Creating a monthly budget can be a great habit. It helps you track your spending, avoid overdrafts, and maybe even cut back on streaming subscriptions you forgot about. But if you’re over 50 and starting to think seriously about retirement, budgeting alone might not get you where you want to go. That’s where financial planning comes in and yes, there’s a difference. Budgeting: A Snapshot of Today Think of budgeting as your financial present. It’s what you earn, what you spend

You’ve likely come across financial advice that applies to “the average person" like saving 15% of your income for retirement or creating a budget using broad categories. While this advice is helpful for many, it might not be the best fit for you, especially if you have specific goals, such as buying a home, starting a business, or traveling the world. Personalized financial planning is different. Here’s why it’s so important: 1. Better Alignment with Your Goals General finan