Looking over the financial markets around the globe, it is easy for a Canadian to get a little depressed about the financial future. Though Canada’s national economy is relatively resilient and buoyed by our multitude of natural resources, it is still hard to simply trust blindly in the future. However, to have a solid back up plan, you need to have an original plan. Recent surveys show that millions don’t, begging the question of who owns your financial future if you’re not doing the planning?

I’ll wait while you answer that.

Not happy with what you came up with? You shouldn’t be! The only person you can really trust to be in control of your future financial well-being is you, which means you need to take an active part in your financial planning. It’s not safe to simply trust in a corporate pension or government options.

You should know what is going on with your money, even if what is going on is managed day to day by a financial advisor. Don’t let yourself live in the dark, because it’s a sure-fire recipe for nasty surprises at all the wrong moments.

The first step in owning your financial future is setting goals. What are your long range financial goals, and why do those numbers matter? Answering both pieces of that question will help you give your investment and financial management plan both a goal and a philosophy to help guide purchasing decisions.

Once your goals are set and your philosophy is in place, you need to look for ways to make your financial plan a living thing. If you are comfortable managing your money on your own, set aside time each week or each month to dedicate specifically to money management issues. If not, reach out to a financial advisor you can trust to handle your funds. The key is to make a decision and be proactive so that you – and not fate – are the ultimate owner of your financial future!

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