Springtime in Utah: A Season of Change and Financial Opportunity
Spring in Utah is an exciting time—wildflowers bloom in the valleys, the snowpack starts melting, and the days finally get longer. But as any Utahn knows, the season also brings unpredictable weather. One moment, the sun is shining, and the next, you’re caught in a surprise snowstorm.
I love springtime in Utah because it also means track season! I grew up in Hurricane, where I threw shot put and discus in high school before competing at Utah Valley University. Now, when time allows, I enjoy coaching those same events at the local high school.
One particular spring track meet stands out in my memory. During my senior year, we were preparing for the BYU Invitational—one of the biggest high school track meets in Utah. My teammates and I had trained hard and were excited to compete. The first day was perfect: clear skies, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions. But by day two, everything changed. The winds picked up, snow started to fall, and we were left competing in miserable conditions. That day taught me a valuable lesson: Utah’s weather—especially in the spring—can turn on a dime.
Lessons From Utah’s Spring for Your Financial Future
1. Prepare for Unexpected Storms
Utah’s pioneers learned this the hard way. In the spring of 1848, just months after settling in the Salt Lake Valley, early settlers faced a devastating challenge. Crops had begun to sprout when a massive infestation of Mormon crickets arrived, threatening to wipe out their food supply. The community panicked—until, unexpectedly, flocks of seagulls arrived and devoured the insects, saving their harvest.
Financial Lesson: Markets, like Utah’s weather, can be unpredictable. Just when everything seems to be going well, unexpected volatility—whether from economic shifts, interest rate changes, or global events—can strike. This is why diversification, emergency savings, and a solid financial plan are essential.
2. Timing the Market is Like Timing Spring Weather
If you wait for a "perfect" day in spring to plan a hike, you might never go. The same applies to investing. Too often, people hesitate to invest, waiting for the “right” time. But much like trying to guess when the last snowfall will hit the Wasatch Front, trying to time the market is nearly impossible.
Financial Lesson: Consistency wins. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” investment moment, strategies like dollar-cost averaging—where you invest at regular intervals regardless of market conditions—help smooth out volatility and capture long-term growth.
3. Spring Cleaning—For Your Finances
Just as you go through your home, clearing out clutter and prepping for a fresh season, spring is a great time to organize your finances.
Review Your Investment Portfolio – Is your asset allocation still aligned with your goals?
Check Retirement Contributions – Are you maxing out your 401(k) or IRA?
Tax Planning – If you’re getting a refund, consider how to use it strategically—investing, paying down debt, or adding to savings.
Insurance & Estate Plan – Life changes, and so should your financial protections. Now’s a great time to update beneficiaries and review policies.
4. Plant Seeds Today for a Stronger Tomorrow
Farmers and gardeners across Utah know that what they plant in March and April determines the harvest they’ll enjoy later in the year. The same is true with investing—what you do today lays the foundation for future financial growth.
Whether it’s starting an investment account, increasing retirement contributions, or setting up a financial plan, small actions taken now can lead to significant rewards over time.
Embrace the Season—And Your Financial Future
Utah’s spring is a time of new beginnings and renewal, but it also requires patience and preparation. The same principles apply to managing your wealth—expect a few surprises, plan for the long term, and trust that with the right strategy, growth will come.
About the Author
Aaron Best, CFP®
is a fee-only financial advisor that specializes in small business owners, widows & widowers, and retirees among other areas.
