Are Your Biases Holding You Back?
“Most people don’t really want the Truth. They just want constant reassurance that what they believe is the Truth.”
This past Wednesday, my social feeds blew up with friends celebrating #NationalDaughtersDay. As I read through the many posts, I related heavily to their sentiments. Being a mom is one of my absolute favorite things. And I can’t imagine my life without my kids in it.
That being said…parenting is certainly not for the faint of heart.
In the best of times, my heart explodes with pride and joy as I watch them carve out space in this world. In the worst of times, my heart is crushed by the weight of feeling my not-enoughness on full display.
It’s a constant push-pull, step-retreat, give-take, pray-act, laugh-cry, love and then love MORE exercise that – as soon as I think I’ve mastered – they evolve and the rules change once again.
One of the things I’ve been learning lately is that what I thought was the “right” way to parent hasn’t always been the best for one of my kids. In the moment, I felt certain that because this approach made sense to me, it was the best for them. But I’ve realized that sometimes, what feels right is actually just me sticking to what’s comfortable. My parental biases, shaped by my own experiences and what I’ve seen work before, has sometimes held me back from doing what’s actually best for them.
This got me thinking about how we approach money. Just like in parenting, we often cling to financial habits or strategies that feel right because they fit with what we already believe. But comfort doesn’t always mean it’s the smartest choice. This is where confirmation bias sneaks in—the tendency to latch onto information that confirms what we already think, while ignoring anything that might challenge those beliefs.
Think about it. How many times have you made money decisions based on what you believe to be true—whether it’s confidence in a particular investment, the conviction that you’ve timed the market just right, or the belief that your financial habits are rock solid? It feels good to think we’ve got it all figured out. But sometimes, those beliefs keep us stuck. We miss out on opportunities or fail to make necessary adjustments because we’re too comfortable.
Here’s the key: to truly move forward with your financial situation, you have to be willing to challenge what you think you know.
Financial planners can be an invaluable resource in this regard. Our job isn’t just to crunch numbers — we help you see the bigger picture that your own biases may be obscuring. We ask the tough questions, provide fresh perspectives, and make sure you aren’t blindly following old beliefs, especially the ones you may not even be aware of.
So, how can you take your next step without letting confirmation bias trip you up? Here are a few ways to shift your perspective:
When you feel certain, ask yourself: What am I missing? Moving forward means recognizing you might not have all the answers. What evidence am I ignoring? What’s the full story?
Are you willing to be wrong? Flexibility is essential for progress. A good financial strategy isn’t about being right all the time—it’s about being open to adjusting when new information surfaces.
Do you have an outside perspective? Whether it’s a financial planner or someone whose views differ from your own, seek out those who can challenge your assumptions. You might be surprised at what you learn when you open yourself to what you don’t expect.
How is this decision helping you move forward? Every financial choice should align with your bigger goals. Are you sticking to an idea because it’s comfortable, or is it truly propelling you toward financial success?
Just like in parenting, the financial journey is about growth, constant adjustment, and the willingness to step forward—even if it means stepping away from what feels familiar.
Let this be the moment you move ahead, with eyes wide open to the bigger picture.
And if it’s anything like I’ve experienced with parenting so far, you’ll find that the temporary pain and discomfort of adjusting is well worth the joy and freedom waiting for you on the other side.
~Jess
P.S. Do you feel sometimes like you're missing out on financial opportunities, even though you're implementing your best ideas? A simple adjustment could be the key to moving forward. Reach out and let's talk. 🙏
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