Setting long term goals can make a real difference
01 August 2024I had the pleasure of visiting the Corinth Canal recently. A huge engineering achievement at the time, it took many centuries from its original conception as an idea to starting the build, to finally completing the task.
In part, the many years of delay were because the technology to achieve the project was not available, but that did not stop the plan being revisited, or dampen the desire to move from concept to reality. A real belief that was shared by many brought the project to fruition, and there have been times in the past when the canal has been a globally strategic piece of infrastructure. I am no historian, and this blog is not a history lesson, and there were many problems and issues with the construction and completion. However, just the idea of what can be achieved with ideas, belief, persistence and application is significant and important.
There are many things that as individuals we might want to set as goals or ambitions, and these vary over time as we move through our life phases and junctions. These might start with reaching a target level of education, to maintaining good health, to caring for a family, property purchase, to perhaps retiring comfortably. We are all different and each of us will have different agendas.
Having a plan for the future, and personal objectives (both short term and long term) to meet may well be important. The key point of taking advice, planning, implementing and then reviewing that plan to stay on course (or alternatively adjust expectations) is just as important if progress is to be made.
You may have overall objectives, and if these are financial, then do check your planning regularly, and adjust this as required to keep your objectives on track. Taking focused financial advice at the outset and then reviewing this can make a real difference. Financial expectations may need to be managed, or it may be possible to exceed targets; however, knowing where you are is important.
Whichever way you look at your future objectives or goals, either on an individual basis or with a partner, check at the outset that great outcomes can be achieved and start your planning as early as possible.
No individual advice is provided during the course of this blog.
Keith Churchouse FPFS
Director
CFP Chartered FCSI
Chartered Financial Planner
Chapters Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, number 402899
