Happy National Financial Planning Month!
October Is National Financial Planning Month: Here’s Why It Matters
While it may get overshadowed by pumpkin spice and Halloween costumes, October is National Financial Planning Month — and we’re glad it gets a full 31 days of attention.
“Financial planning” might sound stiff or overly complex, but in reality, it’s anything but. A solid financial plan gives you freedom. It’s about understanding your money, making confident decisions, and building the life you actually want. Whether you’re planning for a new baby, thinking about retirement, or just curious about what’s possible, a NEST financial plan can help you take the next step with clarity.
Let’s walk through the fundamentals in honor of this often-overlooked celebration.
Cash Flow & Financial Obligations
Every good plan starts with the basics: what’s coming in vs. what’s going out.
We all know we should budget, but few people sit down and get honest about their income, spending, and debt. Creating a spending plan not only helps you manage daily expenses, it also brings your long-term financial goals into focus — like saving for a home, paying down loans, or investing in your future.
A clear view of your cash flow also helps you:
Assess debt levels
Find areas to cut costs or redirect spending
Build up surplus for goals like retirement, a child’s education, or a dream purchase
Saving for Retirement
The earlier you start, the better.
Whether you want to travel, volunteer, start a business, or just have the freedom to spend time with family, you’ll need savings that support your vision. That means maximizing the tools available to you:
Employer 401(k) plans
Traditional & Roth IRAs
SEP & SIMPLE IRAs for self-employed individuals
Each has different tax advantages and contribution rules. Add in inflation, job changes, and evolving laws, and retirement planning can get complicated — fast.
That’s why working with a professional can be so valuable. Financial advisors understand how inflation affects retirees, how to roll over accounts, and which vehicles best match your goals. NEST also offers in-house portfolio management, meaning your retirement investments stay aligned with your evolving needs.
Planning for the Fun Stuff
Yes — financial planning includes the fun things!
From buying a vacation home to saving for your kids’ future, remodeling your house, or investing in a passion project, your goals should be part of your financial plan.
With our proprietary NESTIntel software, we can model hypothetical situations based on your actual finances. Want to see what retiring five years early looks like? Or how upgrading your car affects your savings? We can show you the tradeoffs — so your dream lifestyle stays grounded in reality.
And Yes… Planning for the “Less Fun” Stuff Too
Protecting your financial foundation is just as important as building it.
That means evaluating your need for:
Life & disability insurance
Homeowners & liability coverage
Estate planning tools, like wills and trusts (learn the basics here)
We’re not estate lawyers, but we work closely with them to help ensure your plan reflects your values, goals, and loved ones’ best interests. Tax optimization also becomes more important as your wealth grows — and financial advisors can help you stay on top of changing laws and deductions so you aren’t leaving money on the table.
Start Planning Today
A NEST Financial Plan is a tool to give you clarity, reduce stress, and help you take control of your financial future. Whether you’re new to financial planning or ready for a full refresh, our team is here to walk you through it — with no jargon, no judgment, and no pressure.
📩 Reach out at info@nestfinancial.net for a consultation.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. For personalized guidance, contact info@nestfinancial.net