Living for now vs planning for later, how do you find the balance?

One of the biggest challenges I see when it comes to money isn’t about how much you earn, save or invest.

It’s about how you balance living for now with preparing for the future.

It’s tough, right?

Life is short.

You want to make memories, enjoy your weekends, take the holidays, upgrade the car.

But at the same time, ignoring the future can quietly steal the freedom you’re chasing.

So, which is right?

The truth is — both.

Everyone’s version of “balance” looks different.

For me, I think back to when our family started planning our trip around Australia.

We made small sacrifices in the short term with fewer dinners out, less impulse spending, no holidays.

Because we knew we were building toward something much bigger: freedom and memories our kids will remember for life.

And that’s what real financial planning is about.

Not restriction — direction.

So how can you strike that balance, whether you’re doing it solo or with a partner who doesn’t always see eye-to-eye?

If you’re on your own, it’s still about finding accountability.

That could mean checking in with a friend, a coach or even setting up a “money date” with yourself each month to review your progress and celebrate small wins.

Here are a few quick tips that work:

1. Get clear on what matters most.

List your top three priorities for the next 12–36 months. This gives your money purpose.

2. Separate “now” and “future” money.

Create accounts for each, one for lifestyle and fun, one for goals and investments.

Structure builds clarity.

3. Automate progress.

Set up automatic transfers for savings and investments so you don’t rely on willpower alone.

4. Check in, not check out.

Review your plan regularly.

Adjust as life changes, not years later when it’s too late.

There’s a quote I always come back to:

“Enjoy the little things today, while building the big things for tomorrow.”

Because life shouldn’t be about choosing between living well now and being secure later.

The real win is finding a rhythm that lets you do both.

If you’ve been feeling out of balance either living too much for today or worrying too much about tomorrow, contact us with “Balance” and we’ll help you find your middle ground.

7Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 44609210246 is a Corporate Authorised Representatives and is authorised throughCobalt AdvisersPty Ltd ABN 64 628 654 099 who is an Australian Financial Services Licensee 512550. 7Wealth Pty Ltd is a Credit Representative ofAustralian Finance GroupLtd ABN 11 066 385 822 (AFG) Australian Credit Licence 389087.
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