A year ago, (when things were “easy”) they had a plan—Now, give the market volatility, are they still on track?
Mark and Lisa, a couple in their late 50s, have their sights set on retirement. They’re current KMP clients and when we caught up with them during their annual review, they were all about talking about their future.
Mark, a skilled engineer, and Lisa, a hospital administrator, have spent decades building their careers, saving diligently, and dreaming about their post-work adventures: Long hikes in the Rockies, lazy mornings with coffee overlooking the lake, and tackling their bucket list of travel destinations—sounds like a pretty good plan.
Years ago, when we first met, we crafted a four-year plan to get them from where they were to where they wanted to be. We addressed their biggest questions:
- Would they have enough?
- What if the market took a dive?
- Could they confidently step away from work?
Fast forward to last week, during our annual check-in at their favorite coastal café in Charleston, they had a pressing question:
“Given everything going on, are we STILL on track to retire in four years?”
This past year’s been full of ups and downs—headlines and the news doing its best to sound the alarms, interest rate moves, and uncertainty lingering. Lisa had clearly been paying attention, and she was understandably concerned.
So, we walked through their plan step by step and when we re-ran the numbers, guess what? Not only were they still on track, but they were actually $300,000 ahead of schedule.
Here’s what their plan revealed:
- Six months of living expenses in an emergency fund (liquid cash)—peace of mind no matter what.
- Five years of portfolio income set aside in short-term, high-quality fixed-income investments, providing stability even during market turbulence.
- The remainder of their portfolio is invested in enduring companies, built to weather market fluctuations over the long-term.
By staying disciplined and following the strategy, Mark & Lisa avoided emotional reactions to market noise and kept their plan intact. The result? They’re not just on track—they’re in an even stronger position than before.
If recent volatility has made you wonder “Am I still on track?”—let’s talk. Having a clear plan and process can give you the confidence to move forward, no matter what the market throws your way.
Let’s make sure you know your plan.
If you or someone you’re close to is a high-achieving professional that could use help aligning their finances and establishing a financial plan, please reach out to us, we’re accepting new clients and eager to help.
Nic
This is a hypothetical situation based on real life examples. Names and circumstances have been changed. 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 investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your advisor prior to investing.
