Caitlin's Corner

Three Ways to Control Your Financial Future

I was chatting with a client last week who confessed something that might sound familiar:

“When I run the numbers, I should be fine- but I'm so scared those numbers mean nothing based on what's happening with the economy”.

With markets swinging wildly, and economic headlines screaming "doom!" one day and "boom!" the next, that disconnect makes perfect sense. And I've felt that knot in my stomach also: if factors beyond my control are impacting my portfolio, how do I know I can trust my plan?

Here’s what I keep coming back to: while we can’t control what’s happening in the economy, we absolutely can control our own systems. This week I want to share three practices that have helped me (and many of our clients) reclaim their sense of financial agency, regardless of what’s happening in the broader world.

1 - Track Your Finances Regularly

This isn’t about budgets. It’s about power. When I finally committed to consistent tracking, something shifted. I wasn’t just observing my money; I was directing it. Start simple: choose a tracking tool that feels right for you. Then, gather all your account information. Identify the amount of your total assets and liabilities, as well as monthly income and expenses, and commit to three rhythms:

🕰️ Weekly check-ins for accuracy (e.g. fraudulent or duplicate transactions)

🌝 Monthly reviews to spot patterns and realign spending with your values (watching your categories of spending is really helpful here)

🗓️ Quarterly net worth calculations to ensure you’re growing at your desired pace (e.g. if your income grew, but your savings rate didn't- it's probably time to look at your spending. If markets are up, but your net wealth growth doesn't reflect that, you may not be invested for the growth you want to see)

In case you were wondering: why yes! We do we dive deep into how to track finances and then what to do with the data in our Wealth by Design program.

2 - Create Your Wealth Vision

This might be the most transformative practice we do with clients. Too many of us chase financial goals that society handed us without questioning if they actually matter to us personally. I learned this lesson after reaching several “success” milestones that left me feeling… nothing. My breakthrough came when I flipped the script: identify what you want from life first, then determine what wealth needs to do for you. Your wealth vision remains yours to control, regardless of market conditions. When you’re crystal clear on why you’re building wealth, those economic headlines lose their emotional grip.

3 - Build Your Financial Literacy

Knowledge truly is power here. Understanding investment strategies doesn’t just protect you from poor decisions, it empowers you to make choices aligned with your unique wealth vision. I’m not suggesting you need to become a financial expert, but developing enough literacy to know which questions to ask and which strategies align with your goals puts YOU in control.

What’s one small step you're taking this week that's giving you control of your financial future? I’d love to hear from you.

Progress over perfection! 🙌

What I'm Reading

📕 Is a College Degree Worth It?​

When I was in high school, the message was clear: college is not a personal choice; it's a prerequisite for success.

While this article is from 2024, college tuition costs have since increased, and student loan forgiveness opportunities have since decreased. It appears people have more mixed views about whether a college degree is worth it, but data is showing us that economic outcomes are improving for adults without a college degree.

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help

Wealth By Design 💜

If you want to learn more about strategies like those in this email, be held accountable, have your questions answered, and get clear on your unique wealth plan, Wealth By Design might be just what you need.