A Personal Focus

I suppose it should not be surprising that so many things feel different after the last 16 months or so. In looking at some news headlines Monday morning, though, I was struck by just how all over the place that shakeout seems to be:

• There is a housing market that is going crazy, but so crazy that many people are giving up being able to buy a house right now.
• Inflation is still happening, but for varied enough reasons that it is more than just one story.
• “Black Widow” actually got some people back into the theaters.
• Fast food places are trying many different ways to get people back there.
• And through all this, a business magnate even went to space.

The world changed in the last year and it is still changing at a pace that can feel off-putting. Overall, I think most of us agree that things are better than they were a year ago. I also think most of us agree, however, that things have not reached a place where they again feel settled.

This unsure feeling can feel the worst when it comes to our financial situation. When comfort there feels tenuous, it reaches into so many other aspects of our lives. That is why with so much of this shakeout still happening, I think it is important for everyone to take a personal look at what will make them feel best in their own situation.

Did you have to reach into your savings over the last year more than you wished? Then you should build that back up again if that will increase your comfort.

Did you weather the storm well, but missed traveling? Then hey, make plans to get out there again that fit in your comfort zone.

There currently are so many forces pulling in different directions that big answers are difficult to give. This is a time then to do what is going to make YOU feel good. While there are still so many questions that are figuring themselves out, take control of the areas where you determine the answers. Make the plans that make the most sense for you and pay attention to the news in the areas that affect you the closest. From that starting point, we can branch out more and eventually reach that more settled spot. Until then, do not be afraid to use a narrower lens to get yourself to where you want to be.

Warmly,

Josh Bousquet
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