✪ What's going on in your life?

As a financial planner, one of my favorite questions to ask clients is: “What’s going on in your life?”

It sounds simple, but you’d be amazed how often big life decisions happen first — and the phone call to me comes after.

And honestly, I get it! Life moves fast. You’re juggling work, family, and the unexpected. But when you check in before making a big financial move, it can open doors to options you might not have even known existed.

Here are a few examples of how a quick conversation ahead of time can make a good decision even better.

Buying a New Home Before Selling the Old One

Sometimes people need cash from their current home to buy the next one. It’s common to refinance and pull out equity — but that can come with big closing costs, higher rates, and extra paperwork.

Possible options:

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) might provide the needed cash with fewer upfront costs. This should be obtained before listing the house for sale.
For those with sufficient retirement savings, the 60-day IRA rollover rule could offer temporary access to funds without triggering taxes — as long as the money goes back in time. (This option is one I have seen backfire if the timing isn't right so please consider it carefully and seek guidance from a financial professional first)
Or sometimes, bridge financing can fill the gap between closings.

A quick conversation could help weigh which route fits best.

Making a Charitable Gift

When someone wants to support a favorite charity, the instinct is often to simply write a check. But there are ways to give that can stretch those charitable dollars even further.

Possible options:

Donating appreciated stock or mutual funds can eliminate capital-gains tax while still providing a full deduction.
If age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA can satisfy required distributions and reduce taxable income.
For larger gifts, a donor-advised fund can make giving simple and strategic.

A quick chat beforehand can help make the most of your generosity.

Helping a Family Member Financially

Parents and grandparents love to help — whether it’s a down payment, tuition, or just a gift. But pulling funds straight from an IRA or investment account isn’t always the most efficient way.

Possible options:

Using cash reserves or brokerage assets might avoid unnecessary taxes.
Gifting appreciated securities can shift capital gains and potentially reduce overall taxes.
Splitting the gift across calendar years may help stay under the annual gift-tax exclusion.

A short conversation can help structure help in a way that benefits everyone.

An Unexpected or Early Retirement

Sometimes the decision to retire happens faster than planned — whether due to burnout, opportunity, or life circumstances. Before handing in a notice, it can pay to pause and plan.

Possible options:

Reviewing health-insurance coverage (especially before Medicare age) to avoid gaps.
Strategically doing Roth conversions in low-income years to reduce future taxes.
Re-evaluating investment risk and withdrawal strategy to align with new income needs.

A little advance planning can make the transition much smoother.

Starting a New Job

Changing jobs often means new benefits, new retirement plans, and new financial opportunities. But old accounts and benefit options sometimes get forgotten in the shuffle.

Possible options:

Rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA or the new employer’s plan for simplicity and control.
Reviewing new benefits like stock plans, HSAs, FSA's or insurance to maximize value.
Making sure beneficiary designations are up to date.

A quick review can ensure nothing gets left behind.

Receiving an Inheritance

When someone inherits money, the first instinct could be to splurge or make a large purchase.

Possible options:

Move it to savings (if cash) until you decide the best use of this money
If receiving assets such as an investment account, be sure to understand the rules surrounding different types of accounts. IRA's for example have their own special rules
Considering investment or charitable options that honor a loved one’s legacy.

Acting thoughtfully (and sometimes within specific time limits) can make a big difference.

In Closing

Life happens — sometimes fast. Homes are bought, jobs change, family needs shift, and opportunities appear out of nowhere.

That’s why I always ask: What’s going on in your life?

Because when I know what’s changing, we can plan around it — together — and make sure every decision fits your bigger picture.

Next Steps:

If something new is happening in your world — a home sale, career change, inheritance, or even an idea you’re just starting to think about — let’s talk before you make the next move.

📞 Let’s talk. We’ll take a fresh look at where you are today, where you want to be tomorrow, and how to bridge the gap—together.

Interested in learning more and running things by me? Click HERE to schedule a time for a complimentary call.

Rick Fingerman, CFP®, CDFA®, CCPS®, is a founding and managing partner at Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. He has been helping individuals and families make sound financial decisions for over 30 years. Rick has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Retirement Daily, Investment News, The Boston Globe, Investopedia, Financial Advisor Magazine, Financial Experts Network, and the Chicago Tribune.

Click HERE to receive our weekly newsletter.

Click HERE to sign up for my Healthy Wealthy Wednesday newsletter on Linkedin.

Know someone that recently loss a spouse? Here is an article that may be of interest.....The Loss of a Spouse

Disclaimer - These "Possible Options" are just that. Options. . An individual's experience may vary based on their individual circumstances. It is always best to seek the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner before making major financial decisions.

Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) is a Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) provides this blog for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this blog should be considered investment, tax, or legal advice. FPS only renders personalized advice to each client. Information herein includes opinions and source information that is believed to be reliable. However, such information may not be independently verified by FPS. Please see important disclosures link at the bottom of this page.