This month, I am pausing the financial strategies to ask: What are you working, saving, and investing for?

These aren’t just rhetorical questions. Your answers shape your decisions, your plans, and ultimately, your life. Take your time during the Christmas break to think and reflect. Here is how to explore what that might look like for you.

 

• Your dreams drive your decisions and planning.

• The goal isn’t to accumulate the most money by the end of your life.

• Your dreams should reflect what you truly value—not what society suggests.

 

What’s It All For?
 

Is it early retirement? Starting a business? Or simply having more time for your family? Last week I met a fabulous bloke who wants to open his social enterprise and support cancer patients as he experienced with his mom what kind of support those patients need. This could be you!

 

Perhaps you’re working until 65 because that’s when society says it’s “time” to retire.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these are questions worth asking yourself:
 

• What truly brings you joy and fulfillment?

• What kind of life are you designing?

• Which feelings evolve when you make money, lose money or spend money in a specific way?

 

For some, that’s retiring early with a robust portfolio. For others, it’s working because they genuinely love what they do.
 

Here’s the thing: You don’t need a perfect, clear-cut vision. Most of life—like financial planning—is a process. But having a sense of what you value most makes it easier to align your goals and actions. You can transform yourself one small win at a time

 

A Quick Story: The Fisherman’s Dream
 

Have you heard the story of the fisherman and the businessman? It goes like this:

A businessman advises a fisherman to scale his small fishing operation from living in the village to building a large company, and eventually retire rich.

The fisherman asks what retirement would look like.

The businessman responds: “You could live in a quiet village, spend time with family, and enjoy simple pleasures like fishing and evenings with friends.”

The fisherman laughs, replying, “But I’m already doing that.”

The moral? Success isn’t about achieving someone else’s definition of a good life—it’s about knowing what matters to you.

 

Your Dreams Should Be Your Own
 

Take working optional, for example. Many people list it as a top goal to work how they want when they want.

But if you’re not prioritizing upskilling and networking now, will you ever?

A good client of mine, for example, started with a small gig that is growing 50% every year.

And that’s perfect—because it’s his dream, not society’s.

 

Retirement Isn’t the Only Goal
 

Planning for retirement is important. But the point isn’t to delay all joy until your 60s or 70s.

What you can do in your 20s or 30s (think: hiking, skiing, ziplining) might not be as feasible in later years.

Plus, we’re not guaranteed tomorrow.

This doesn’t mean ignoring retirement planning. It means balancing your current priorities with future goals.

 

What Are You Retiring To?
 

Most people think about the job they’re retiring from. You should think differently.

What are you retiring to?
 

Sitting around watching TV might be fun for a while, but it’s not a life goal.

Instead, think about what you want to do with your time. Travel? Volunteer? Mentor? Spend more time with family?

 

Dreams Without Action Are Wishes
 

In Denzel Washington famous interview he says: Dreams Without Action is just dreams

Harsh—but true.

If You Don’t Choose Your Goals, Society Will Choose for You

Society’s default plan is simple:

• Make more money.

• Pay down your mortgage.

• Buy bigger and better things.

• Repeat until you retire.

But what if that’s not what you want?

Instead of chasing someone else’s vision, take time to define your own.

 

Putting It All Together
 

This month’s reflection isn’t a detour from financial planning—it’s foundational. That’s why I am embarking on a book that addresses people feelings and money.

 

When you know what you’re working toward, it’s easier to build a plan that fits your life.

And it’s just as important to know what you don’t want:

• Working a job you hate—even if it pays well.

• Missing precious time with family.

• Feeling trapped past 60.

Remember: Your dreams don’t have to be grand or complex. They can be as simple as enjoying a slower pace, spending time with loved ones, and living a meaningful, intentional life.

 

My Personal updates

 

This month, I faced a family emergency that required me to travel and work remotely. At first, I was frustrated, but I soon realized this was an opportunity to see how my business would operate under such circumstances. I’m proud to say it’s performing exceptionally well. This experience proved that the time and effort I invested in building robust systems and hiring the right people were truly worthwhile. I am incredibly grateful for my team and everyone who has supported me along the way to reach this point.

Although I’m currently working extra hours to accommodate booked appointments, I’ve taken a proactive step by hiring a new business coach. My goal is to set better boundaries and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

 

I can’t wait for my Christmas break; I take 2 holidays a year and this is the biggest and most enjoyable as I catch up with a lot of family and friends.

 

Need Help Defining Your Goals?
 

If this sparked ideas but you’re not sure how to put them into action, let’s talk.
 

Here’s how I can help:

Follow me on LinkedIn for actionable financial planning tips every weekday. Connect here.

Let’s chat one-on-one. Book a 30-minute Financial Clarity Call to discuss your unique goals and challenges and get your free assessment of your financial position and how to progress forward. I am the only adviser offering this report to help you move ahead financially whether you choose to work with me or not.

 

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Let’s start building a life—and a plan—that reflects what you truly value.

Warm regards,

 

​I hope you found this article beneficial. I’m Mo Shouman, a financial adviser with 20 years of experience helping professionals save on tax and grow their wealth. Book your financial clarity meeting below and discover how you can take your finances to the next level. I’m proud to be the only adviser who provides a detailed assessment of your financial position—whether you decide to work with me or not!