Lifecycle financial priorities
The five priorities illustrated in the graph above are:
First Priority: The first financial priority is to protect yourself against unexpected events.
This is accomplished in two ways. Firstly, by acquiring insurance (e.g., health, disability, life, property and casualty, etc.) with appropriate levels of coverage. Secondly, by building up an adequate cash reserve (generally three to six months of fixed expenses).
Second Priority: Attaining financial security for oneself and one's family members. This includes education funding, acquiring one's home, cars, and "big ticket" items. The goal is to blend the need to attain reasonable financial security with available resources.
Third Priority: Attaining a desired standard of living, a lifestyle one is happy with. This priorty is exclusive of the preceding priorty. The third priority may include a vacation home, being a member of a golf club, a luxury car, collectibles and artwork, etc.
Fourth Priority: Attaining financial independence so that one's retirement is comfortable. The ability to live in retirement the lifestyle that was enjoyed prior to retirement.
Fifth Priority: The thoughful planning of lifetime gifting and the testementary distribution of one's estate.
Note: These priorities are not mutually exclusive functions. Although they will vary depending on particular circumstances they typically operate concurrently.