Life is a journey, not a destination. You need to take steps that make that journey a positive experience.

The oracle at Delphi had three maxims engraved upon a column near the entrance to her chamber, to be read by those who sought her prophecy:

• "Know thyself"

• "Nothing in excess"

• "A pledge and ruin is near" (in ancient Greece slavery)

The first maxim focuses on you as a person. It goes to the core of who you are. You need to be clear on what is important to you before you start looking at financial products. The strength of your Financial Life Plan is based on the core question of who you are. If you can answer the question about who you are and what you wish to achieve, you have the foundation of your Financial Life Plan.

The second and third maxims of the oracle appear to caution about having two many eggs in one basket, taking on debt, and incurring excessive financial risk. You need to be free to live and enjoy your life. To do this you have to take control of your Financial Life Plan.

Write yourself a script addressing these points:

• Tell the story of your family

• State what is most important to you, what keeps you up at night

• State specifically what it is you want to do or achieve

• Describe yourself and your personal strengths

• List some steps you will take to accomplish what is important to you

• Identify any risks to what is important to you

Once you are clear on who you are and what you wish to achieve, you have your foundation in place, and you are positioned to build the kind of life you want.

As a financial advisor, my objective is to add value. I do this by listening to you and focusing on understanding your needs. I use my experience in systems and communications to provide a simple financial planning process.

John Mullane's Financial Life Planning process:

• assists you in discovering the sense of purpose within yourself that is essential to accomplishing your goals

• explores what motivates you and sets out the goals you wish to achieve

• identifies the resources available to you and what steps you will take to achieve your goals

• documents and provides a written description of your Financial Life Plan and specific steps to take

As a Certified Financial Planner, I have the qualifications and knowledge to add value to your planning. My role as a financial advisor is to support you.