The Ongoing Process of Financial Planning

This is what real financial planning looks like.

Flight Plan

Prior to every flight, a pilot must file a flight plan, which includes the planned route, altitude, and potential weather conditions. In the world of financial planning, we would call this the initial financial plan. But here is the shocker for many people. Like a flight plan, the initial financial plan is almost always INCOMPLETE. How so?

Because life happens! The financial plan becomes obsolete shortly after it is created.

For example, look at the dashed blue line on the map. That was the initial flight plan for a real commercial flight from Charlotte to Austin on 11/24/2025. The solid green line represents the actual flight path of the aircraft.

What do you notice?

The actual flight path went according to the initial flight plan all the way up until the aircraft reached Louisiana. Then, new and poor weather information became available. The Pilot and Co-Pilot processed the information, maintained their destination, and made a course correction with some adjustments. The aircraft steered further south to go around the storm and eventually landed safely in Austin. I know this because I picked up the passenger!

Financial Planning

The same thing happens in real financial planning. It’s not just a set it and forget it approach. It’s not about “The Plan.” Rather, it’s about the ongoing “Process of Planning.”

Real financial planning considers several input factors, and there are many events that can come up over the course of your financial journey that require planning and adjustments. During the course of the financial planning relationship, we make incremental adjustments along the way as we receive new information (aka: equity vesting, tax planning, job promo/change/loss, 2nd home purchase, relocation, etc.).

You are the Pilot, so you get to make the decisions. But you also have a Co-Pilot (Financial Planner) alongside you to help process new information, listen to you, and suggest alternative routes. The goal is to get to your destination safely while enjoying a smooth financial planning experience.

If you need a new Co-Pilot, let's talk.

Book your Intro Visit today.

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The foregoing content reflects the opinions of TwoTenPlanning and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. All investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee or assurance that diversification, strategies based on Nobel prize-winning research, or any investment plan or strategy will be successful. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.