How Mosquitos, Chipmunks & Financial Planning All Have Something In Common

Ever noticed how much is happening in nature once you actually stop and listen? Michael recently went trailer camping and couldn’t help but draw some parallels between nature and financial planning.

Between the buzzing mosquitos (more on those in a moment), chipmunk sightings, and the eerie calm of the woods at night, one thing was clear: what goes on behind the scenes really matters—in nature and in your finances.

You Plan, You Pack… Then You Panic

Before every camping trip, there’s that moment of doubt: Did I pack enough? Did I forget something critical? That pre-trip anxiety? It’s not so different from how many people feel heading into retirement.

Even with years of planning—your RRSPs, TFSAs, maybe a pension—you might still feel nervous. Did I save enough? What if there’s an unexpected storm?

It’s normal. Like any big journey, retirement is exciting but unfamiliar. The key is in the prep: the earlier and more intentionally you plan, the more confidently you can step into that next chapter.

Beware the Financial Mosquitos

Just like those tiny insects that can ruin a good night under the stars, financial mosquitos are everywhere—flashy marketing, impulse buys, lifestyle creep. They may seem small, but left unchecked, they’ll eat away at your progress.

Your best bug spray? A plan that aligns with your goals, not someone else's Instagram.

Meanwhile, your investments are like trees: they grow slowly but steadily. Keep feeding them (with regular contributions, kind of like peanuts to the chipmunks), and over time, you’ll build something strong. Just watch for falling branches—unexpected car repairs or home maintenance. That’s where your emergency fund steps in as your financial tarp.

You Can’t Control the Weather, But You Can Be Ready

Not every trip—or financial plan—goes perfectly. But that’s the point of good preparation: it gives you the flexibility to adapt, adjust, and still enjoy the ride. Whether you’re years away from retirement or pulling into that campsite now, the best time to start planning was yesterday. The second-best time? Today.

“Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.” —P.T. Barnum