“Learning to choose is hard. Learning to choose well is harder. And learning to choose well in a world of unlimited possibilities is harder still, perhaps too hard.” – Barry Schwartz.
I don’t know about you but I find shopping easy, but not simple. I start with a shopping list. I go to the supermarket, get my trolley, collect my scanner, pick up the things on my list, plus others not on my list – who can resist a birdhouse in the shape of a VW Campervan or an inflatable patio sofa! I make my way to the self-service scanning check-outs, pack my own goods, pay and cart everything off to my car. DIY shopping if you like. Simple.
Except that my list says rice – but which one of the twenty eight different brands do I pick? I have to admit I enjoy taking time selecting a bottle of wine, but rice!
We are sometimes asked “Do I need a financial planner? Can’t I just do it myself?” Yes you can – but why would want to? You may be able to keep up to date with all the issues financial, legislative and tax changes. You can ‘Google’ every question, ‘YouTube’ every ‘how to’ topic. Lack of information or choice is never the issue.
We have clients who have owned, led and managed very successful businesses. They are well equipped to do this for themselves yet they retain us. Why?
For some it’s a case of not having the confidence, time, inclination or patience. For others, they see the commercial advantage of saving expensive billable hours by asking us to assume responsibility for everything, especially the paperwork. They know they can make more money doing their job, than trying to do ours as well. Many say they appreciate the assurance and confidence we bring to their financial decision making. Others like and share our values. They value what we do for them and the way we share increasingly significant financial resources with the wider community.
The technology exists for people to get answers to every question. So the information is out there; if you know what to look for, and can discern what is credible and what is not. The fact is that there are more self-help books, videos, blogs than you can shake a stick at.
Here’s my question. If the information, guidance and instruction on everything is freely available, then why do businesses, people, families, relationships still fail to succeed?
At Stewardship Wealth we use a proven blend of experience, technical training and most importantly listening skills to create clearly defined goals and plans around each individual. We translate broad, generic information or general guidance into specific, relevant personal detail that reflects our clients values and ambitions.
We start with the end in mind and work back to a plan to make it happen. We don’t shape clients around products. We shape plans around our clients. We want people to enjoy a successful planning experience, not being overwhelmed at the thought of making choices they feel ill-equipped to make. As Steve Jobs said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” We encourage people to make good decisions. We believe in collaboration. We believe we can help.
“You are free to choose but you are not free from the consequence of your choice.” A Universal Paradox.