The Endowment Model: Having a Plan
Benjamin Franklin was famous for saying: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Warren Buffett said: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Having a plan is generally considered a good idea – we at AOG Wealth certainly agree and strive to help our clients establish and solidify long-term, goals-based financial plans. In fact, we start most meetings with our clients by focusing on their goals and any significant life-changes that may have recently occurred that might impact their financial plan. In doing so, we can make the necessary adjustments to ensure our client is still on track.
What are the benefits of planning?
Over the last nine years I’ve had the privilege of meeting with hundreds of families to discuss their goals and I’ve found several principals that are generally universal. A good plan helps in the following ways:
- Peace of Mind: A plan helps reduce/remove the fog of uncertainty and nagging questions like…” Am I doing enough to meet my goals?” and “Am I on the right track?” A good plan provides clear, actionable steps and helps provide a comfort that you are moving in the right direction. In addition, a good plan is flexible and adaptable to the inevitable life-changes that occur.
- Accountability: A plan demands accountability to be intentional with your finances. When you understand your goals, and follow a plan consistent with those goals, you will find yourself in a position where you can confidently step into retirement.
- Fulfillment: A plan can help bring fulfillment. Fulfilled people know where they want to go in life, and they know how to get there. They are not bogged down in hopelessness that it’ll never happen.
What does this mean for you?
If you have uncertainty about your financial future and achieving your financial goals, then we recommend you consider having us create, update, or refine your financial plan. We are here to serve so you can have greater peace of mind, confidence in your finances, and ultimately realize greater fulfillment. If you’d like to discuss financial planning further, please let us know and we’ll include it as a focus topic at your next appointment. Additionally, if you know others that you think might benefit from a financial plan, please feel free to connect us and we’ll be happy to meet with them to build a tailored plan just for them.
There is no standard or exact definition of the Endowment Model. Portfolio design, specific investments and ultimately performance vary considerably among endowments and investors. There are material differences between the terms under which endowments and individuals can invest in alternative investments. Kalos does not claim that any investor will achieve the same result as any endowment, institution, or other investor. Kalos’ Investment Advisor Representatives have a conflict of interest when they recommend securities where they can earn a commission as Registered Representatives of Kalos Capital but do not earn both advisory fees and brokerage commissions on the same assets.