Alan Watts, the brilliant philosopher, described two types of people and approaches in life: the “prickly” types, who crave structure, rules, and definition, and the “gooey” types, who flow with openness, creativity, and adaptability. Both are essential, he argued, and life is about balancing the two—becoming prickly goo or gooey prickles. This philosophy is particularly resonant in financial planning, where the interplay between rigidity and flexibility determines long-term success.

The key to long-term financial success lies in blending structure with flexibility. A robust financial plan acts as a sturdy framework (prickles) that gives you the confidence to adapt to life's uncertainties (goo) without losing sight of your goals.