“Complex” and “Complicated” are Different—and Financial Planning is Both

We often use the terms “complex” and “complicated” interchangeably, but there are some important nuances separating the two. Think about wiring a light switch: each wire has a specific function, but as long as they are connected properly to the switch and the light they will all do what they are supposed to. It may be complicated, but it is not complex. A computer, on the other hand, can be complex without being complicated: each part has its own unique function, but it also relies on all the other parts working as expected for the whole system to operate. 

Financial planning is both complex and complicated: complicated because there are a number of ways to achieve a financial objective, and complex because every person has different behaviors when it comes to their finances. This Forbes article outlines the difference between complex and complicated—and explains why financial planning is both.

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