According to a recent survey by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards 86% Americans say they’re stressed about their finances. What do they do about it? Nothing…at least in a meaningful or productive sense.

    27% say that having a financial plan is the best way to reduce stress
    22% say the answer is having more knowledge about financial matters
    12% say the best remedy would come from having more time to focus on finances

The statistics are alarming in light of our behavior.

If having a plan is the best way to reduce stress then why do so few of us pursue one?

If having more knowledge is the answer then why do we rely upon ‘objective’ sources for information? (Wanna buy an annuity with that advice?)

Why do we rely upon ‘informed’ sources like friends and family? (Dad grills a mean burger. I’ll ask him about investing.)

If more time is the answer then shouldn’t we spend less than 6 hours salivating over the Apple Watch to focus on our finances?

Behavioral experts (weight loss, career advancement, etc) have proven time and again the best method for achieving goals is to create a plan, write down specific action items, implement, monitor and maintain. There’s a direct link between making progress towards our goals and reducing stress. So why do so few of us take action?

“It’s no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy.”