I've gotta confess, my wife has some serious over packing issues that drive me insane. She plans for every potential disaster under the sun. Rain? Boom, she's got the long pants ready. Spill? No worries, there's a spare pair. AC unit goes wild? She's prepared with a heavy sweater in sunny Florida. I mean, talk about being overly cautious.

But here's the kicker. The real risk, the one that can blindside you, is the one you never see coming. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. Just take a look at 2020, with the whole COVID mess and its impact on the stock market. It's these unexpected events that can turn your seemingly foolproof financial plan into a raging dumpster fire in a split second.

Now, let's talk about financial planning and preparation. Look, you can't plan for every single risk that life throws our way. It's just not possible. But that doesn't mean we throw caution to the wind and hope for the best. We've got to strike a balance.

Sure, you can have critical illness insurance to cover your back if you get sick and can't work, disability insurance for when that back injury leaves you unable to work again, and life insurance to take care of your loved ones in the event of an early demise. It's all well and good to cover these known risks.

But here's the thing. The biggest risks are the ones you never see coming. And that's where financial planning and preparation come into play. When you're saving for an emergency, that amount you set aside should feel like it's too much. Why? Because you're preparing for the unknown. If you only prepare for what you think will happen, you'll find yourself unprepared when life throws you a curveball.

It's not just about saving, though. It's also about considering the amount of risk you're willing to take with your investments. If the level of risk feels comfortable today, you're probably taking more than needed. Because when those unexpected market drops hit, they can hit harder than you ever imagined.

Now, let's talk about working with a financial planner. We are not just there to crunch numbers and give you a fancy report. We are thereto help with your behaviors, to guide you through the knee-jerk reactions you might have when life throws you those unexpected challenges. Maybe the market dips and you feel the urge to pull out, even though you've got a solid 15 years until retirement. Or perhaps you want to withdraw from your investment accounts to boost that emergency fund, when a slow and steady approach might be the wiser move.

Here's the bottom line. Life is unpredictable. Financial planning can only take us so far. But by recognizing the risks you don't see coming, saving more than feels comfortable, and working with an advisor who's got your back, you can navigate those uncharted waters with a little more confidence. It won't guarantee a smooth ride, but it sure as hell beats sailing into the storm without a life preserver. Stay prepared, stay vigilant, and let's face whatever comes your way together.

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