Investing with Purpose: Start with a Goal

In the world of investing, success begins with a clear goal. Without one, you’re essentially sailing without a destination—drifting wherever the market takes you.

The Power of a Clear Goal

Back in 2014, Carl Richards of Behavior Gap generously shared twelve of his best financial illustrations, encouraging advisors to use them to explain the importance of a disciplined investing approach. Inspired by his work, I’ve taken these illustrations and built a structured guide to help you think strategically about investing.

Over the next twelve months, I’ll be sharing one image each month, breaking down its key message and explaining how it can help you develop a solid investment framework.

You Have to Start with a Goal

 

Step One: Begin with the End in Mind

The late Stephen Covey, renowned for his wisdom in personal and professional development, famously said:

All things are created twice: first mentally, then physically.

You need to begin with the end in mind.

These principles apply directly to investing. Too often, people see investing as the goal itself, rather than the means to achieve their aspirations. But smart investors understand that their investments should serve a bigger purpose—whether that’s financial security, early retirement, launching a business, or providing for their children’s education.

Why Your Goal Matters

Imagine setting out on a road trip with no clear destination. You might drive in circles, waste fuel, and never truly arrive anywhere meaningful. The same holds true for investing. Before you even think about choosing stocks or bonds, take a step back and ask yourself:

What am I trying to accomplish with my investments?

Your answer to this question will shape your entire investment strategy. Are you saving for retirement? Planning for a child’s education? Building wealth to start a business? Each of these goals requires a different approach, and defining them early helps guide your decisions.

If you have any questions about the topics covered in this post, feel free to reach out to me at any point in time. At F5 Financial, we enjoy working with entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and families to define their goals and make sure they have plans in place to execute and achieve those goals.

Would You Like More Support?

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• Do you have a well-defined Investment Policy Strategy that is used to drive your investments in support of a comprehensive financial plan?

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• If not, would you like to partner with someone who is used to helping people get through these struggles and (then, with confidence) implement portfolio strategies in a systematic manner while focusing on your desired outcomes?

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If so, feel free to send us an email or give us a call. We’d love to have the opportunity to help you find a bit more peace of mind when it comes to investing.

 

Illustration credit: Carl Richards (Behavior Gap)