Draft
At every point between the inception and completion of one of my writing or analytical projects, I include the word DRAFT at the end of the file name.
DRAFT means there are still refinements to be made. The thought process is not complete. More research is needed. It is a sign of incompletion or dissatisfaction that must be resolved.
Sometimes my projects never launch from the DRAFT stage because, after further thought and analysis, they were subpar concepts.
If an idea successfully matures into what I believe is the final version of a constructive concept to share, I ceremoniously delete DRAFT from the end of the file name and share my efforts with our team, our clients, and beyond.
But sometimes I make mistakes and delete the DRAFT too quickly. Spelling errors get misssed. A formula may be slightly off. Perhaps the graphics are suboptimal. Just because I delete DRAFT does not mean my work is perfect. I am human.
Yet perfection is what 32 NFL teams will be striving for starting tomorrow. Each of them have dedicated millions of dollars and thousands of hours of incredibly detailed analysis about which college football players would be the perfect addition to their team this year.
The teams’ professional scouts have likely left no physical trait or statistic unturned in their quest for the perfect player. Given all of the resources poured into the process, you would think that every single player selected in the first round of the draft should be a perfect match with their team and develop into star players.
But again, both scouts and players are human. Sometimes scouts see what they want to see in the statistics. Sometimes what is between a player’s ears interferes with the development of their potential physical gifts.
The success or failure of an NFL team’s 2025 draft won’t be known until 2027 or 2028 after the scouts’ theories about players have been tested by the grind of a couple NFL seasons.
As we are helping you draft your integrated financial and investment plans, we carefully assess where you are, the resources you have available to you, your short- and long-term goals, and the strategies that could be used to further your goals. We then take into consideration your personal preferences, unique family circumstances, and tax sensitivities.
Once the DRAFT designation is removed from your plan, we help you implement your plan and stay on track.
However, in 40 years of helping people with their plans, we have never had a single financial plan unfold precisely as planned over decades. It is not that we are unskilled and inexperienced. It is simply that we cannot predict your future despite our best scouting. And we are all human.
If you or someone you care about would appreciate some help in drafting a DRAFT financial and investment plan, consider selecting us in the first round. We have been around for more than a few seasons.
Quote of the week: Saquon Barkley: “You never know what can happen in the draft.”
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, (IAG) a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal.
Past performance is not guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and can’t be invested in directly. The modern design of the S&P 500 stock index was first launched in1957. Performance back to 1950 incorporates the performance of the predecessor index, the S&P 90.
Any opinions are those of IAG and not necessarily those of LPL Financial. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.
The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
Photo Credit: iStock 538064304
ART: 728809-1