In this comprehensive but easily understood book, Stewart Flaherty explains that regardless of how carefully you plan your future, it's a certainty that it won't unfold exactly as you expected. Which is why he advocates planning not only for what you hope to attain but also for what you don't anticipate. His firm's trademark Lifestyle Financial Management process helps clients identify and commit to the fundamental principles that enable sound financial decisions.

author_bio: Stew Flaherty is the Founder and President of Flaherty Consulting Group, an independent financial advisory based in Westerville Ohio.

During his 40+ years as a financial advisor, Flaherty has helped guide hundreds of individuals and families towards a more secure financial future and ultimately, a rewarding retirement. His flourishing professional practice is founded on core principles that facilitate a sensible, sustainable approach to successfully managing money.

Early on, Stew recognized that most financial plans suffered from an inherent flaw. While they looked good on paper, the plans lacked a practical connection to their clients' lifestyles. To overcome this defect, Flaherty pioneered lifestyle financial consulting, an innovative strategy that provides the critical integration. Clients are able to make sound, realistic financial decisions that align with what is most important in their lives. Importantly, these decisions are made within a secure and nurturing environment.

The fact that so many of his clients are second and third generation families attests to Flaherty's dedication to the people who rely on him for objective, unbiased financial counsel. Parents in these families pass on meaningful financial lessons to their children, such as the principle that successful investing begins not with products but with developing a sound money management process.

Flaherty's leadership and consensus building skills gained national attention when his voluntary struggle to organize, fund and develop a women's bobsled team resulted in the first ever U.S. Olympic Gold Medal in Women's Bobsledding at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Despite starting out in 1996 with no sleds, uniforms, coaches, practice facilities, money or support, Flaherty was able to overcome immense obstacles and help inspire a group of enthusiastic young female recruits to achieve their seemingly impossible Olympic Gold dream just six years later.

Flaherty achieved this improbable "rags to riches" victory by applying the same principles he uses to help his clients pursue their financial dreams: assess the situation, set goals, create a plan and commit to it.

A former mayor and Citizen of the Year award winner in Westerville, Ohio, Stew and Marcia, his wife of 31 years, have four grown children and five grandchildren. Stew is an avid beekeeper, international traveller, photographer and reluctantly retired hockey player.

keywords: Finance, Wealth, Management, Consulting, Planning, Advice, Advisor, Money, Investment, Self-help