the privilege to work on some exciting new projects – projects that have shown me how lucky I am to work with talented, intentional people. It’s pretty unusual to be surrounded by peers who continually push themselves to grow and feel deeply connected to our company’s purpose, but that’s exactly what we have at Wymer Brownlee. And I’m grateful.
Intention and purpose are integral to not only how we run our business but also how we work with and plan for clients. Planning with purpose means so much more than what most client-advisor relationships touch on. It’s about focusing on the WHY, instead of simply the WHAT. An intentional conversation doesn’t start with, “What income do you need during retirement?” It starts with, “What would make retirement rewarding for you?” That line of questioning guides conversations beyond clients’ financial and professional lives to explore the lifestyle and legacy they desire. It’s those factors we take into consideration when creating a financial plan, and it’s what impacts clients’ lives and fulfillment most.
Although building a purposeful financial plan is a crucial first step, your financial advisor can’t be with you every second of every day to ensure you’re staying on track. When faced with day-to-day decisions, ask yourself these five questions to remain focused on the purpose you established:
- If I do this, does it support my core values?
- What is the intended outcome?
- Can I afford it? (This isn’t simply about money but can also apply to reputation, relationships, etc.)
- Will it benefit others?
- Will I learn something that I can pass on or keep as a meaningful memory?
Questions like these help you analyze the decisions you make more effectively and understand the impact on your goals and the world around you. Most people ask these questions when making major life decisions, but it’s equally important to ask them when making everyday decisions at work or home. Keeping these questions top-of-mind makes it easier to live the purposeful and intentional life you envision.
Blog by Andrew Gaskill, Financial Services Manager.
Category: Financial Service Team, Leaders
