What Birthdays Can Teach Us About Evolving Financial Priorities

As I celebrate another birthday—my 43rd—I find myself reflecting on all the different ways I’ve marked this day over the years. Birthdays tend to bring out strong opinions. Some people love them. Others loathe them. I fall somewhere in the middle.

 

I don’t mind the milestone, but having all the attention focused on me has always felt a little uncomfortable. Big celebrations where I’m clearly the center of attention have never really been my thing. What has changed over the years is what feels meaningful to me—and how I choose to spend my time.

 

In my 20s, birthdays were about finding the best spot for drinks with a big group of friends. The goal was fun, energy, and being surrounded by people.

 

In my 30s, things shifted. I cared more about the atmosphere—curating a smaller circle of close friends, enjoying a good dinner, and maybe heading out afterward. It was less about the crowd and more about the connection.

 

Now, in my 40s, my birthday feels like just another day—and I mean that in the best way.

 

This year, I spent part of my birthday watching my oldest daughter compete in her elementary school Quiz Bowl. Later, I made dinner for my family. Then we all piled into the SUV—dog included—and went out for ice cream. No big event. No spotlight. Just time together.

 

And honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

 

What Birthdays Have to Do with Financial Planning

 

This reflection got me thinking about how naturally our priorities evolve over time—and how often our financial decisions don’t keep up with those changes.

 

Just like birthdays, life moves through seasons. What mattered to us in our 20s may not matter as much in our 40s or 60s. Our needs, goals, responsibilities, and timelines shift as careers change, families grow, and retirement moves from an abstract idea to something more tangible.

 

That’s why checking in on your financial plan regularly—at least annually—can be so important.

 

An annual review isn’t about reacting to headlines or chasing returns. It’s about stepping back and asking thoughtful questions, such as:

 

• Has my life changed in the past year?
• Have my priorities shifted?
• Am I saving for the right goals now?
• Has my timeline changed for things like retirement, education, or major purchases?
• Do my current strategies still align with what matters most to me?

 

Often, the answers evolve gradually, just like our birthday celebrations do. But those small changes add up.

 

Planning for the Life You’re Actually Living

 

At Garnett Investment Advisors, we believe financial planning should reflect real life—not just numbers on a page. A plan that made sense five or ten years ago may need adjustments as your family, career, or values change.

 

That doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It simply means you’re living your life.

 

Regular check-ins help ensure your plan stays aligned with you—not who you used to be, or who you thought you’d be at a certain age.

 

Much like my birthday this year, sometimes the most meaningful moments aren’t the flashy ones. They’re the quiet reminders of what truly matters.

 

And those are worth planning for.