A giving plan is simply a roadmap for your generosity. It outlines where, when, and how you want to give in alignment with your values, financial goals, and impact vision. Just like you wouldn’t build a retirement plan without thoughtful foresight and strategy, you don’t want to leave your generosity up to chance. Your giving plan will be most effective when it works alongside your monthly budgeting process.

Authentic financial freedom is about the ability to live intentionally, to care for those you love, and to make a meaningful impact—without the constant weight of financial stress holding you back. A part of that story is reaching a point where you are able to separate your work (what you feel called to contribute to the world) from having to achieve a certain level of pay.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence dating back to 1776, here are a few ways to reflect on—and pursue—financial independence in your own life

Just like a car needs a tune-up to keep running smoothly, your financial life benefits from performing semiannual reviews. June is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make any adjustments needed to keep your financial goals on track for the rest of the year. If you’ve gotten off track for one reason or another, it’s a great chance to hit a reset button and finish the year strong.

At StillWater Financial Advisors, we walk (or sometimes run) through life alongside our clients—not just once a year during tax season or big transitions, but throughout the entire messy journey. Here’s a simple mid-year financial checklist to help you reset, refocus, and realign your money with what matters most to you.