Summer’s here—kind of. In the Pacific Northwest, June can be glorious, or it might look like January with a bad haircut, (AKA Juneuary) but that doesn’t stop us from dreaming about road trips. Whether you’re heading to the coast or just sitting in traƯic on Highway 305, let’s be real—no one hits the road without some kind of plan. Well, not twice, anyway.
Same goes for your finances.
Jumping into investing without a plan? It’s like taking oƯ for a long weekend without checking the gas tank or even knowing where you’re going. You might get somewhere, but probably not where you wanted.
That’s why I lean on something we call the SAIL FORMula: Safety, Access, Income, and Long-Term Growth. It’s not a marketing gimmick—it’s a framework that helps make real-life financial decisions feel a little less overwhelming.
Too many folks fixate on growth—and growth alone. That’s like heading out on a cross-country drive with no snacks, no GPS, and a quarter tank of gas. Good luck with that.
A thoughtful plan doesn’t just help you grow your wealth. It helps you keep it—and stay sane during the messy middle.
If recent headlines have made you want to park your portfolio and wait it out, I get it. Interest rates, inflation, geopolitical drama—it’s a lot.
But like a foggy ferry ride or endless I-5 construction, the answer isn’t to stop. It’s to slow down, take stock, maybe adjust the route.
I’ve seen people make their best moves—Roth conversions, strategic rebalancing, smart tax moves—right in the middle of the mess. You just need a clear map and someone to help read it.
Most people only revisit their financial plan when something breaks. But like oil changes and tire rotations, check-ins are what prevent the breakdowns.
So if it’s been a while since you looked under the hood—portfolio, insurance, cash flow— now’s a good time to do it. Even just once a year can make a difference.
Living in Kitsap County means your financial plan might have a few extra considerations. Commutes, ferry schedules, small business opportunities, real estate quirks—this isn’t a one-size-fits-all market. Make sure your plan reflects your reality, not someone else’s.
Even the best road trips are better with a co-pilot. Someone to navigate, keep you from getting lost, or at least point out when you’re about to miss the exit.
If the markets, the news cycle, or just life in general has made your financial plan feel foggy, it might be time to revisit the route.
Kevin Campbell is an Investment Advisor Representative of, and advisory services are offered through USA Financial Securities, A Registered Investment Advisor located at 6020 E. Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301. Peaks Financial is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities. Investing carries an inherent element of risk and it is possible to lose money. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
New role? New Hire? Promotion? Leadership change? Certifications? Receive an Award? Let the community know! Submit your update to Changing Faces, Changing Places and be featured among the professionals driving Kitsap’s business growth.
