Reflecting on Your Financial Goals

As summer holidays fade into warm memories, July is a natural moment to shift gears — from relaxation to reflection. For many, the break offered time to step back and think about life plans, including financial goals: buying a home, building long-term wealth, ensuring children’s education, or preparing for a comfortable retirement. But now that you're back in the rhythm of work and daily life in Leiden, it's a good time to ask: how are those goals progressing? 

In our financial planning practice, we often see that aspirations become clearest during holidays — when there's space to think. But clarity doesn’t always translate into action. And that’s understandable. Life gets busy, especially for internationals managing work, family, and finances across borders. 

Still, the goals you set while walking along a beach or catching up with family are worth revisiting now. Did you hope to start investing more consistently? Or finally sort out your pension gaps between countries? Or reduce your mortgage faster? 

Whether your financial goals are on track or still waiting to begin, now is the right time to check in. Small, consistent actions make the biggest difference — but they only happen with structure. That may mean reviewing your current financial setup, adjusting your savings plan, or speaking with an adviser who understands the cross-border complexity many expats face. 

Remember: financial planning isn’t about reaching perfection. It’s about progress — being one step closer to your goals than you were a year ago. 

So as July marks the start of the second half of the year, take a moment to reflect. What have you already achieved? What still feels distant? And most importantly: what’s the next small step to bring your aspirations closer to reality? 

If you’d like help making that next step concrete, we’re happy to talk. Financial advice is not only for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to feel more in control and confident about the future. 

And when your holiday has not started yet: enjoy it!