Holistic financial planning is the way forward

By Maggie Seidel

Independent research from Ernst and Young proves that a holistic financial plan that includes life insurance, annuities and investments is objectively better for consumers. However, millions of Americans report increasing concerns about even making ends meet. Couple this with what the National Council on Aging is calling a retirement crisis, and obviously our country needs a new path forward.

I’ve spent nearly 20 years at the intersection of politics, public policy and media, and I’ve learned that if you want people to act, showering them with data that shows why they should do something almost never yields the results you intend. Instead, movement and action typically occur when the heart is inspired.

I believe the financial security profession can and must paint an inspirational, hopeful picture for consumers about how financial security for all can be a reality. Here’s one way to do that.

An open letter to those seeking financial peace of mind

Individually and collectively — whether we realize it or not — our financial future is critically important to every one of us. In a world that seems more uncertain than ever, the concept of financial peace of mind has become elusive for far too many. But we can change that. We can build a future where financial security is not a distant dream, but instead a reality for all Americans. And the key to achieving this lies in one simple but powerful tool: holistic financial planning.

Let me start by sharing a timeless piece of wisdom from the great philosopher Socrates, who said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

How often do we find ourselves caught in the loop of battling old habits, outdated systems and financial struggles that seem never-ending? Whether it’s mounting debt, the stress of paying bills or the fear of not having enough for retirement, these worries can feel overwhelming. But what if, instead of fighting these old battles, we shifted our focus? What if we dedicated our energy not to fighting our financial past, but instead to building a new financial future?

Holistic financial planning is the way forward. It’s not simply about creating a budget or picking the right stocks. It’s about looking at the full picture of your life — your goals, your values, your family and your dreams — and crafting a plan that brings them all together. It’s about creating a path where your money works for you, rather than you working for your money. It’s about freedom, security and ultimately peace of mind.

Many of us have been taught that financial planning is complicated, that it’s reserved for the wealthy or that it’s too late for us to start. But those are the old ideas we need to leave behind. Today, I invite you to focus on the new: a new way of thinking about your financial health, one that empowers you to take control, no matter where you are on your journey.

When we talk about holistic financial planning, we’re talking about a comprehensive approach that looks at every aspect of your financial life. It’s not only about retirement accounts or investment portfolios. It’s about ensuring that you’re protected from life’s uncertainties with the right insurance, planning for your children’s education costs, managing debt responsibly and creating an estate plan that reflects your wishes for the future. It’s about creating a life where every financial decision is made with purpose and every choice aligns with your broader goals.

And let me be clear: This is not just about wealth. This is about peace of mind. The peace of knowing that when you retire, you’ll have enough to live the life you want. The peace of knowing that your family is protected no matter what happens. The peace of knowing that you can handle the unexpected — whether it’s a medical emergency, a change in career or an economic downturn — because you’ve built a strong foundation.

This kind of financial security doesn’t come from luck. It comes from intentional planning, from working with professionals who understand your needs and who help you design a future that reflects your unique circumstances. It’s not about having all the money in the world; it’s about making the money you have work for you in a way that supports your life and your dreams.

So, today, I encourage you to take a new approach to your financial life. Instead of worrying about the debts of the past or the what-ifs of tomorrow, focus on what you can build today. Start small if you need to. Set goals, seek guidance and embrace the process. You don’t have to do it alone —there are professionals who can walk this journey with you, helping you make sense of your finances and empowering you to take charge of your future.

Remember, we have the power to build a future where financial insecurity is a thing of the past, where every American has the tools and knowledge to create a secure financial future for themselves and their families. It’s a future where peace of mind is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.