The “Financial Route Map” is designed to map out the journey you wish to travel in life, the goals you want to achieve and the life you want to live.

It incorporates three key strands:

1. The Destination

Step one in the mapping process is identifying the destination you want to reach. This is a key stage – if you don’t know where you want to go, then how can we help you get there!

So, we will look at and help define, clearly and concisely, your lifetime goals. This will be done in the context of your value system i.e. the group of values which lie at the heart of who you are. Once again, if your goals are in conflict or are incompatible with your values, it is unlikely that you will achieve your goals. Even if you did mange to achieve your goals, it is unlikely to lead to lasting happiness.

2. The Starting Point

This looks to determine the resources you currently have to achieve your lifetime goals. It also determines just how effective these have been and are likely to be going forward.

This will involve an inventory of your financial resources (a Personal Balance Sheet) and a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).

3. The Route

Having decided on the destination and assessed the available resources, step 3 maps out the most efficient route to get to your desired destination.

It will identify the obstacles which might be encountered and plans for any unforeseeable emergencies. It will also look to plan for “me” stops – the time to recharge your batteries and have some fun. It is important that time for these are included as burn out is not an option and without fun, the journey can be soul destroying!

4. The Mode of Transport

This step identifies the best mode of transport for your journey – the one most likely to provide desired level of comfort combined with the best opportunity for you to reach your destination.

This will look to incorporate the material for refuelling and making the journey as enjoyable as possible.

5. The Progress Reviews

Once the journey begins, AJS will be your GPS. At regular intervals, there will be planned reviews which will assess progress made and make any necessary adjustments in view of the experience to date. The fine tuning may to the planned route or the mode of transport – whatever is necessary to ensure that we reach your destination!

Life is the longest and most arduous journey we all have to undertake. Some of us find the travelling a lot easier and happier than others. We can increase our chances of a hassle free and fulfilling journey by planning ahead. The smatter we are about our plans and who we chose to travel with, the greater the chance of us reaching our dream destination.