September 7, 2022

The last two years have presented a lot of upheaval to many people around the US and the world, leading to a number of phenomena. One such example is the Great Resignation, in which millions of people are rethinking what they want out of their work.

Relatedly, some researchers are pointing toward the “Great Realization” as an awakening for those who want to think more carefully about how they plan their life. Many people in younger generations are planning big shifts in their life in the next two years, according to one study, highlighting the importance of having the right financial professionals and plan in place.

For those younger people, short-term goals often feel less important than long-term things such as planning for retirement. One Northwestern Mutual study found that one in four millennials, for example, focus only on their long-term goals when approaching the planning process.

What’s behind this cultural shift is an awareness of how many things were turned upside down in the past few years due to the pandemic. The turn to remote work and the risk of developing COVID or watching its impact on friends and family members has created an “if not now, when?” mentality among people.

For example, 69% of those surveyed in the study reported that if they don’t start moving towards their life goals in the next year, they might never get to those goals.

Balancing short-term and long-term goals is important from a financial planning perspective. Having the outside insight of someone who can help you chart those goals and then create flexible plans to meet them can give peace of mind and also clarity on your exact intentions.

At Shah Total Planning, we’re here to help you achieve that balance of short-term and long-term strategies. Contact us today for more help.