In this blog, we ask you to consider three big questions that will help you to determine what is most important to you. This is because financial planning is not a standalone activity.
It is something that you do to support your life plans. Therefore, we need to have a clear idea of our personal priorities before we start to think about money.
Having completed this exercise, one of Keren’s customers commented, ‘The questions were very powerful and moved me to think deep and take action. You really helped me to see from a different perspective.’
So, take a deep breath, grab a notepad, and make yourself comfortable. You might find that playing some music (preferably without lyrics) will help you to concentrate.
Using a mind map with coloured pens can help to unleash your creativity. If you’d like a mind map template to get you started, head over to https://www.juliags.com/ and download the ‘Live Your Bucket List’ templates pdf for free.
Question 1 – your ideal life
Imagine that you are financially secure, and you have enough money to take care of your needs, now and in the future.
How would you live your life? Would you change anything?
When you are thinking about this question, let yourself go. Imagine your ideal life in full glorious technicolour - don’t hold back on your dreams.
Where do you live? What does your ideal day look like?
What can you smell, see, and hear?
What activities are you engaged in?
How are you contributing to your family and/or your community?
What are you learning? Who do you spend time with? How do you feel?
Describe a life that is complete, that is richly yours.
Question 2 – five to ten years to live
Imagine now that you visit your doctor, who tells you that you have only five to ten years to live. You won’t ever feel sick, and you will have no prior notice of the moment of your death.
What will you do in the time you have remaining?
Who will you spend that time with?
Will you change your life and if so, how will you do it?
Question 3 – one day to live
Imagine this time that your doctor shocks you with the news that you only have one day left to live.
Reflect on your life, your accomplishments and all the things you had anticipated doing.
What did I miss? Who did I not get to be?
What did I not get to do?
How does this make you feel?
Answering these three questions will help you to clarify your priorities. Write these down. Commit to them. And then start your financial planning.
For more on how to strengthen your resolve, check out Julia’s book ‘Live Your Bucket List’.
For individual support on going through this process or to arrange a workshop for your group, contact Keren (kerenjo@kerenjothomas.com).
And if you want to read more about Life planning, check out this post.