Written by David Graves
August 1, 2025

This past week, our family went blueberry picking—not to stock a freezer or make jam (though that was a nice bonus), but because it’s one of those small summer rituals that gets everyone outside together. It’s always fun in theory, and a little chaotic in practice. But this year, as I watched our kids approach blueberry picking in very different ways, a powerful analogy struck me—one that feels right on brand for our work helping people prepare for the future.

 As we wandered row after row with our buckets in hand, here’s what happened:

 The youngest kids? They were incredibly enthusiastic… for about three minutes. Then they started eating the berries straight out of their own buckets as fast as they picked them. They ended the day sticky, smiling, and full—but with hardly any berries to show for all that effort. It wasn’t a failed outing by any means, but their short-term focus cost them a long-term reward.

 Our teenager? She showed up with good intentions. Picked for a bit, then got distracted—by bugs, by the playlist on her phone, by literally anything that wasn’t a blueberry bush. Her bucket had maybe half the number of berries it could have, not because she wasn’t capable, but because she didn’t stay focused. She picked some, sure—but not enough to matter in the end.

 And then there were mom and dad, steadily moving up and down the rows. We picked a little, snacked a little, picked some more. By the time we were done, our buckets were practically overflowing. We had fresh berries for days and still enjoyed the process in the moment. Why? Because we struck the right balance—taking joy in the now, but prioritizing what we’d have later.

 **The Blueberry Bucket and Your Financial Future**

 So what does this have to do with savings or retirement planning?

 A lot, actually.

 Like blueberry picking, saving for the future is often about discipline, mindset, and time. And people’s behaviors tend to fall into similar categories:

 – **Some people consume everything they pick.** Like the little kids, they live entirely in the moment, savoring every dollar as soon as they earn it. There’s joy in that, but it often leaves them unprepared when the moment passes, or when life demands more from them later on.

– **Others get distracted.** They know they *should* be saving, they start off fine, but other things catch their attention—unexpected expenses, lifestyle upgrades, procrastination. They end up with a little saved, but not nearly enough to meet their goals comfortably.

 – **And then some take a steady approach.** These are the people who understand the value of balance. They plan ahead, yes—but they also enjoy the journey. They know it’s okay to use some resources today while building for tomorrow. And in the end, they’re the ones with full buckets *and* satisfied lives.

 **What We Can Learn**

 Whether we’re in the breakroom with your team or in a boardroom with your leadership, Align operates on one key principle: you shouldn’t have to choose between living well now and living well later. But you *do* have to be intentional.

 Saving for the future—whether it’s through a company retirement plan, personal investing, or simply smart budgeting—isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about making sure your efforts today will be compounding into something meaningful tomorrow.

 Just like blueberry picking, if you wait until the end of the season or only pick when it’s easy, your bucket may come up short. But if you stay focused, pick steadily, and enjoy a few along the way? You’ll end up with the sweet satisfaction of both the moment—and the harvest.

 Whether it’s planning for retirement or picking blueberries on a Saturday afternoon, it’s all about setting yourself up for a future worth enjoying.

 **Need help getting your “bucket” started or back on track?** Let’s talk.