Do What You Must, Let What Happens Happen: A Stoic Approach to Financial Clarity
It was in the late 1980s that I first heard a song called “My Death” from the album Den’ Serebra by Aquarium, a Russian rock group. One line in particular caught my attention. Loosely translated, it said: “But I heard a song that said, ‘Do what you must, let what happens happen.’ I think this is a good answer to the question.” Those words resonated with me then, and they still do now.
The phrase “Do what you must, let what happens happen” is often associated with Marcus Aurelius, the second-century Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. It’s a reminder that we can only control our actions, not the results. When it comes to money, this mindset is both freeing and practical.
Focus on What You Can Control
So much about finances is unpredictable—the economy, the stock market, unexpected expenses, even what other people choose to do with their money. But financial wellness comes from shifting our focus to what is in our control. The key is to develop habits and strategies that prioritize consistency over perfection.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by financial uncertainty, consider this: Your job isn’t to predict the future. Your job is to make thoughtful, intentional choices today. While uncertainty is a given, creating a strong financial foundation can help you navigate it with more clarity and confidence. Here are some ways to do that:
Practice Value-based Spending. Define your core values—freedom, security, creativity, generosity—and align your spending accordingly. If you love traveling but spend most of your money on impulse Amazon purchases, it might be time for a reality check. Instead of chasing an abstract idea of success or keeping up with others, focus on what brings you peace of mind and fulfillment.
Prepare, but don’t obsess. Build an emergency fund and contribute to long-term financial security. But don’t let fear of worst-case scenarios keep you from enjoying the present—life is short, eat the good cheese. Finding balance between planning for the future and living fully in the present is key.
The Importance of Risk Management Planning
Financial wellness isn’t just about building wealth—it’s also about protecting what you’ve built. Life is unpredictable, and having a solid risk management plan in place can help ensure that an unexpected event doesn’t derail your financial future.
Insurance matters. Imagine working hard for years to build financial stability only for a medical emergency or accident to wipe out your savings. Having the right types of insurance—health, life, disability, and liability—can protect you and your family from financial hardships caused by accidents, illness, or unexpected life events.
An emergency fund is just the beginning. A cash reserve is great, but it won’t help if a major disaster or disability leaves you unable to earn income for an extended period. Consider disability insurance, especially if you have dependents who rely on you.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. If you don’t have a will, congratulations—you’ve just handed the government a say in what happens to your assets. A will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives ensure that your assets are distributed as you intend and that decisions can be made on your behalf if you’re unable to make them yourself.
Let Go of What You Can’t Control
Worrying about things beyond our control doesn’t change the outcome; it only drains our energy. Financial clarity isn’t about micromanaging every detail—it’s about recognizing which levers you can pull and which ones you need to let go of.
The markets will go up and down (and mostly up over time). Investing is about patience, not prediction (nobody has a crystal ball, even if they claim they do). If you’re constantly checking your investments, take a deep breath and maybe log out of that app.
Unexpected expenses will happen. The car won’t wait for a convenient time to break down, and your home appliances have a secret agreement to all stop working at once. A well-stocked emergency fund and the right insurance coverage can prevent these moments from turning into full-blown crises.
Your financial journey is your own. Someone else’s path doesn’t define your success (so maybe unfollow that friend on social media who always seems to be in Bali). Focus on progress, not comparison. Everyone has different financial priorities and circumstances.
Financial Wellness Is About Clarity, Not Perfection
Accepting that we can’t control everything brings us something even more valuable: clarity. Financial clarity isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making the best choices with the information you have, then letting go of the rest.
Beyond clarity, it’s also about building resilience. Financial setbacks will happen, but a clear plan allows you to adjust rather than panic. You might not have control over everything, but you can always make the next best choice. This mindset shifts the focus from fear and perfection to progress and adaptability.
The Role of Planning in Financial Clarity
Good financial health isn’t just about what you earn or save—it’s about how well you prepare for the unexpected.
Protect what matters most. If you have dependents, life insurance can provide financial security in case the worst happens. If your family depends on your income, a solid policy is as essential as your morning coffee.
Plan for incapacity. A healthcare directive and power of attorney ensure that someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. No one wants to think about it, but ignoring it won’t make the need go away.
Wills and trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. If you have assets, a clear estate plan ensures they are passed on according to your wishes, reducing stress for your loved ones.
Think beyond investments. A solid financial plan includes risk management, tax planning, and estate planning—not just saving and investing.
Building a Resilient Financial Mindset
Beyond habits, financial resilience is about how you react to challenges. Unexpected job loss? Medical bill? Market downturn? These things happen. The key is to have a mindset that allows you to adapt without panic.
Have a Plan B (and C). Backup strategies make financial hurdles less daunting. If your only plan for retirement is winning the lottery, it might be time for a rethink.
Keep emotions in check. Fear and greed are the biggest financial pitfalls. Recognize emotional triggers and prepare a system to manage them.
Celebrate progress. Small wins add up. Acknowledging them keeps you motivated to continue making good decisions.
Putting It Into Practice
So, take the next step, whatever that looks like for you. Save a little. Plan a little. Protect what matters. Make a decision and move forward. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Do what you must, and let what happens happen. And if all else fails, remember: Even Marcus Aurelius probably had days where he wanted to impulse-buy something unnecessary.
Because in the end, financial wellness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared, thoughtful, and a little bit Stoic. The goal isn’t to eliminate uncertainty, but to cultivate habits and mindsets that make it easier to handle whatever comes your way.
A Personal Note
I have to be honest—sticking to these concepts isn’t always easy for me either. I know all the logic, I understand the strategies, but there are still times when I catch myself stressing over things I can’t control or second-guessing a financial decision. The temptation to check the market when things feel uncertain, to compare my progress with others, or to feel like I should be doing more or something different is real.
What helps is reminding myself of the same principles I share here. Taking a breath, focusing on what I can do, and letting go of the rest. Financial clarity is just as much a practice as it is a destination, and like any practice, it takes patience and self-compassion. So if you ever find yourself struggling with this mindset, just know—you’re not alone.
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Igor Aronov, the publisher of this content, is a registered investment adviser representative and owner of FAR Financial Inc.