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T oday's column is about you, how you contend with the challenges of nancial success inherent in who you are, and what affects your changing values over time. A favourite expression of mine is `If you are not a socialist at age 20, you are a fool.' If you still are one at age 40, you are a greater fool. Another saying I have is, "a capitalist is a socialist with two children." Suddenly, life's nancial responsibilities refocus your thoughts and beliefs. That in no way diminishes your earlier belief system, but it does re ect how your life has evolved. That is natural and should be expected. Life costs money, so being able to generate enough cash ow to afford your lifestyle is a natural progression. Life is an evolution. Something that did not seem important at one stage suddenly becomes most important now. Understanding the natural evolution of priorities is a good starting point for planning your nancial future. It is critical to plan ahead. Of course, it is normal to get caught up in life's immediate daily priorities, but life tends to move quickly. Before you know it you will be at a different stage with different priorities. Your children will be ready to pursue a postsecondary education. You will retire and then suddenly worry about whether or not your cash ow will be suf cient. More important, where will that cash ow come from? As the expression goes, `The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.' Accept that your life will evolve and your Financial priorities keep changing Over 80? Do you have an upcoming drivers test? Dollars & Sense Peter Watson Guest Contributor 9 | Thursday, February 6, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com nancial needs will evolve as well. Try not to be stuck in just today and anticipate tomorrow. Planning for your future life events takes time. If you don't plan you will most likely not be successful. In a perfect world, you would have already planned. Congratulations if that is the case. If not, start today. Approach your personal planning with the proper perspective. It's not about the money. It is about life's priorities. What you do now to plan for the future will enable you to achieve what is most important. We all change so our recommendation is to anticipate your life in the decades ahead and plan accordingly. Don't worry about the future, but give a little thought about what is needed to be done now in order to have success later. Then return to the current stage of life and enjoy every day with the comfort and security knowing that the future stages of life will be as rewarding. -- Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA, CFP , R.F .P ., CIM, FCSI., Certi ed Financial Planner FREE 1459 Nottinghill Gate (west of Dorval, south of Upper Middle) Tues., Feb. 11, 2-3 pm No charge but RSVP please Join Lisa Thompson of the Ministry of Transportation as she lets you know the testing requirements and gives you tips to prepare for your upcoming test. Don't take your test unprepared, join us for this free fact-filled presentation and put yourself in the "driver's seat". (905) 469-3232 TERRA MILTON SATURDAY'S 10AM - 3PM Fortunately, the hearing instruments of today bear no resemblance to those produced even 5 years ago. Research to improve the quality and naturalness of sound has resulted in digital instruments that perform up to patient expectations. If you haven't listened to a hearing aid in the last 3 years, come in for a TEST DRIVE* and prepare to be amazed! "The Alta has a 97% overall patient satisfaction rating!" · *No obligation TEST DRIVE (wear hearing aids for 2 weeks without paying for them to experience the benefit in your daily life) · Government grants available, WSIB, VAC, ADP and private insurance plans. If you've forgotten what fair, professional service feels like, call us and prepare to be amazed! Satisfaction guaranteed! Shop from 40 local vendors! JANUARY 11TH - APRIL 5TH SATURDAY 10 AM - 3 PM Join TERRA @ Home and local farmers at the TERRA @ Home Farmers'Market in Milton! Shop from 40 local vendors for farm fresh items, delicious baked goods and unique artisan goods. MILTON LOCATION ONLY 12800 Britannia Rd. · (905) 876-4000 · www.terragreenhouses.com Call (905) 465-3277 (EARS) to book your complimentary hearing test ($60 value, Age 55+) OAKVILLE 2419 Marine Drive