Get Oriented Before You Fix

Did you know there are seven neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida, that end with the name "Park"? I found that out the hard way when I booked an Airbnb for a six-night stay in the wrong one.

It was not as nice as I'd hoped. It sat on a busy road, and the area felt a little rough. And like most people, I started looking around to make sure everything seemed okay.

I felt uncomfortable, and a little embarrassed. I even thought about taking the financial hit and booking a new place in the "right" Park.

Instead, my husband and I took a few minutes and got oriented.

We didn't unpack or make a new plan. We walked the residential streets near the lake, found a coffee shop for the next morning, and passed people enjoying street-side dining at some great spots nearby.

The more we looked around, the more the picture changed.

Couples who feel stuck with money tend to do something similar—they make moves before they've actually gotten oriented to where they are.

Over the years, I’ve realized that getting oriented changes everything.

If we had quickly relocated to the "right" Park, we would have missed what was in the park where we were—signs of revitalization, a beautiful lake, a lively retail strip, and a more affordable stay. And honestly, I don't think the original plan would have suited us anyway.

It's surprising how different things look once you stop and get oriented. You can see what's actually going on, and make your next move from there.

That's what a Wealth Strategy Intensive is designed to do.

It's a place to step back and get a clear picture of where you stand, financially and as a couple, before you start fixing or planning. We look at your cash flow, accounts, spending patterns, and where you're headed. And we figure out what needs attention now, what can wait, and how to move forward together.

Ready to walk the neighborhood before making a big change?