You’re Already Taking Risks. Are They the Right Ones?
Most people feel uneasy when the topic of risk comes up.
You’ll hear things like, “I think I play it too safe,” or “Maybe I take more chances than I should.”
Others admit they’re not sure either way. They’re just doing their best.
When markets shift or life throws something unexpected, that uncertainty gets heavier. It’s not just about numbers. It’s the weight of wondering if you made the right call.
The truth is, every decision has risk built in.
Even holding back—even waiting—is still a move. And it carries its own trade-offs.
Good planning doesn’t mean avoiding risk. It means getting clear on which risks are worth taking for the life you want. And which ones you’re already taking—without realizing it.
That’s where we come in.
At Open Concept, we help you see the risks you’re already taking—and decide if they’re the right ones.
What is Risk, Really?
Most firms start with a questionnaire. You check a few boxes, and they assign you a label—aggressive, balanced, or conservative. That label becomes your “risk profile,” and your entire plan gets built around it.
But real life doesn’t fit into preset categories.
Risk isn’t static. It changes with your season, your responsibilities, your lived experience. What felt like a smart bet at 30 can feel overwhelming at 55.
We don’t just ask, How much risk can you handle?
We ask, Which risks make sense for your life right now?
That small shift changes everything.
Let’s talk about Sam
Sam, a business owner in his mid-50s, runs an IT consultancy firm focused on billing systems.
He’s poured years into building a business that now runs steady and earns consistently. On paper, his investment portfolio looked “balanced.” But a deeper analysis reveals that his entire retirement plan hinged on selling his company at just the right time, for just the right number. One shift in the market, and his whole plan was at risk.
When we sat down with Sam and his wife, something important surfaced. The real vulnerability wasn’t in his portfolio. It was in the assumption that everything would go according to plan.
We asked, “What happens if the sale takes longer than expected—or doesn’t happen at all?”
He was quiet for a moment. Then said, “I guess I’ve just been hoping it’ll all work out.”
That wasn’t a strategy. It was hope filling in for a plan.
We worked together to reshape his financial picture. That meant restructuring his cash flow so he could redirect retained earnings into a retirement plan that served his long-term interests. We diversified his personal savings, introduced new planning tools, and made sure his plan reflected his goals.
Just as important, we brought his family into the conversation. Sam’s wife and adult children were part of the process, giving everyone shared clarity and peace of mind. That’s what smart risk planning really looks like: clear goals, aligned strategies, and honest dialogue.
Managing risk is not about avoiding risk, but about choosing the right kinds of risk, for the life you want to build.
We’re here to help
If you’re feeling stretched, uncertain, or like the weight of your decisions is getting heavier, you’re not alone. You don’t need to carry it quietly—or figure it out alone.
Curious what a more aligned plan might look like for you?
Let’s reassess your portfolio and your financial plan to explore where your current plan may be out of step—and where small shifts could bring greater clarity, security, and control.
Curious what risks you’re carrying without realizing it?
We offer a short self-reflection prompt that helps clients surface the trade-offs they’re making today. If you'd like a copy, just send us a note.