Talis

Post-Holiday Reflections: Why financial planning deserves a calm start, not a knee-jerk reaction

As summer begins to fade and the ‘back to school/back to work’ mindset sets in, we often find ourselves taking stock—of our lives, our goals, and our finances. Holidays have a way of creating breathing space, and time away from the daily routine can prompt questions like: Should we move house? Is my pension on track? Can I afford to retire earlier? What’s next for the business?

Whether sparked by a beachside epiphany or just a quiet moment in the garden, many of us return from time away ready for change. That’s great—it’s natural to want change. But it’s also common to feel the pressure to act quickly—to launch into decisions before the clarity of summer fades into the bustle of autumn, the mayhem of Christmas and the end of the year. 

Don’t let urgency override strategy

Some of the most regrettable financial decisions come from moments of emotional urgency – what you might call knee-jerk reactions. A job change might spark an impulse to cash in a pension. The excitement (and stress) of a house move leads to overlooking protection products. A dip in the market might prompt you to sell at a loss. Life moves fast—but financial planning shouldn’t be rushed.

As IFA’s our role is critical: we help our clients take that initial spark of motivation and build it into a long-term, well-informed plan. We often refer to our ‘get rich slow’ philosophy: not everything needs to happen at once, but everything should happen with purpose.

Working with an IFA gives you the benefit of bringing fresh perspective and expertise into a safe, structured conversation, helping you make decisions that are informed, strategic and sustainable.

Starting early vs acting fast

There’s a big difference between acting fast and starting early. Fast decisions are often reactive. Early decisions—especially around pensions, savings and financial protection—are intentional and compounding.

Recent figures from Standard Life show that someone starting pension contributions at age 22 could retire with £434,000. Wait just five years before starting that pension pot, and it could amount to only £380,000. That’s a £54,000 difference just from timing.

But it’s difficult to appreciate that time horizon when you’re in the moment. Your IFA can help you to translate urgency into steady momentum—creating practical steps rather than overwhelming overhauls.

Make autumn the season for smart planning

September and October often present the perfect window for financial reflection. The kids are back at school, and the rhythm of getting organised picks up. Whether it’s reviewing your investments, putting in place protection policies, or updating estate plans, now is the time to plan your steps towards meaningful change.

Financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about doing everything at once—it’s about doing the right things, in the right order.

Your Talis IFA will start with helping you to clarify what life goals have changed or come in to focus for you, asking questions like: 

• What’s changed recently?
• What do you want to feel differently about this time next year?
• What does your ideal future look like—five, ten, twenty years ahead?

From there, they’ll help you to be more specific, and build a plan that matches your goals. Your adviser can help prioritise steps, make sense of options, and ensure everything works together—from pensions and investments to protection and legacy planning.

The value of pause and perspective

One of the most underappreciated services IFAs offer is space. A moment to pause, reflect and weigh options with someone who knows the landscape, and will sit on the same side of the desk as you, looking into it together. It’s in that pause that clarity lives—and where good decisions get made.

At Talis IFA, we know that our clients value a long-term approach to financial planning, because many of them have stayed with us for decades. We’re committed to understanding your personal circumstances and guide you towards financial freedom: we can’t change the past, but we can make sure that what you have now works hard to shape your financial future.

If you’re ready to plan for your financial future, find a Talis IFA