The Plane
The “Plane”
Do you remember the first time you were on a plane? Maybe you never have been, but that would be rare. When I grew up, there weren’t many people who had been on a plane. Today, it is hard to remember my first plane ride. Was it to California, or was it the trip to Chile that, in 3 weeks, I came back married? I am unsure, but the plane has become an important part of my life.
From the charities we give to in Papua, India or Medan, Indonesia, experiences that have changed my perspective, my understanding, and my thoughts on the world, humankind, and my faith. Business trips are never next door. They are spread everywhere other than in Oregon. The plane is a way to get there and create opportunities and experiences.
So, we take the plane for granted. It is a common experience today, but biases remain. I board the plane, find my seat, and get comfortable. Everything seems normal and acceptable and is just a regular part of my life. But I notice the flight attendants are a little bit nervous as everyone fills the plane! Is there anything wrong? She says no, everything is fine, but the pilot cannot make it, so that we will go without a pilot. Well, isn’t that a problem? Her immediate response is that the plane has flown this trip thousands of times and will be fine.
I’m not sure about you, but I would get up, get out, and find a different plane. I don’t care how many times that plane has flown that path, taken off, landed, and has such a great history. But I don’t want to be on a plane without a pilot. Of course, maybe in a few years, that will all change. But today, I’m getting out. What sense would it make if there’s an emergency, weather, or mechanical crisis? We need a pilot to navigate through those concerns. The pilot in the front of the airplane gives me confidence that we are going to go where we are supposed to, when we are supposed to, and more than likely, how we are supposed to get there.
And I think a plane is much like financial planning/investing. Can you have a financial plan without a pilot/coach? Sure! But almost for certain you will not know exactly how we’re supposed to, or when we’re supposed to, to be the best in your plan, for your goals and for those you love. It makes no more sense to do financial planning without a coach than to get on a plane without a pilot. Are they both possible? Yes! Is either advisable? No! So why do it? Because of the thrill, because of the excitement? It’s not worth risking your life in the air or financially without a professional opinion about choices, reactions during crises, and being prepared.
Let’s make sure that we have a coach who brings the probability of success to our life flight plan and helps us mitigate the risk of emotions and emotional reactions as we go along that path.
Flying without a pilot does not make sense!
Sincerely,
WAYNE VON BORSTEL, CFP®, CKA®, MSFS, ChFC®, CLU®
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.
