I was practicing trombone the other day, and a thought occurred to me…being a musician actually makes me a better financial advisor. You may be asking yourself, “Mason, how do financial plans and sheet music relate to each other?” Ok. Keep reading.
With more than a year in the financial services industry, I still feel like I know next to nothing in comparison to my colleagues. But then I remember just how awful I sounded when I brought my trombone home as a spry 11-year-old (my family will attest to this). I could barely squeeze out a note that resembled Chewbacca yelling at Han. However, as time progressed, I began to realize that the more I practiced, the better I got…crazy concept, I know.
It turns out, mastering any craft, whether it’s music or money, starts with the fundamentals. Music and Financial Planning are no different. I have spent countless hours in the practice room working on tone, timing, and intonation. Those rudimentary, somewhat monotonous exercises may seem like a waste of time, but they have proven to be the most valuable aspect of my playing.
In financial planning, it’s no different. Reading economists like Jeremy Siegel, attending webinars on effective 401k strategies, listening to global strategists —all those “small” things build my ability to guide clients effectively. You wouldn’t ask your sibling (who can’t tell an IRA from an RIA) to write a financial plan. And you wouldn’t want your advisor to “wing it” any more than you’d want to skip a band rehearsal.
Another parallel? Timing. In music, rhythm is everything. You can play all the right notes, but if they’re in the wrong spots, the whole piece falls apart. In the world of financial planning, timing matters just as much. Start retirement at the beginning of a 20-year bull market? Great. Start drawing from your IRA when a bear just woke up? Good luck.
Start saving too late, skipping much needed insurance coverage, or delaying tax strategies might not seem urgent in the moment, but those small timing errors can cause major dissonance down the road. That’s why good planning requires being in sync with your goals, key signature, and values.
During my ongoing “music career,” I have had to improvise a line or two. It isn’t just about playing random notes, it’s about reacting to what’s happening in the moment, staying grounded in the key you’re in, and moving with a purpose towards a resolution. Improvising can seem daunting, but here’s how I’ve always interpreted it: I don’t know exactly where I’m going, but I know where I am and where I want to be. The only question left is “How do I get there?”
Life is full of these questions, and as a financial advisor, it’s my job to stay rooted in your goals, even when the path forward isn’t perfectly clear. Whether we’re adjusting for a sudden expense, reevaluating retirement timing, or helping clients make the most of an unexpected windfall, it is my responsibility to help you navigate uncertainty without getting off beat.
So, what do sheet music and financial plans have in common? Both require structure, timing, flexibility, and a whole lot of practice. I may not hit every note perfectly in either field just yet, but every day I’m learning, growing, and helping others stay in tune with their goals.
And just like a great musical performance, a solid financial plan doesn’t happen by accident…it takes practice and dedication.