I spent some time recently in the woods hunting spring turkey at my parents’ place here in Iowa. There is something about the silence of a spring morning in the woods—just before the sun breaks the horizon—that really makes you think. I realized after my experience in the woods that the patience and strategy required for a successful hunt look a lot like the principles of financial planning.
Whether you are chasing a longbeard or chasing retirement, the rules of the game are surprisingly similar. Here are three lessons I brought back from the woods and into the office.
1. It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination
In hunting, everyone wants to get the bird or buck and have a photo to show your buddies and some meat to fill your freezer. But if that’s the only reason you’re out there, you’re going to spend a lot of time feeling frustrated. The real value is in the preparation: scouting the land, waking up at 4:00 AM, and enjoying the stillness of nature.
The Financial Parallel:
Many people view financial planning as a finish line—reaching a specific number in a bank account or hitting age 65. But a good plan is meant to be lived in. It’s about the confidence you feel today and the lifestyle you build along the way. If you don't enjoy the journey, the "destination" usually feels a bit hollow once you finally arrive.
2. You Win Some, You Lose Some
You can do everything right. You can have the best gear, the perfect call, and be in the right spot at the right time, and the bird still might not come in. That’s just the nature of the sport. You must be okay with the "skunked" days to appreciate the successful ones.
The Financial Parallel:
The market is not a straight line up. There will be seasons of growth and seasons of correction. Risk is a part of the environment. The key to long-term success isn’t avoiding every "loss," but having a strategy that keeps you in the game so you’re there when the wins happen.
3. Plans Change and Surprises Happen
There were multiple times where I heard a gobbler in a certain direction and as I trekked over there and set up, I heard him in a completely different area. One time I set up just to see if I could hear anything and there was a gobble 50 yards away! When turkey hunting you must have a solid game plan, but you also have to be able to pivot along the way. And honestly, there is a bit of luck involved too.
The Financial Parallel:
A financial plan isn’t a stone tablet; it’s a living tool that is ever changing. Life happens—tax laws change, families grow, or unexpected opportunities arise. Being "disciplined" doesn't mean being rigid. It means having a foundation strong enough to allow you to adapt when a surprise comes your way.
The Bottom Line
Success in the woods and success with your money both require a mix of preparation, patience, and the humility to know you can't control everything. If you're ready to start scouting out your own financial future, let's sit down and talk about strategy.
Happy hunting!
Financial Disclosure
Investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal.