Insights
&
Musings
When Setting Goals, Use The Time To Reflect On What Is Most Important To You
One of my favorite things about starting a new year is the feeling of a clean slate. It's a time to re-evaluate how things are going and what you might like to shift or reprioritize. And it’s a great time to revisit your financial plan or create one.
Goal setting is the first step in any financial plan. When setting goals, use the time to reflect on what is most important to you.
The Wheel of Life is a powerful tool to help you take a holistic approach to financial planning by aligning your goals with all areas of your life. It encourages you to look beyond numbers and balances and assess how money impacts your relationships, career, health, personal growth, and more.
As we step into a fresh year, it's the perfect time to revisit your financial goals. Use the Wheel to evaluate where you're thriving and where you need balance. By considering all aspects of your life, you'll be better equipped to make financial decisions that serve your long-term happiness and well-being.
2025 is your year to create balance in your financial life — let the Wheel be your guide in your goal setting. Here is how to use it:
1: Choose 8- 10 life areas, such as career, health, relationships, finances, and personal growth.
2. Rate Satisfaction: Score each category from 0 (center) to 10 (outer edge) based on your current satisfaction.
3. Visualize Balance: connect the scores to form a shape. A balanced wheel is circular; imbalances appear uneven.
4. Set Goals: Identify gaps and create actionable goals to improve low-scoring areas. Re-assess periodically to track progress.
Embracing Longevity: Planning for a Fulfilling Future
As life expectancies continue to increase, the concept of retirement is evolving. At Berkshire Wealth Group, we understand that longevity planning is not just about financial security—it's about creating a comprehensive strategy for a fulfilling and purposeful life that may span several decades beyond traditional retirement age.
Living Longer and Living Well
It is exciting to have more time to pursue passions and to spend with loved ones, and it also requires careful planning to ensure your resources last as long as you do. This is where longevity planning comes into play.
Comprehensive Longevity Planning
We are committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of longevity planning. Our approach goes beyond mere financial calculations, encompassing various aspects of life to ensure a holistic strategy for your extended future. Through our affiliation with Raymond James we have a wealth of resources available to our clients[1]:
Financial Resources
Our robust platform of financial tools and services is designed to support your long-term goals:
- Advanced portfolio management strategies
- Tax-efficient investment options
- Retirement income planning tools
- Social Security optimization analysis
Health and Wellness Support
We recognize that health is wealth, especially in later years. Our resources include:
- Long-term care insurance options
- Healthcare cost projections
- Wellness program partnerships
- Lifestyle and Purpose Planning partnerships
Retirement is no longer about slowing down—it's about redirecting your energy. We offer:
- Career transition planning
- Volunteer and philanthropy planning
- Travel and leisure budgeting tools
Technology at Your Fingertips
To keep you connected and in control of your financial life, Raymond James provides cutting-edge technology solutions:
Client Access: Our secure online portal allows you to view your accounts, track your investments, and access important documents anytime, anywhere[2].
Mobile App: Stay connected on-the-go with our user-friendly mobile application, offering a customizable dashboard and streamlined navigation[3].
Personalized Guidance
While we offer a wealth of resources, we believe that personalized guidance is irreplaceable. Our team is dedicated to understanding your unique situation and aspirations. We're here to help you:
- Develop a tailored longevity plan
- Adjust strategies as your life evolves
- Navigate complex financial decisions
- Coordinate with other professionals (e.g., attorneys, CPAs) for comprehensive planning
Empowering Your Future
We are committed to empowering you to live your best life, no matter how long that life may be. Our longevity planning resources are designed to give you the confidence and flexibility to embrace the future on your terms.
Remember, it's never too early—or too late—to start planning for a longer, more fulfilling life.
To explore how we can help you create a personalized longevity plan that aligns with your unique vision for the future.
Citations:
[2] https://www.raymondjames.com/client-resources
[3] https://www.raymondjames.com/client-resources/client-access-tour/client-access-mobile
Keep Your Brain Healthy. It’s The Only One You’ve Got.
As we age, our brains undergo natural changes, but there are ways to support cognitive health and potentially slow age-related decline. Research has shown that the aging brain can compensate for slower processing by using more of its capacity, leading to improved judgment and decision-making abilities[1][2].
My father suffered from dementia during the last few years of his life. The man who once helped design guidance systems that sent satellites into space and men to the moon eventually got to the point that he would get lost on his own street. It was devastating to watch his decline and the toll it took on my mother.
As we age, our brains undergo natural changes, but there are ways to support cognitive health and potentially slow age-related decline. Research has shown that the aging brain can compensate for slower processing by using more of its capacity, leading to improved judgment and decision-making abilities[1][2].
Here are some tips for maintaining brain health as you age:
Stay mentally active: Learning new skills or engaging in cognitively demanding activities can enhance memory function[3]. What Do We Know About Healthy Aging
Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact brain health. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or engaging in enjoyable activities[3].
Stay physically active: Regular exercise supports overall brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Read more about how Exercise Strengthens Your Brain.
Maintain social connections: Interacting with others can help keep your mind sharp and improve emotional well-being[3].
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports brain health. Foods Linked to Better Brain Power
Get quality sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function and memory consolidation.
Challenge negative thoughts: Older adults tend to be better at minimizing negativity, which contributes to greater life satisfaction[2].
Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of your brain. Even small changes in daily habits can contribute to better cognitive health as you age. If you have concerns about your cognitive function, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support. If you are a caregiver, find the support that you need to take care of yourself. If you are in the Hudson Valley and looking for caregiver support, let us know as we can point you towards some great resources.
Sources
[1] Don’t call me “old”: Avoiding ageism when writing about aging
[2] Why you should thank your aging brain – Harvard Health
[3] What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?
[4] You Can Keep Your Brain Healthy at Any Age – Connect Community
[5] Keeping Aging Brains Healthy – MIT School of Science