Financial Wellness Starts with Intention
By Josh Perlmutter
In uncertain times, many people choose to wait. They wait for the markets to settle. They wait for interest rates to come down. They wait until life feels a little less overwhelming. At first glance, that might seem wise. But doing nothing is still a choice. And over time, it can quietly cost more than you realize.
It’s Not Just About the Numbers
Financial wellness includes confidence, clarity, and the assurance that your decisions are aligned with your long-term goals. When you have a plan that reflects your goals and values, you’re more likely to stay calm in a storm. That sense of control is a major part of financial well-being.
Cash May Feel Safe, But It’s Shrinking
Holding onto cash can feel like a protective move. But with inflation around 3 percent, that money is losing value year after year. If inflation averages 3% annually, $500,000 in cash could lose about $15,000 in purchasing power over 12 months. It’s not a loss you see on a statement, but it’s very real. That money could be used more intentionally.
Waiting Rarely Works in Your Favor
It’s natural to hesitate when markets feel uncertain. But some of the strongest market days can happen during volatile periods. Trying to wait for the “perfect” moment may lead to missed opportunities. A consistent, thoughtful approach generally outperforms emotional decisions. The goal isn’t to time the market. The goal is to be ready for what comes.
Planning Opens Doors. Waiting Closes Them.
Financial planning is time-sensitive. There are windows of opportunity—tax strategies, gifting rules, refinancing options, business transitions—that can pass by if you wait too long.
There are also conversations around values, family, and legacy that become harder with time. The longer you delay, the more you might be leaving up to chance.
Financial wellness includes being prepared. It’s not just about having more money, but about using what you have with purpose.
What We Endeavor for Our Clients
At Atlas , we aim to guide clients in building a plan that reflects who they are and where they want to go. That includes long-term investing, tax-efficient strategies, and a clear plan for liquidity, risk, and legacy.
We endeavor to help people make decisions in context, not in reaction to the news cycle.
A Few Questions to Reflect On
What financial decision have you been putting off? What is your money doing for you right now? How would it feel to move from uncertainty to intention?
If you're not sure where to start, we might be able to help. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to begin building the clarity and confidence that defines true financial wellness.
Material prepared herein has been created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation. Information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable but was not verified for accuracy. Atlas Financial Services, Inc. (“Atlas Financial”) is a technology company and owner of ATFS Advisers LLC (“ATFS” or “Atlas”). All advisory services are offered through Atlas, an SEC registered investment advisor. All investments involve some degree of risk, including loss of principal.
