Healthier benchmarks

WHERE DO YOU ‘THINK’ YOU SHOULD BE?

Reflecting on our progress is something we all do, but often without knowing it. Whether we’re aware of it or not, several times a day, we measure ourselves against something or someone—be it our past self, others, or some societal ideal. Whether it’s consciously deciding to check in on our progress, or doing so unconsciously, benchmarks are always being set.

These benchmarks could be internal or external, and they serve as a gauge of how well we’re doing. And while there’s a place for both, it’s important to consider where we are dropping our anchor.

Think of yourself as a boat on the open water. You can’t always stay anchored in one spot, but sometimes it’s important to drop anchor for stability. It’s the same with how we measure our progress. We need to set benchmarks that reflect where we’re at in the present, but also allow space for growth and movement. Just like the tide, our progress should be flexible and responsive, not static.

When it comes to growth—whether in your finances, personal life, or career—it’s often healthier to focus on internal benchmarks. Internal benchmarks are the personal standards you set for yourself based on your own values, goals, and aspirations. It’s not about comparing yourself to others, but recognising how far you’ve come. External benchmarks, such as comparing your progress to others, can be helpful for some light perspective, but they can also leave us feeling frustrated or discouraged if we’re not where we “think” we should be.

Take the world of finance as an example. Let’s say you compare the performance of your portfolio against a stock market index or the success of a financial influencer. These external benchmarks are fine for reference, but if you base your sense of success solely on these metrics, it can lead to disheartenment. For someone like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, billions in earnings or the sale of a company might be just another day at the office, but for most people, such achievements would be life-changing. If you measure your progress against others’ success, you’re missing the bigger picture of your own journey and unique goals.

Now, think back to the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. If we had only relied on our internal benchmarks, we might have felt overwhelmed by the sudden shift in our lives, believing we weren’t “performing” as expected. But by considering the external context—the worldwide crisis that affected nearly everyone—we were able to adjust our expectations and take stock of how far we’d come despite the challenges.

And let’s not forget how easy it is to be swayed by the success stories we see around us. Social media, news, and even friends and family can present a curated view of success, leaving out the behind-the-scenes struggles, setbacks, and failures. We tend to see the final achievements, not the daily grind it took to get there, which can distort our own sense of progress. It’s important to remember that behind every success story, there’s usually a lot of hard work and resilience that goes unseen.

So, when it comes to measuring your growth, take a step back and remember that a balanced approach is key. Internal benchmarks—those tied to your own personal goals and values—should be your primary reference point. Use external benchmarks as a lighter guide, but don’t let them define your progress. With this approach, you’ll gain a more grounded and fulfilling perspective on how far you’ve come, and more importantly, how far you’re capable of going.

Roadblocks and reflections

Life is full of roadblocks. They come in many forms: an unexpected expense, a career setback, a strained relationship, or even just a sense of stagnation. At first glance, these challenges can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even unfair. But what if we stopped seeing roadblocks as something meant to halt our progress and instead viewed them as opportunities to pause, reflect, and redirect?

Every obstacle we encounter forces us to ask important questions: Am I on the right path? Am I pursuing what truly matters? What is this roadblock trying to teach me? Often, the roadblocks that seem to hold us back are the very catalysts for growth we need to move forward—but only if we’re willing to reflect on them with an open mind.

Are You Reacting or Reflecting?

When we hit a roadblock, our first instinct is often to react. We rush to fix the problem or find a way around it as quickly as possible. But reacting without reflection can lead us down the same unproductive path, over and over again. Albert Einstein famously said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” To truly overcome challenges, we need to step back, gain perspective, and reconsider our approach.

Financially, this might look like an unexpected expense throwing your budget into chaos. Do you simply patch the hole with a quick fix, like taking on high-interest debt? Or do you use the moment as a chance to evaluate your spending habits and build an emergency fund?

Reflection transforms a short-term inconvenience into a long-term improvement.

The Gift of Perspective

Roadblocks often highlight areas of our lives that need attention. Maybe a career setback reveals that we’ve been ignoring our true passions. Or perhaps an unexpected financial hurdle reminds us of the importance of saving and planning for the future. These challenges, while uncomfortable, offer valuable perspective. They encourage us to focus not just on where we are, but on where we truly want to go.

Take a moment to think about the last time you faced a roadblock. How did it make you feel? More importantly, what did it teach you? Reflection doesn’t just help us solve problems; it helps us understand ourselves better.

It helps us identify patterns in our behaviour and make intentional choices to break free from them.

Turning Roadblocks into Stepping Stones

The key to turning a roadblock into a stepping stone lies in our mindset. It’s about seeing challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. This doesn’t mean the process will be easy—growth rarely is. But by embracing roadblocks as part of our journey, rather than interruptions to it, we allow ourselves to keep moving forward with purpose.

In financial planning, this mindset shift is particularly powerful. A bad investment, an unexpected job loss, or a period of market volatility can feel like insurmountable obstacles. But each of these moments offers a chance to reassess, realign, and rebuild. Maybe it’s time to revisit your budget, diversify your investments, or reevaluate your long-term goals. Reflection doesn’t just help you navigate challenges—it helps you emerge from them stronger and more focused than before.

Roadblocks will always be part of life, but they don’t have to define it. With reflection, they can become the stepping stones that lead you toward a more intentional, purpose-driven future. The road ahead may not always be smooth, but with the right mindset, it will always be worth travelling.

Sign that Will!

A will might not seem like the most exciting thing on your pre-vacation checklist, but it’s arguably one of the most important.

Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” It’s a confronting, yet profound reminder that planning for the inevitable is just part of living a well-considered life. And yet, when it comes to writing and signing a will, many of us are guilty of procrastination, perhaps hoping that avoiding the topic will delay its necessity.

But here’s a thought: imagine heading off on a long-awaited holiday without having secured one of the most crucial documents of your life. You’ve packed the sunscreen, booked the rental car, and double-checked your hotel reservations—but have you ensured your financial and personal affairs are in order?

Holidays are a time of joy, relaxation, and adventure. But let’s face it, travel—whether it’s by car, plane, or camel—comes with risks. While the odds of anything going wrong are incredibly slim, life’s unpredictability is the very reason why having a will is a cornerstone of responsible planning. A will is your way of saying, “I’ve thought about this. I care about the people I love, and I’ve taken steps to make things easier for them.”

Yet, so many people avoid the process entirely. In fact, studies show that more than half of adults globally don’t have a valid will. Why? For some, it’s the discomfort of confronting mortality. For others, it’s the misconception that estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy.

But here’s the truth: having a will isn’t about wealth; it’s about clarity, fairness, and ensuring that your wishes are respected, no matter what.

Think of it as a gift

Writing a will isn’t morbid—it’s practical. In many ways, it’s a gift to your loved ones. Without a will, decisions about your estate could be left to courts or legal systems, creating unnecessary stress and potential conflict among your family and friends. Having a will ensures that your assets, responsibilities, and even sentimental belongings are distributed according to your intentions.

But let’s not stop there. A comprehensive will can also outline guardianship for children, instructions for pets, and preferences for medical care or funeral arrangements. It’s a roadmap for your loved ones, giving them peace of mind during what would undoubtedly be a challenging time.

Mark Twain also said, “Plan for the future because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” Having a will in place isn’t just about being prepared for the unexpected—it’s about lightening the mental load so you can truly enjoy the life you’re living right now, including those well-earned holidays.

So, as you prepare for your next adventure, remember that planning for life’s uncertainties is the ultimate act of responsibility—and love. By ensuring your will is signed before you go, you’re not just protecting your assets; you’re giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind.

Now, go enjoy that holiday—knowing you’ve already taken care of one of life’s most important to-dos. Safe travels!

Dealing with loss when everyone else is celebrating

Holidays and special occasions often bring with them the joy of celebration, the warmth of shared moments, and the comfort of togetherness. Yet, for many, they also highlight the quiet ache of loss. Whether it’s the empty chair at the dinner table, the sting of a recent job loss, or the ongoing battle with a serious illness, these moments can magnify pain that is otherwise neatly tucked away in the everyday busyness of life.

Dr. Susan David’s words resonate deeply: “When we move from sympathy to empathy to compassion, we bring action to our intention. Being action-oriented doesn’t mean rushing in to fix. It can be holding space. Allowing for pain. Choosing to actively see. Instead of standing across the person in pain, we stand with them.”

Turning toward, not away, applies not only to how we support others but also to how we navigate our own pain and challenges, especially during times of emotional or financial stress. The inclination to avoid or ignore the difficult aspects of our lives is natural. Yet, true resilience is built when we face those challenges head-on with compassion and purpose, and this holds true when it comes to financial planning as well.

Consider the emotional and financial strain of losing a job. The initial instinct may be to shut down, to avoid facing the realities of altered finances and uncertain futures. However, turning towards the situation means acknowledging the immediate pain, understanding the new financial landscape, and beginning to map out a way forward.

This doesn’t mean fixing everything at once; it could mean reaching out to a financial planner for guidance, seeking emotional support from loved ones, or giving oneself permission to pause and regroup.

The same is true for other life-altering situations, such as dealing with a serious illness or grieving the loss of a loved one. These moments often come with unexpected expenses, shifts in financial priorities, and emotional upheaval that can cloud decision-making. During these times, financial planning might seem secondary, but it’s essential. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating a sense of security that allows space for healing.

Empathy in action is acknowledging that it’s okay not to have all the answers immediately. Financial planners can play an invaluable role by holding space for clients, not just as professionals guiding numbers on a spreadsheet, but as partners who stand with them in their time of need. This approach transforms financial planning from a transactional service to a relationship built on trust and compassion. It’s about helping people make informed choices, even when faced with life’s greatest uncertainties.

As we approach these special seasons that can stir both joy and sorrow, let’s remind ourselves that financial planning is not solely about wealth accumulation. It’s about creating a life that holds space for all of our experiences—the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s about having a plan that adapts when life doesn’t go as planned and knowing that we have the support we need to navigate whatever comes our way.

So, this season, whether you are celebrating or simply making it through, remember that turning towards your situation with empathy and compassion—both for yourself and those around you—can be the first step toward healing, stability, and a more secure tomorrow.

Ready for a financial health checkup?

Have you ever noticed how similar financial wellness is to physical health? Just as we visit doctors for regular check-ups, perhaps it’s time for a different kind of examination – one that focuses on your financial health!

Let’s step into this unique doctor’s office together.

Patient History

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
– Occasional (or frequent) money anxiety
– A strong desire for financial certainty
– Dreams of a comfortable retirement that seem just out of reach
– A tendency to react emotionally to market headlines
– Late-night worrying about financial decisions

Diagnosis

First, the good news: You’re perfectly normal. These symptoms are common to almost everyone who cares about their financial future. Being concerned about money doesn’t mean something’s wrong – it means you’re human.

But just like physical health, acknowledging these symptoms is the first step toward improving your financial wellness.

Treatment Plan

Preventive Care

Think of budgeting and expense tracking as your financial exercise routine. Just as regular physical activity keeps your body healthy, maintaining awareness of your spending habits strengthens your financial fitness. It’s not about restriction – it’s about making intentional choices that align with your values and goals.

Digital Detox

Just as we limit our intake of junk food, consider a diet from negative financial news. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to market drama and economic doom-scrolling can be toxic to your financial peace of mind.

Stress Management

Market volatility is like weather – it’s going to happen whether we like it or not. Instead of reacting to every market movement, develop resilience through long-term thinking and a well-structured financial plan.

Regular Check-ups

Schedule annual financial reviews, just as you would regular health check-ups. Use these moments to reflect on your progress, adjust your strategy, and ensure you’re still moving toward your goals.

Prescription for Long-term Financial Health

Think of this as your daily financial vitamin regime:

Morning Dose:
– Pay yourself first through automatic savings
– Focus on what you can control
– Maintain a long-term perspective

Afternoon Boost:
– Diversify your investments globally
– Keep your investment costs low
– Stay committed to your strategy

Evening Reflection:
– Review your protection against life’s surprises
– Ensure your estate planning is up to date
– Check that your financial decisions align with your values

Side Effects to Watch For:
– FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when others brag about investment wins
– Anxiety during market downturns
– Temptation to time the market
– Urge to follow the latest investment fad

Remember: Just as crash diets don’t lead to lasting health, get-rich-quick schemes rarely result in sustainable wealth. The path to financial wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.

Follow-up Care

Regular check-ins with your financial planner are like visiting your doctor – they help catch potential issues before they become problems and keep you on track toward your goals.

The Prognosis

With proper care and attention, your financial health can thrive. Like physical wellness, financial wellness isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress and consistency.

Remember, everyone’s financial health journey is unique. What works for others might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is finding a sustainable approach that aligns with your values and goals.

Note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered specific financial advice. Just as you wouldn’t diagnose a medical condition from a blog post, please consult with qualified financial professionals for advice tailored to your situation.

Echo chambers and our money

Have you ever noticed how a conversation with people who share your views can make you feel more strongly about what you already believe? Legal scholar Cass Sunstein captured this phenomenon perfectly when he observed, “What we know is if you get groups of like-minded people together, they tend to end up thinking a more extreme version of what they thought before they started to talk.”

This observation isn’t just about politics or social issues – it’s particularly relevant to how we think about and plan our finances.

Think about your own financial circle for a moment. Who do you talk to about money? Your colleagues who share similar salaries and lifestyles? Friends who have the same investment approach? Family members, who passed down their money beliefs to you?

While these conversations feel comfortable, they might be creating an echo chamber that reinforces existing beliefs and biases rather than challenging them.

Consider Natalie, a successful professional who was convinced that property was the only worthwhile investment because everyone in her social circle was a property investor. It wasn’t until she encountered a diverse financial planning team that she realised she’d been viewing her financial future through a narrow lens. By opening herself to different perspectives, she discovered a world of opportunities she hadn’t previously considered.

The danger of financial echo chambers is that they can lead to:

Overlooking potential opportunities
Dismissing valid risks
Reinforcing unhealthy money habits
Missing out on innovative financial strategies
Failing to adapt to changing circumstances

But here’s the good news: we can break free from these echo chambers. Here’s how:

Seek Out Diverse Perspectives
Just as a healthy diet requires various nutrients, a healthy financial mindset needs diverse inputs. This might mean reading different financial authors, following varied experts, or engaging with people who have different approaches to money.

Challenge Your Assumptions
When was the last time you questioned your fundamental beliefs about money? Maybe you believe “property always goes up” or “the stock market is too risky.” Where did these beliefs come from? Are they still serving you well?

Embrace Constructive Disagreement
Sometimes, the most valuable financial advice comes from someone who disagrees with us. Instead of dismissing contrary views, try to understand them. What insights might they offer? Questions we can’t answer are often far healthier for us than answers we can’t question.

Work with a Financial Planner
A good financial planner doesn’t just echo what you want to hear. We bring diverse expertise and perspectives, challenging your assumptions when necessary while supporting your goals.

Consider Cultural and Generational Perspectives
Different cultures and generations often have varying approaches to money. These differences aren’t right or wrong – they’re opportunities to learn and adapt our own financial strategies.

Question the Crowd
Just because “everyone” is investing in cryptocurrency or buying rental properties doesn’t mean it’s right for your situation. Sometimes, the wisest financial moves aren’t the most popular ones.

Remember, the goal isn’t to abandon your financial beliefs entirely, but to enrich them with diverse perspectives. It’s easy to get caught in echo chambers, actively seeking balanced financial advice might be one of the most important investments you can make.

After all, the best financial decisions often come not from confirming what we already believe, but from being open to what we might learn from others.

Market folklore or financial facts?

You may not know this, but there is a joke in the investment world that October is the worst month in which to invest. It’s easy to get swept up in the seasonal chatter about how this month is supposedly more dangerous for the markets than others.

But before diving into these claims, here are some wise and witty words from Mark Twain:

“October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.”

Twain’s remark, laced with humour, reveals a deeper truth about investing that transcends the quips about October—or any month for that matter. The reality is that speculation in the markets carries inherent risks year-round. The idea that a particular month is uniquely treacherous is more a product of market folklore than financial fact.

Why do these myths persist?

Behavioral finance offers us an interesting perspective. Human nature gravitates toward patterns, even when none truly exist. This tendency, known as “pattern recognition,” has roots in our survival instincts—finding patterns in nature helped our ancestors predict seasonal changes and avoid dangers. But in the world of investing, this can lead us astray. It encourages a mindset that looks for reasons outside of solid financial fundamentals to explain why the market is up or down, creating unnecessary fear or excitement.

October has, admittedly, earned a notorious reputation due to significant historical market events, like the stock market crash of 1929 and Black Monday in 1987. But focusing solely on these moments overlooks the fact that positive gains and notable market recoveries have also taken place in October and every other month. If you find yourself overly focused on the stories surrounding specific months, it may be a sign to revisit your overall financial strategy and ask yourself: Is my approach to investing being influenced by these seasonal fears?

The best way to navigate any month of investing is not by trying to predict or time the market, but by relying on time-tested principles of financial planning. Diversify your portfolio, stick to a disciplined investment strategy, and maintain a long-term perspective. Remember that emotional decision-making often leads to short-term fixes that can harm your long-term financial health.

This is where lifestyle financial planning comes into play. A plan built on your life’s goals rather than market headlines allows you to make decisions that align with your deeper values and aspirations. When your financial strategy is rooted in what truly matters—retirement dreams, family security, or leaving a legacy—it becomes easier to ignore the noise of market myths.

Every time a scary month arrives, consider this month just like any other—a time to review your portfolio, consult your financial planner, and stick to your long-term goals. Because in the end, as Twain subtly suggests, every month comes with its share of risks and opportunities. The key is to approach them not with fear or speculation, but with strategy, understanding, and confidence in the plan that serves your life, not just your portfolio.

A worldview shaped by ‘enough’

Wherever people are involved… it’s not uncommon for conflict to arise—whether with loved ones, colleagues, or even within ourselves. At the heart of many of these conflicts lies a common thread: a worldview shaped by scarcity.

We may think that conflicts are purely situational, stemming from disagreements or unmet expectations, but more often than not, they go deeper. They reveal a story of feeling like we don’t have enough, aren’t enough, or aren’t receiving enough.

Scarcity, in this context, is more than just a lack of resources—it’s a mindset. It’s a subtle, pervasive belief that there isn’t enough to go around. This belief can shape how we think about time, money, love, and success. It fuels the fear that we must compete for limited resources, leaving us feeling anxious, defensive, or even combative.

When we look at money behaviours, we often find that scarcity thinking plays a significant role. Scarcity might manifest as the fear of never having enough savings, leading to overly restrictive budgeting or, conversely, impulsive spending as a way to feel temporarily abundant. Or perhaps it’s the persistent worry that our investment strategy won’t measure up, leading us to make erratic decisions based on fear rather than logic.

The problem with this scarcity worldview is that it doesn’t just impact our wallets; it spills over into our relationships, work, and overall well-being. When we’re operating from a place of scarcity, every disagreement or unexpected financial challenge feels like a personal threat.

The result? We react with fear, frustration, or defensiveness, further deepening the cycle of conflict.

So, what if we dared to shift our perspective and embrace an abundance mindset? What if, instead of focusing on what we lack, we celebrated what we have and trusted that more will come our way? While it might sound overly simplistic, too spiritual or even idealistic, shifting to an abundance worldview can radically change how we interact with money, and consequently, how we engage with life.

An abundance mindset invites us to see opportunities where we once saw limitations. It’s not just about believing there’s enough money, time, or love in the world; it’s about trusting that we are enough. When we truly believe that we have the resources, resilience, and worth to face life’s challenges, the way we approach financial planning, relationships, and goals shift.

Adopting this new mindset doesn’t eliminate fear entirely—fear is a natural human emotion—but it helps us approach it differently. Instead of letting fear dictate our choices, we acknowledge it, understand its roots, and choose to act from a place of trust and clarity.

This way, fear becomes a signal for growth rather than a barrier to it.

In practical terms, adopting an abundance worldview might mean being more intentional with how we manage our finances. It might involve setting realistic, value-driven financial goals rather than chasing arbitrary milestones. It could mean openly communicating with a partner about shared financial aspirations, framing conversations around what you can achieve together rather than what you might fall short of.

The scarcity mindset thrives on comparison, insecurity, and a relentless pursuit of ‘more.’ But when we choose abundance, we choose to acknowledge that what we have is enough, that who we are is enough, and that life itself is abundant in opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive.

Next time a financial worry arises or a conflict brews, take a pause and ask: Am I approaching this from a place of scarcity or abundance? The answer may just change how you navigate not only your financial journey but also your life.

Once bitten…

When was the last time you worried about being bitten by a shark? Probably not recently, unless you’re an avid surfer. Here’s a fascinating statistic that might make you smile: sharks bite around 70 people annually, while New Yorkers bite approximately 1,600 people each year.

Surprising, isn’t it??

This quirky comparison teaches us something profound about how we perceive risk – especially when it comes to our finances. Often, we’re so focused on the dramatic “sharks” in our financial waters that we miss the real dangers swimming right beneath our feet.

Let’s explore some common financial fears and discover whether we might be looking in the wrong places for danger.

“I’m scared of losing money in the market.”
Many of us view the stock market as a threatening shark-infested water. The media headlines about market crashes and losses certainly don’t help. But here’s the real risk many don’t see: not investing at all.

Think about it. While market volatility might feel scary, inflation silently eats away at your savings every single day. It’s like worrying about sharks while ignoring the rising tide that’s gradually submerging your safety island.

“I want to keep my money somewhere safe.”
This is another fascinating example of misplaced fear. Many people consider their money safest in cash or similar “risk-free” investments. But is playing it too safe actually risky?

Imagine you’re on a boat. You might think staying anchored in the harbour is the safest option.

But if a storm comes (let’s call it inflation), you might actually be safer out at sea where you can ride the waves. Similarly, a well-diversified investment portfolio might feel more turbulent, but it often provides better long-term protection for your wealth.

“I’ll invest when the time is right.”
This is perhaps the most dangerous misconception of all. Waiting for the perfect moment to invest is like waiting for the ocean to be completely calm before learning to surf – that moment never comes, and meanwhile, you’re missing out on valuable experience and opportunity.

The real risk isn’t in the timing of your investment – it’s in the time you’re not invested. Every day you wait is a day your money isn’t working for you, a day you’re not building towards your financial freedom.

“I need to keep working because it’s too risky to retire.”
Here’s where we need to talk about lifestyle risk. Many people stay in jobs they’ve outgrown because they fear they haven’t saved enough for retirement. But what’s the bigger risk – carefully planning a transition to retirement, or spending extra years of your life doing work you no longer find fulfilling?

So, what’s the solution?

Start by reframing how you think about risk. Instead of focusing on short-term market movements (the sharks), consider these questions:

What’s the risk of not having enough money to live comfortably in retirement?
What’s the risk of missing out on life experiences because of financial fears?
What’s the risk of staying in an unfulfilling job too long because you haven’t planned for alternatives?

Remember, just as staying out of the ocean entirely isn’t the answer to avoiding sharks, avoiding all financial risk isn’t the answer to building a secure future. The key is understanding which risks are worth taking and which are truly dangerous.

Take a moment to reflect on your own financial fears. Are you focusing on the sharks while ignoring the New Yorkers? Are your safety measures actually putting you at greater risk in the long run?

True financial wisdom isn’t about avoiding all risks – it’s about understanding which risks are worth taking for the life you want to live. Sometimes, the biggest risk of all is playing it too safe.

Ready to face your financial fears and make sure you’re protecting yourself from the right risks? Let’s have a conversation about aligning your risk management with your life goals.

After all, the water’s fine – once you know what you’re really looking out for.

Different is as different does

Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Think about that for a moment. It’s a statement that cuts through the noise and forces us to ask: If we’re stuck in a cycle with our money, how can we possibly expect things to change if we aren’t willing to do something different?

Many of us find ourselves on repeat when it comes to our financial habits. Maybe it’s the persistent debt that never seems to go away. Or the savings plan we’ve been meaning to start but never quite get around to. Maybe it’s overspending in the same areas, month after month, even when we know it’s not aligned with our long-term goals.

But here’s the thing: the same mindset and actions that led to these problems can’t be the ones that solve them.

The Trap of Financial Routines

We are creatures of habit. Whether it’s swiping our card at the café every morning or putting off that budgeting session, we tend to stick to routines—even when those routines aren’t serving us. We fall into these financial patterns because they’re comfortable, even if they lead us into more debt or prevent us from reaching our goals.

The truth is, repeating the same financial habits over and over will lead to the same results. It’s like walking the same path in the forest and expecting it to take you to a different destination.

It’s not going to happen.

If you want to change your financial future, you need to take a different path.

New Thinking, New Actions, New Outcomes

Albert Einstein also said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” So if the choices that led to our current financial situation won’t get us out of it, what will?

Get Real with Your Goals:

Start by identifying what you want your financial outcome to be. Be specific. Are you trying to get out of debt? Build an emergency fund? Save for a big purchase or invest for your future? Pinning down your “why” will give you a purpose, something tangible to work toward. Once your goals are clear, you’ll be able to map out the different actions required to get there.

Acknowledge Your Patterns:

Take a moment to reflect on your current financial habits. What are you doing that’s keeping you in the same cycle? Are you avoiding budgeting because it feels restrictive? Are you relying on credit cards to cover lifestyle expenses? Be brutally honest with yourself, because only when you see the full picture can you begin to shift it.

Do One Thing Differently:

You don’t have to overhaul your entire financial life overnight. Big changes often start with small actions. Maybe it’s setting up an automatic transfer into your savings account every payday. Maybe it’s cutting out a recurring expense that doesn’t bring value. Or maybe it’s finally sitting down and making a realistic budget. Choose one thing to change, and follow through.

Hope Isn’t a Strategy

One of the most dangerous things we can do with our money is to hope for the best without actively changing our behaviours. Hope without action is just wishful thinking. If you’ve been carrying debt for years, you can’t just hope it will disappear while continuing to spend in the same way. If you’ve been meaning to save for a rainy day, you can’t expect it to happen without setting up a system that makes it possible.

Instead of relying on hope, rely on action. Every time you change a habit—even a small one—you create a ripple effect. And over time, those ripples add up to real, meaningful change.

The Power of Accountability

Change is hard. That’s why it’s so important to have accountability along the way. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor, having someone to check in with you and encourage your new choices can make all the difference. It’s like having a guide who helps you stay on that new path when the old one starts calling you back.

Break the Cycle

You’re not going to smash your debt or save for your dream future by doing the same things you’ve always done. The path to financial freedom and success requires different thinking, different habits, and different actions. So, the next time you find yourself stuck, ask yourself: “Am I repeating the same habit and expecting a different result?”

If the answer is yes, it’s time to break the cycle. Change doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by intention. And by doing something different today, you’ll be one step closer to the financial future you’ve been dreaming of.