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Travis Braulick, a financial professional based in New Ulm, Minnesota, warns individuals and families about a widespread but avoidable risk quietly affecting people across southern Minnesota and beyond.
Minnesota, US, 22nd January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, According to Travis Braulick, one of the most common financial risks people face today is not market volatility or income changes. It is operating without clarity.
“Most financial stress has very little to do with money itself,” Braulick explains. “It’s about not knowing what comes next.”
This lack of clarity often turns into a trap. People delay decisions, avoid conversations, or assume they will address things later. Over time, uncertainty compounds stress and limits options.
The scope of the issue is widespread:
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Nearly 52% of Americans say they do not have a written financial plan
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Over 60% of adults avoid reviewing financial statements regularly
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About 45% of households report ongoing financial stress, regardless of income
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More than 50% of people say they feel unsure how a major life change would affect their finances
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Fewer than 4 in 10 adults feel confident explaining their own financial picture clearly
“Stress grows when the future feels vague,” Braulick says. “It eases when there’s a plan, even if it needs adjusting.”
The Hidden Risk: Avoidance Disguised as Stability
Many people assume that as long as nothing is wrong today, everything is fine. Braulick says this mindset is risky.
“Silence creates room for worry to grow,” he notes. “Clear communication changes everything.”
Avoidance often shows up as unopened mail, postponed conversations, or plans that were never revisited after major life changes.
Self-Check Quiz: Are You at Risk?
Answer yes or no to the following questions:
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Do you avoid looking at certain financial statements?
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Would you struggle to explain your financial picture in simple terms?
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Have you had major life changes without revisiting your plan?
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Do financial decisions feel stressful or rushed?
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Are you unsure what your next financial step should be?
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Do you compare your situation to others often?
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Have you delayed asking questions you know you should ask?
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Do you feel uncertain about how prepared you are for change?
If you answered “yes” to three or more, it may be time to pause and reassess.
“Confidence grows with understanding,” Braulick says. “Not perfection. Understanding.”
What to Do Next: A Simple Decision Tree
If you feel unsure:
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Write down your top three concerns
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Organize all key documents in one place
If you feel overwhelmed:
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Focus on one issue, not everything
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Schedule uninterrupted time to review it
If you feel stuck:
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Talk with a trusted family member
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Seek a licensed professional with local ties
If you feel confident:
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Review your plan anyway
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Make sure it still fits your life today
“Stress is rarely about numbers alone,” Braulick explains. “It’s about responsibility, control, and clarity.”
Why Acting Early Matters
Addressing uncertainty early keeps small issues from becoming big ones. People who review plans regularly report lower stress and greater confidence during change.
“People don’t need pressure,” Braulick says. “They need direction.”
Call to Action
Run the self-check today. Choose one step from the decision tree and take action this week. Share this alert with a friend or family member who might be avoiding the same questions.
About Travis Braulick
Travis Braulick is a Vice President of Investment and Insurance Services and a financial professional based in New Ulm, Minnesota. With more than a decade of experience, he focuses on clear communication, consistency, and helping individuals navigate uncertainty with confidence and perspective.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Economy Lane journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
