Imagine you’re invited to a special occasion. What’s the first thing you think about?
If you’re like me, you’re wondering what to wear.
You check your closet… but nothing feels quite right. So you head out to find the perfect dress, one that fits the occasion, your size, and your personal style. Your shopping becomes intentional.
Here’s the thing: if you’ve ever planned what to wear, you’ve already done a version of investment planning and is key to your investment foundation. It may not look the same, but the skills are: decision-making, prioritizing, budgeting, evaluating options all of that applies to your money too.
Just like not every outfit works for every occasion, not every investment fits every goal. Your money deserves a plan, one that fits you, not your friend, cousin or coworker.
The Occasion Sets the Tone: Knowing Your Investment Goal
“You wouldn’t wear a beach dress to a black-tie gala.”
The first step in outfit planning? Identify the occasion. That’s the foundation.
In investing, your “occasion” is your goal and each one calls for a different approach. A formal gala takes more preparation than a casual brunch. Similarly, some financial goals require more time and precision.
Whether you’re saving for retirement, buying a home, building an emergency fund, or planning your child’s education, your goal sets the tone for:
- What investment options are appropriate
- How much time you need
- What level of risk is acceptable
Let’s say it’s July 2025 and you want $150,000 by January 2026. You currently have $100,000. You don’t just say, “I want 150K by January.” A better plan is:
“I have $100K and I need to reach $150K by December 2025.”
That gives you wiggle room just in case transfers are delayed or the market is slow.
Even smaller goals like a new phone, vacation, or replacing a broken appliance deserve intention. They help you build confidence and learn how investing works.
Take stock of what you already have (your “closet”). Do you have savings? An old investment account? A plan you’ve outgrown? Build around your reality, not assumptions.
And remember: unlike outfits, wrong investment choices aren’t easily returned, we reduce this risk by preparing.
Know Your Size and Style: Understanding Your Time Horizon and Risk Appetite
A gorgeous dress that doesn’t fit… is still a no.
You might love a look, but if it doesn’t feel good, it’s not for you. Same with investing.
Your “size” = your time horizon.
Are you investing for something in 2 years or 20?
If your event is in 2 days, you have fewer options. More time gives you flexibility to shop, tailor, maybe even get a discount. In investing, time gives your money space to grow and recover from market dips.
Your “style” = your risk appetite.
Are you more flats and comfortable, or heels and edge?
Some investments are stable and modest (like a classic midi dress, think repurchase agreements). Others are bold, exciting, and risky (like a sequined high split, backless stunner, think stocks).
Economic “weather” also matters. If a storm’s brewing, you don’t wear a flowy dress without coverage which can leave you exposed and in investing, this is how we think of inflation, volatility, and political risk.
The key? Know yourself. Know your limits. Be honest with your advisor or planner. Your plan should fit you.
Features, Not the Fit: Stick to What Matters
“You might prefer flats, but some dresses need heels.”
There are things you can be flexible about:
- The brand (i.e. company you’re investing in)
- The fabric (i.e. type of investment Stocks, bonds, repurchase agreements)
- The price point, within reason
But some things? Non-negotiable.
- The event date = your timeline
- The dress code = your goal
- The fit = your risk tolerance
You may love online shopping, but if your event is tomorrow, you’ll need to go in-store. You might hate heels, but the outfit demands it or you choose another dress.
And don’t forget your undergarments aka your financial foundation:
- Emergency fund
- Insurance
- Budgeting system
These are the pieces that make your investments “wearable.” Without them, you risk exposure when life hits unexpectedly.
Bonus: Pockets!
Have you ever found the perfect dress… and then realized it has pockets?
That cherry on top? That’s what a thoughtful investment plan feels like.
You’ve covered the basics:
The right goal
A realistic timeline
A risk level you can live with
Then boom!! POCKETS.
Those are the extras:
- Flexibility for curveballs
- Extra returns from good strategy
- Confidence because you’re prepared
When your plan includes things you didn’t even know you needed? It’s the best feeling ever
Final Thought: Don’t Shop Alone
Friend, I say this gently but firmly:
You already have the skills to invest.
You just haven’t used them in this context yet. The belief that you “can’t” is just… not true.
Just like you’d ask a stylish friend for outfit advice, don’t hesitate to get help planning your financial wardrobe.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or adjusting a previous plan. I’m here to help.
Ready to Dress Your Money?
Book a 1-on-1 Investment Planning Session where we discuss and create your very own investment plan book here
Click here to see other ways you can work with me.
Join the next Investment Planning Huddle, join my mailing list to get info on the next Cohort in September 2025 click here to join my mailing list for updates.
Let’s build a plan that fits your goals, your timeline, and your style – and maybe even with pockets. Every day you delay is money left on the rack.
