Eclipse Planning

Share Post: facebook Created with Sketch. twitter Created with Sketch. linkedin Created with Sketch. mail Created with Sketch. print Created with Sketch.

Published by Mark Petersen and the Carson Group Partners Investment Committee

One in 256,481,280. No, I am not calculating the odds of winning the Powerball Lottery. This is the number of 50 square foot sections to view Totality for the 2017 Solar Eclipse in the state of Nebraska. So many choices! How does one decide? Let’s briefly review the thought process:

  • Avoid Interstate 80 and any other high-traffic corridors, including the NASA selected site of Homestead Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska.
  • Travel on Highway 92 running West from Omaha and identify accessible cities and towns in the path of Totality.
  • Determine length of Totality in potential locations.
  • Determine travel time to various selected sites.
  • Review weather reports for possible cloud cover and/or rain potential.

Using the criteria listed, six sites were ultimately selected for potential optimal viewing. It wasn’t until Monday morning when the final destination would be selected. Morning weather reports indicated that two things would be necessary to get the best view:

  • Flexibility
  • Mobility

It was indicated that western Nebraska would have the best weather for a clear view. This confirmed the final destination would be the furthest West location which was the closest to Highway 92, St. Paul, Nebraska, with just over a two-hour drive time and two minutes and three seconds of Totality. Traffic was modest and moved at the posted speed limit. The public ball field, previously identified as a potential viewing spot, was surveyed and determined to be a good choice. A few high clouds dispersed, resulting in a clear blue sky before the eclipse began. The return drive had slightly heavier but, again, modest traffic with minimal delays and travel at the posted speed limit. What a perfect adventure!

Why did this occur? Planning.

At Carson Group Partners, we know that planning is a state of mind, as well as a process.  Life is comprised of choices and trade-off decisions. Our goal is to put in the time, up-front, to consider the options which may minimize downside risk and maximize the potential for success, resulting in making the best choice possible, given the information available.

By utilizing a planning process to set a clear objective and path toward achievement, there was no possible downside for me in selecting the Eclipse viewing location. At worst, a cloudy sky would have resulted in an opportunity to spend significant quality time with my wife. At best, I would experience a ‘once in a lifetime event’ while spending quality time with my wife. A no-lose proposition, in either case. After all, isn’t that the position we all want to be in, no matter what choices we make? Experience the planning process with us, call your wealth advisor today to get started.

Share:
facebook Created with Sketch. twitter Created with Sketch. linkedin Created with Sketch. mail Created with Sketch. print Created with Sketch.
Share Post: facebook Created with Sketch. twitter Created with Sketch. linkedin Created with Sketch. mail Created with Sketch. print Created with Sketch.

RECENT POSTS

Should I Open a Traditional or Roth IRA?

Multiple retirement savings vehicles are available but having options can be overwhelming. Each option comes with different rules leading to a variance of outcomes in the short-term and long-term. It’s not that dissimilar to choosing what to eat.

Carson Investment Research’s Outlook ’23: The Edge of Normal

At long last, The Carson Investment Research team is proud to officially release our 2023 Market and Economic Outlook, aptly titled Outlook ’23: The Edge of Normal. You can download the whitepaper here. As you are all painfully aware, 2022 wasn’t pretty for investors – it was the first year …

What Documents You Should Provide to Your Tax Preparer

Mike Valenti, CPA, CFP®, Director of Tax Planning Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner It’s January, so it’s officially tax season! One of the most common client questions heard by tax preparers is, “So, what do you need from me?” The short answer to that question is often, “ …

10 Tax Planning Tips That Could Reduce Your Taxes

There’s more to tax planning than you think. Do you understand how each of your accounts are taxed? How did you set up your retirement plan? Have you considered an HSA? Take control of your taxes and how they fit into the big picture. Check out these income tax planning tips. Click here to …
1 2 3 106 107 108

Get in Touch

In just 15 minutes we can get to know your situation, then connect you with an advisor committed to helping you pursue true wealth.

Schedule a Consultation