In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, dive into what they call “backwards planning.” Erik shares a story about driving his daughter to college, where the destination was clear but the journey allowed for meaningful detours that still aligned with their ultimate goal. This idea of starting with the end in mind sets the stage for a conversation about how clarity in your future direction influences the decisions you make today.

Together, Erik and Xavier explore why envisioning your future, whether that is retirement, your personal life, or your career, matters so much. They highlight fascinating research showing that people who see an older version of themselves are more likely to save for the future, underscoring the power of visualization in financial planning. Tune in to learn how backwards planning can help you make intentional choices now that lead to the life you want later. If you enjoy this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who could use a clearer vision for their future.

Episode Highlights:

Erik explains backwards planning as starting with the destination and mapping the steps backward to determine the best route. (03:07)

Erik challenges traditional retirement assumptions, encouraging a customized definition of what retirement really looks like. (08:01)

Erik cites a study showing that people are more likely to save when they can visualize their older selves. (10:58)

Xavier encourages listeners to clearly define their destination and work backward to create an effective roadmap. (13:01)

Erik explains how knowing your destination allows for flexibility, adaptability, and detours in your financial plan. (16:15)

Erik advocates for directional goal settingcasting a vision that provides long-term guidance, even if you never fully reach it. (17:14)

Xavier describes how he used backwards planning to pay off debt and delay buying a new car. (22:45)

Erik emphasizes the importance of aligning financial goals with personal values, not societal pressures or outside expectations. (26:01)

Erik and Xavier conclude that vision, values, and direction are foundational to any financial plan. (28:00)

Key Quotes:

“ Think about what is your destination, what is your goal, what are you trying to attain? And then plan for it.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC

“We need to be intentional about the direction that we're going in when it comes to our finances.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

“The best goal setting is directional. You may never reach the goal, but it's constantly pointing you in a particular direction.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

Resources Mentioned:

Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors