Warren Buffett once said, “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” At first glance, it’s a humorous turn of phrase. But beneath the surface, it’s one of the most powerful financial truths we can learn.

In strong economies or during periods of personal stability, it’s easy to overlook risk. When income is flowing, markets are rising, and life seems predictable, it’s tempting to think we don’t need a safety net. But tides change, sometimes quickly, and without warning.

That’s where the lessons from More Than Just a Payout come into focus.

Life Insurance: A Private Anchor in Public Waters

Many view life insurance as simply a death benefit, a payout when someone passes. But the book teaches that it’s much more than that. Life insurance is a silent protector, quietly anchoring families, businesses, and futures through the inevitable storms of life.
• When a loved one passes unexpectedly, the family that planned is able to grieve without financial devastation.
• When illness strikes or income dries up, permanent insurance policies with living benefits or cash value can step in as quiet heroes.
• When legacy and generational impact are part of the goal, life insurance becomes a strategic vehicle, not just a cheque.

Those who’ve taken these steps aren’t “swimming naked” when the tide goes out. They’re protected , financially, emotionally, and generationally.

Prudent Retirement Planning: More Than Just Numbers

Similarly, retirement planning isn’t just about how much you’ve saved, it’s about how well you’ve planned. A rising market can make any portfolio look solid, but when the market turns, those who’ve built their entire retirement on growth assumptions may find themselves exposed.

That’s why ‘More Than Just a Payout and the upcoming Prime Time Living’ emphasize principles such as:
• Diversifying income sources (e.g., pensions, annuities, social security, investment withdrawals)
• Protecting against longevity risk (the risk of outliving your money)
• Preparing for healthcare and long-term care needs
• Using life insurance and guaranteed income tools to create stability

In retirement, confidence doesn’t come from high returns, it comes from reliable income and controlled risk.

Key Takeaways: Prepare Before the Tide Changes

We don’t control the tide, the economy, health events, or life’s twists and turns. But we can control how we prepare.

The next time you hear Buffett’s quote, think of it in these terms:

“Good times can hide weak planning. Great planning reveals itself when the waters recede.”

Let More Than Just a Payout guide you in building a foundation that holds, not only when the sun is shining but when the tide inevitably pulls back.

For Baby Boomers who wish to update their legacy plans and also need to navigate complex relationships in blended families, you may schedule a consultation with us at https://www.planforpurpose.com/

While you are there you are encouraged to subscribe to our newsletter and receive our free financial security starter guide, delivered directly to your inbox and join the waitlist for our upcoming book ‘Prime Time Living’ https://2c1ec496.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFANQ6fve28uYfHUYTIWbfz6crTa0EBE-LqIwo1ywOXRfSexE_X7YtufkQhZw62OvN8YTwTl4LIxos-Iu0IDb3Ju5dpwKSPHv4vrWpI3H4h_5bJn0PZsbRLinfaBnOUPPYz5o573iuxh4-W_atwralLqoAvWlPTSu9TQW8mwSK6A2b-4nre2gb5We_4M0x0_0SZsspg52IAry3