Have important life decisions? A spreadsheet can help you! by @AZanswers

by Ann Zuraw | Featured Contributor 

Growing up in a family business, we evaluated every real estate project with spreadsheets.  They proved to be a beneficial tool when analyzing projects helping to make our decision process run smoothly. We would look at the projected cash flow and incorporate the different variables in the decision.

We use this method both in managing investment portfolios and personal life decisions. We map out all the different assumptions and estimates before we move ahead with a plan.  We would chart all the pitfalls, as well as all the gains on a particular life choice, and create a clear picture of what to expect along the way. This spreadsheet analysis helps us avoid making black and white decisions which aren’t always the best. Throughout life, we need support to deal with various personal issues whether it’s our relationships, business plans, or investment decisions and having a spreadsheet that contains all the pros and cons could help make the decision-making process beneficial.

Things to consider when making a spreadsheet to help you compare options and possible outcomes:

• List all the possible choices regarding this decision. Then list the different considerations or factors relevant to each choice on the spreadsheet and give each one value between 1 and 10.
• Research and gather all the relevant information you can about the job/investment/school/city.
• Talk to people you trust, look at data and record each of these variables or considerations that are leading you in a certain direction.
• What potential benefits would come out of the above decisions?
• Consider your emotions and how making certain decisions make you feel happy, anxious or sad.
• Know the difference between satisfying and exciting. Choosing exciting over satisfying may not be practical in your long-term future.
• Weight the variables based on priority. Just because the job or school is “prestigious” does not mean it is a good fit for you personally. The decision that leads you to happiness or low stress may be over-weighted.
• Evaluate each outcome using the evidence you’ve accumulated.
• Make a choice and be confident in the decision, once you’ve gone through this thorough process. There are many good options in life, make a strong resolve to follow through on the path you have chosen will help you achieve your goals.

Relevant life tips for decision making:

• Avoid thinking about “What will people think” because it can be a crippling emotion when you are in the creative process of decision making. But also, asking people, you trust can help you pick apart the story you tell yourself and find a meaningful conclusion.
• Nothing is owed to us, and everything is available to us.
• Trust your intuition, start taking steps toward your goal.
• Ask yourself questions.
• What is the time frame for the decision in determining whether it was a good decision or not?
• Face your fears! When we navigate uncharted waters, it’s natural to feel some fear, but pushing through the fear is important for growth. The only way to get rid of the fear is to “feel it and do it anyway.”
• Examine your motivations as to whether they are true to your soul.

Having the freedom to make life decisions independently is a beautiful gift, we are responsible for our happiness, and that is empowering. So, take charge, set goals and work toward these accomplishments.

(Weighting is based on the different number of factors that are up for consideration. Below there are 25 factors—so 4 points on average using 100.  However, this is where the decision-making becomes important because as you can see the factors in red are very important to this person.  So they could be over-weighted. (8 points each instead of 4)  Bottom line is not all factors are equal for everyone. The spreadsheet analysis brings attention to whichever factors are most important to you.  (note Boston wins here)

The key to success is to have a solid plan in place without over analyzing your decisions.  If you have any questions, or need further information please feel free to contact me at Zuraw Financial Advisors. AZ

Ann Zuraw

Ann Zuraw, Founder, and Fearless Leader/President of Zuraw Financial Advisors, a financial planning and investment management firm based in Greensboro, North Carolina serving families in all stages of life.

“Never Give Up, and it is Never Too Late to Learn.” —this is Ann Zuraw’s (AZ) mantra.

Our goal at ZFA is to encourage women to take responsibility for their finances. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA ®, Certified Financial Planner, CFP ® and MBA- and entrepreneur, Ann built www.ZurawFinancialAdvisors.com as a Registered Investment Advisor with assets under management of $190 million.

Ann served for 25 years as the only female on the board of her family’s real estate company. She witnessed firsthand the difficulties of running and expanding a business, along with the hardships of balancing family dynamics through economic ups and downs. At ZFA we believe that everyone can and should understand their finances and investment opportunities whether you have $5000 or $5 million.

Ann utilizes her blog www.ChicksChatandChange.com to educate women about improving their financial life whether dealing with aging parents, kids, partners or just controlling their spending.

Born in New Orleans and currently living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ann lived in NYC, San Francisco & Oakland, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. My family includes 3 young adult kids who like it or not are always learning about money and—2 English Bulldogs who refuse to listen…