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You have a financial plan. But is it actually working for you?
In this episode, Sara McCullough cuts through the noise around what financial planning really is — and what most people never get from it. After 18+ years of working with clients across every stage of life, Sara has seen the same myths and mistakes show up again and again. This episode is about naming them, and showing what great planning actually looks like.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why most financial plans are generic, and what gets left out when your real goals aren't part of the picture
- The two questions every good financial plan needs to answer: Am I doing the right thing today? And am I going to be okay tomorrow?
- Three real client scenarios that show what comprehensive planning looks like in practice, from a high-income couple running short every month, a retiring couple navigating a complex cross-border estate, to a divorcing couple weighing a housing decision the bank would have happily funded
- The three biggest myths about financial planning (including why it's about so much more than investment returns and taxes)
- The must-haves of a well-developed financial plan, and how to know if yours has them
Sara also explains why she rarely uses traditional budgets, what it means when a plan belongs to the client (not the planner), and why reviewing your plan regularly isn't just routine— it's where some of the biggest opportunities show up.
This episode is for you if:
- You've met with an advisor but still don't feel like your questions were answered
- You have financial goals but aren't sure if your current plan reflects them
- You're going through a major life change — career shift, divorce, retirement, or inheritance — and want to understand your options clearly
Ready to find out if your financial plan is really working for you? Sara offers financial planning for individuals and families at all stages. Visit wddevelopment.ca to learn more or get in touch.
The information in this podcast is intended for general information and illustrative purposes. For advice relevant to your specific situation, connect with a qualified financial planner, lawyer, or accountant before making any changes to your situation.
Sara's designations: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA).
For more of Sara's writing, find her on:
Substack
LinkedIn
