Life can change in an instant. One day, everything is going well, plans are in place, financial goals are achievable, and the future looks bright. Then, suddenly, it isn’t.
Written by:
Justin Walton
Date:
March 14, 2025
Life can change in an instant. One day, everything is going well, plans are in place, financial goals are achievable, and the future looks bright. Then, suddenly, it isn’t.
For many, financial planning revolves around living life fully prioritising experiences, enjoying the present, and assuming that tomorrow will unfold as expected.
However, everything shifts when something unexpected happens, like a serious illness in the family. Work patterns, earning potential, and financial priorities can change overnight, and with them comes a new reality: the fear of what happens next.
In these moments, financial security becomes more than a long-term goal; it is an immediate, pressing concern. Some people will have insurance, savings, or contingency plans for such moments. Others will not.
While no one can live in constant fear of the worst happening, being aware that life is unpredictable and having some way to cover it is sensible.
However, financial awareness isn’t just about getting through the crisis and what happens next. Once a situation stabilises, it can be easier to remain stuck in survival mode, but there is immense value in focusing on a positive, if different, future. That might mean rethinking financial goals, taking smaller steps toward stability, or ensuring self-care remains a priority.
When life shifts dramatically, it is not just about money but about being the best version of yourself, even in challenging circumstances. And in many ways, that is more important than ever.
If life has changed suddenly, or if uncertainty feels overwhelming, consider:
· Do I have a financial safety net in place for the unexpected?
· How can I balance security with still living a fulfilling life?
· Am I prioritising my wellbeing in the process?
Challenges will come, but planning ahead, even in small ways, can help ensure that when life changes, it does not derail everything. A different future can still be a positive one.
If this resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on your financial habits.
Are they serving you or holding you back?
The next 10 years start now. How will you use them?
Justin Walton is an Executive and Financial Coach, and Consultant working in Essex and London. He writes regularly on financial well-being and brings his lived experience and professional expertise together to benefit clients and partners.
Don’t hold onto what is holding you back.
My work sits at the intersection of leadership, finance and personal wellbeing, helping business owners, professionals and leaders align work, wealth and wellbeing so they can create lives that feel successful, not just look successful.
I am the founder of the Life Beyond Success platform and creator of ALIGN - Achieving Lasting Impact, Growth and Nexus ® ("ALIGN") methodology, a framework shaped by three decades of experience across professional services, business ownership and property investing, alongside formal training in executive and financial coaching.
