The Joy of Reaching That Age — and Finding Peace of Mind at Any Age

By Scott Van Den Berg, CFP®, ChFC®, CEPA®, AIF®, CRPS®, CMFC®

There comes a point in life when you realize something’s changed. You’ve reached that age where you can say what you want to say and wear what you want to wear—and not think twice about it. For me, I am experiencing that milestone as I approach 59.

It’s the age when old expressions come out of your mouth that younger folks have never heard. When your favorite pants might not match your shirt, and you genuinely don’t care. When comfort beats fashion, and authenticity beats approval.

That freedom, the ability to be yourself without apology, is one of the real perks of getting older. It’s not rebellion; it’s release. You start to recognize what truly matters and what never really did. And that realization leads to one of life’s greatest rewards: peace of mind. Are you there yet?

The Other Kind of Peace of Mind

Peace of mind isn’t just about caring less about what people think. It’s also about caring deeply about what really counts—your health, your relationships, and your financial foundation. Over the past 33 years in my work as a financial planner and investment advisor, I’ve seen that same sense of calm and confidence come when people finally take the time to organize their financial lives with purpose. It’s not about how much money you have—it’s about knowing where you stand and where you’re headed.

Peace of mind is knowing:

You won’t outlive your money.
Your investments are built to weather volatility and uncertainty.
You have a clear plan for where your income will come from and how your lifestyle will be supported—today, tomorrow, and years down the road.

When all the moving parts of your financial life are coordinated into a plan—one rooted in your goals, values, and time horizon—it changes how you feel every day. You stop worrying about what might happen and start focusing on what you can make happen.

Planning With Intention

Many people spend more time planning a vacation than planning their financial future. But think about how much effort goes into those trips—researching destinations, comparing flights, setting budgets, and creating itineraries.

That same level of intentionality—when applied to your financial life—can bring the same kind of confidence and clarity. Because when you “hope things work out” or “get to it later,” that’s when mistakes can happen and opportunities could slip by. But when you plan on purpose—with clarity and intention—you gain control. You find freedom.

Freedom and Peace of Mind—At Any Age

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to wait until your fifties or sixties to feel this way. That sense of peace and confidence—the freedom to live life on your terms—can be found at any age.

Whether you’re just starting out, building your career, or already retired, peace of mind comes from knowing your decisions today support your goals tomorrow. It’s the same feeling that comes when you stop worrying about matching your socks or chasing trends.

It’s knowing you’re living aligned with what matters most—to you. And that, at any age, is something worth planning for.

If you’d like to talk about your own financial plan—to connect the moving parts, bring clarity to where you stand, and find that same peace of mind we’ve been talking about—I’d welcome the conversation. Whether it’s a call, a meeting, or just an initial chat, I’m always glad to help you think things through and take the next step with confidence.

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