Wishing you blessings for the New Year. As we head into the new year – and one that could be tumultuous – now is the time to make our new plans. Last month, if you remember, I encouraged you to end the year by reviewing how your finances went in 2016. And in January, with that done, we prepare for the year ahead.

To that end, I’m offering what I call the “Annual Check-Up”. This is a chance to review your whole situation and get ready for 2017. The check-up contains both the elements above: first we will review how 2016 went, and see how you feel about your financial situation in general. Then, with that in mind, we will make a plan for 2017, and address your goals, large and small.

A plan is a very important exercise. Even just the act of making one allows us to clarify our goals and increase the chance of achieving them. And of course, the plan itself lays out the map of how to get where you want to go. It allows you to see possible sticking points right at the outset, and address them before the year even starts. And if you have a partner, this is the time to make sure that your goals are aligned.

In the U.S., 2017 is likely to be a year of many changes, which makes it even more important to plan – we want to be as grounded as possible. (And no, things may not go exactly the way we lay them out, but that’s no reason to abandon the exercise.) A friend told me that the Chinese New Year which starts next Saturday, the 28th, is the year of the Fire Rooster, and that the characteristics of the Fire Rooster are all about being prepared, and taking care of the details. I couldn’t agree more!

If you would like to do the Annual Check-Up and get ready for 2017, give me a call or email.

​​​​​​​I hope that 2017 will be a fulfilling year for you.

Originally published January 2017​​​​​