Better is a relative term. One stick in the eye is better than two, but it still leaves you going as One-Eyed Willy every Halloween. I can walk better than my 18-month-old son (usually) but that does not mean I never end up taking a face plant every now and again (Who put that chair there!?). In the current environment, however, where the economic conditions have been horrendous and the loss of human life has been a tragedy, better might be the only thing worth focusing on.
- Unemployment claims are still historically high, but they are getting better.
- There is no COVID vaccine (and hoping for one in anything less than 12 months is probably too optimistic) but our healthcare facilities have handled the surge in cases, capacity seems to be available for more, and treatments are improving.
- Countries around the world have provided unprecedented amounts of fiscal and monetary stimulus during the pandemic and broadly the effects have been positive.
The situation is far from good but getting better is the most anyone can ask for in all aspects of life and it is what you deserve. It will not happen in a straight line and it can always get worse again before it gets a lot better but that does not mean achievement is not a possibility.
- Making $65,000 a year with a $100,000 in unsecured debt is not good but working out a plan to potentially make it better is within reach.
- Losing a job with mouths to feed and limited savings is not good but that does not mean it has to be a permanent setback.
- A health issue and an accelerated (unfunded) retirement is not a good thing, but it does not mean you are completely out of options.
It is all about incremental progress against a backdrop of changing and unforeseen priorities. Taking the time to truly understand your priorities and being able to guide you as life and its chaotic randomness simply happens, is what a professional advisor should do for you.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash