Each year, my wife Nicole and I plan a road trip to the southwestern corner of Colorado to enjoy great blues music and the unparalleled beauty of the San Juan mountains. We begin months in advance, giving each other a wink and a nod to continue the tradition for another year (13 and counting). We begin by purchasing festival tickets in advance, unaware of the music legends that will grace the stage. As the date approaches we create an itinerary and a budget, hoping to include all the sights, sounds and tastes we wish to turn into memories. This year will be more complex and exciting than ever as we plan to include our beautiful 9-month-old Daughter Luna in the annual road trip.
We have spent many hours perusing maps as well as conducting internet research about activities, accommodations, and events. We spend a good amount of time planning our gear list for the camping portion- everything we need and nothing we don’t. The time we invest pays dividends by helping us stay on track and maximizing our time and resources.
If we dedicate this much time to a trip, why wouldn’t we dedicate even more to our long-term happiness? I’m glad to say that I have done so by creating a financial plan, and you should too. No matter what age or season of life, a financial plan is an essential roadmap for your lifelong pursuit of happiness.
Everybody starts somewhere. A financial plan is often thought of as something helpful or necessary to those with a large investment portfolio, or someone facing a significant life change like retirement. The truth is that at any stage in life, a plan is the blueprint for the future that you are building.
A financial plan moves us to action, leading to both financial and emotional benefits- relieving anxiety and realizing better outcomes.
In addition to a roadmap to financial contentment, planning builds a relationship with a trusted advisor. Someone interested in your success. Education and Trust are at the center of this partnership- no matter what happens along your journey. There’s more to a planner than just investment advice; a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM CFP® professional is an expert who has your best interests in mind.
Developing this relationship provides individuals, families and business owners an expert in their corner. Allowing you to dedicate valuable time to the pursuits that provide you fulfillment.
Summit Wealth Group values and structure allow CFP® professionals like me an in depth opportunity to get to know you, not just your money. We want to know what makes you happy, and what you want your life to look like when you’re older. We consider a financial plan an investment in your future and approach planning as a long-term partnership.
So, as you plan your next vacation, personal budget, business goals or fantasy draft, reflect on the time you have spent and think about your happiness and hopes for the future. I’d love to help.
Nathan M. Archuleta, CFP®, AIF®
About Nate:
Nathan is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and he has also obtained a Master’s Certificate from the College for Financial Planning. Nathan's background and understanding of Economics, along with a comprehensive approach to financial planning helps connect the developments in the world around us with concerns clients may have about their investments and life goals. This insight helps to maintain perspective around long-term goals and the importance of creating a plan and sticking to the strategy.
Nathan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®designee and is an Investment Advisor Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network. Nathan is also licensed in life, health, and long term care insurance.