It’s back to school time, and whether you enjoyed a summer holiday somewhere beautiful and sunny, or decided to save the pennies, many of us are now considering if and when we might book our next holiday.
The vast majority of us will make this decision over the next four months.
But what will and, perhaps more importantly, when will you decide?
Traditionally financial advisers have focused on the numbers—what would improve the bank balance or portfolio — without exploring the broader context of a client’s life.
As clients, we often have similar goals of getting spending under control or increasing savings. Only once we have saved up and carefully budgeted should we even consider taking a holiday. It may be surprising therefore, that the advice of a Serenity Financial Life Planner may be different, particularly when it comes to spending resources on time away connecting with family and friends or on holidays which might enhance our lives on a spiritual or creative level.
Seeking balance
At Serenity, each financial life planning journey begins with the discovery of the client’s unique aspirations. For most of us, our deeper passions are exactly what we tap into when we book a holiday. Sometimes, it is necessary to step aside from security and the pursuit of material gain in order to make sure that we achieve balance and create financial security while at the same time living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
So if you’re waiting until January before you even consider booking your next holiday, it might be time to rethink that decision.
The last minute myth
Despite the myth of last minute bargains, the general wisdom is that the earlier you book, the better deal you get, particularly when it comes to long-haul holidays. In addition, booking early gives you a little more time to put down a deposit and pay in smaller instalments.
Most of all, as winter approaches, you’ll have that uplifting knowledge that you have your break to look forward to.
If in doubt, contact your Serenity Financial Life Planner and talk it through. Be it a huge break in five years, or a short break this Christmas, it could be time to bring back that pre-holiday high.
