There’s nothing like the test of the Ryder Cup to remind us that success in golf – just like financial planning – depends on having the right tools. Every golfer carries a bag filled with clubs, each chosen carefully for its specific purpose.  Similarly, a well-organized financial plan is like a golfer’s bag — it holds the tools necessary to achieve success, one shot at a time.

In golf and financial planning, having the right "club" or "tool" can make all the difference between a successful shot and an unexpected challenge.  Let’s explore how the right clubs in a golfer’s bag compare to the tools in your financial toolkit.

The Driver is the big hitter that sets the tone for the round.  Just like the retirement plan is the foundation of a client’s long-term financial success, it’s the tool that gets the client on the right path, ready to take on future challenges.  When you’re looking at retirement, this is the shot that’s going to set the entire strategy in motion.

The 3-Wood is used for those long-distance shots, providing both control and distance when needed most.  Similarly, tax planning helps strategically adjust and optimize wealth, allowing your clients to navigate their financial journey while minimizing liabilities.  Just like hitting a long shot with precision, tax planning ensures your clients are set up for maximum benefit as they approach retirement.

The Long Hybrid iron is a versatile club used for a variety of situations, offering both distance and control, mirroring risk management, which allows you to address financial uncertainties and protect your client’s assets from potential pitfalls.  A solid hybrid shot keeps the ball on course, just as solid risk management ensures clients are prepared for the unexpected, whether it’s market fluctuations or personal financial challenges.

The Short Irons are the workhorse clubs—reliable, steady, and used for those consistent shots that move the golfer steadily toward the green.  Likewise, income and savings strategies are the backbone of a financial plan.  These steady tools keep your clients on track toward their long-term goals and ensure that their money works consistently toward providing a stable future.  Just as you use irons for consistent, reliable shots, these strategies keep the plan moving forward.

The Pitching Wedge is used for those short, precise shots that require finesse.  This club is perfect for fine-tuning the game and adjusting to tricky conditions.  Similarly, a structured review process is critical for making strategic adjustments as clients’ goals, needs, and life circumstances evolve.  Regularly reviewing your clients’ financial plans ensures that any adjustments are made on time, just like using the pitching wedge to make a short, accurate shot.

The Sand Wedge is the critical tool for tackling various shots, not just the ones from a sand trap.  Similarly, Long-Term Care planning is an essential tool for addressing healthcare costs and related challenges in retirement.  It’s not the first club you grab, but it’s vital when needed.  Just as a golfer wouldn’t head to the golf course without a sand wedge, a client shouldn’t face retirement without a solid Long-Term Care plan.

Finally, The Putter is used to finish the game.  It requires precision and control to get the ball into the hole, just like estate planning and tax strategies ensure that a client’s wealth is transferred according to their wishes and with minimal tax impact.  The putter ensures the round ends on a strong note, just as estate planning ensures clients’ financial legacies are passed on smoothly and efficiently.

Just like a golf bag holds all the right clubs for each stage of the game, a comprehensive financial plan is filled with the strategies necessary for your clients to succeed, every step of the way.  As the Ryder Cup begins today, not a single golfer will be stepping onto the 1st tee without a sand wedge in their bag.  The same should be said for your clients — they can’t afford to face retirement without the sand wedge – the Long-Term Care plan in the bag.

With the Ryder Cup as the backdrop, ensure every client builds a comprehensive plan that covers every shot, ensuring their financial future is ready for any challenge that comes their way.

20250612