Wealth & Wellness

When Setting Goals, Use The Time To Reflect On What Is Most Important To You

One of my favorite things about starting a new year is the feeling of a clean slate. It's a time to re-evaluate how things are going and what you might like to shift or reprioritize. And it’s a great time to revisit your financial plan or create one.

Goal setting is the first step in any financial plan. When setting goals, use the time to reflect on what is most important to you.

The Wheel of Life is a powerful tool to help you take a holistic approach to financial planning by aligning your goals with all areas of your life. It encourages you to look beyond numbers and balances and assess how money impacts your relationships, career, health, personal growth, and more.

As we step into a fresh year, it's the perfect time to revisit your financial goals. Use the Wheel to evaluate where you're thriving and where you need balance. By considering all aspects of your life, you'll be better equipped to make financial decisions that serve your long-term happiness and well-being.

2025 is your year to create balance in your financial life — let the Wheel be your guide in your goal setting. Here is how to use it:

1: Choose 8- 10 life areas, such as career, health, relationships, finances, and personal growth.

2. Rate Satisfaction: Score each category from 0 (center) to 10 (outer edge) based on your current satisfaction.


3. Visualize Balance: connect the scores to form a shape. A balanced wheel is circular; imbalances appear uneven.

4. Set Goals: Identify gaps and create actionable goals to improve low-scoring areas. Re-assess periodically to track progress.




Embracing Longevity: Planning for a Fulfilling Future

As life expectancies continue to increase, the concept of retirement is evolving. At Berkshire Wealth Group, we understand that longevity planning is not just about financial security—it's about creating a comprehensive strategy for a fulfilling and purposeful life that may span several decades beyond traditional retirement age.

Living Longer and Living Well

It is exciting to have more time to pursue passions and to spend with loved ones, and it also requires careful planning to ensure your resources last as long as you do. This is where longevity planning comes into play.

Comprehensive Longevity Planning

We are committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of longevity planning. Our approach goes beyond mere financial calculations, encompassing various aspects of life to ensure a holistic strategy for your extended future. Through our affiliation with Raymond James we have a wealth of resources available to our clients[1]:

Financial Resources

Our robust platform of financial tools and services is designed to support your long-term goals:

- Advanced portfolio management strategies

- Tax-efficient investment options

- Retirement income planning tools

- Social Security optimization analysis

Health and Wellness Support

We recognize that health is wealth, especially in later years. Our resources include:

- Long-term care insurance options

- Healthcare cost projections

- Wellness program partnerships

- Lifestyle and Purpose Planning partnerships

Retirement is no longer about slowing down—it's about redirecting your energy. We offer:

- Career transition planning

- Volunteer and philanthropy planning

- Travel and leisure budgeting tools

Technology at Your Fingertips

To keep you connected and in control of your financial life, Raymond James provides cutting-edge technology solutions:

Client Access: Our secure online portal allows you to view your accounts, track your investments, and access important documents anytime, anywhere[2].

Mobile App: Stay connected on-the-go with our user-friendly mobile application, offering a customizable dashboard and streamlined navigation[3].

Personalized Guidance

While we offer a wealth of resources, we believe that personalized guidance is irreplaceable. Our team is dedicated to understanding your unique situation and aspirations. We're here to help you:

- Develop a tailored longevity plan

- Adjust strategies as your life evolves

- Navigate complex financial decisions

- Coordinate with other professionals (e.g., attorneys, CPAs) for comprehensive planning

Empowering Your Future

We are committed to empowering you to live your best life, no matter how long that life may be. Our longevity planning resources are designed to give you the confidence and flexibility to embrace the future on your terms.

Remember, it's never too early—or too late—to start planning for a longer, more fulfilling life.

Keep Your Brain Healthy. It’s The Only One You’ve Got.

As we age, our brains undergo natural changes, but there are ways to support cognitive health and potentially slow age-related decline. Research has shown that the aging brain can compensate for slower processing by using more of its capacity, leading to improved judgment and decision-making abilities[1][2].