Back to the Basics: The Forced Savings Solution
If you were to ask retirees what was the single biggest factor in their ability to retire, the answer might lie in the fact that they began saving early, saved consistently, and didn’t stop saving. Sure, some people have retirement saved for them, in the form of a pension, but the reality is that nobody lives off of their money …
Briefcase Study: Financial Independence is a Myth
‘Financial Independence’ is a wonderful goal, a beautiful aspiration, a worthy pursuit. But it’s impossible. If true financial independence is the point at which we have enough money to be free from needing to serve or be served by other people, then we’ve missed the point entirely. If we look at a pile of wealth – money, property, possessions – …
Times Like These: Why Clear Financial Objectives Are So Important
When I first began doing this work, a bit more than 20 years ago, I’d managed to arrange meetings with a number of very serious athletic coaches in an effort to gain new clients. At that time, a pulse was all that was required to get my attention, since starting in this business is so difficult. The fact that I …
Learn Math? But I Have A Calculator!
We’ve all heard the argument against memorizing facts and information for a test in the modern age. “I’ll be okay as long as I know where to find the information.” is how the explanation goes. And thanks to Google, we now have access to seemingly all of the information available on any subject, so there may be something to that …
Retire in 1991 – Why Timing is Everything
Do you know one of those people who seem to hit every green light on the boulevard of life? Everything they touch seems to work out exceedingly well? If so, they’re the person who’s likely to have retired in a year like 1991. Why? For one, the stock market began its almost-unbelievable rise through the 1990s, replenishing their retirement nest …
If Only Investing Was More Like Sports
If you’re into sports – or even if you’re not – you’ve seen somebody at some point hit a buzzer-beating shot or get a last inning game-winning hit or sink a match-winning putt. Can you even imagine how that must feel? If you’re at all like me, you occasionally scratch your head and wonder, “Where are those moments in my …
What Is Your Enough Number?
What Is Your Enough Number? This week I’ll share with you a very simple idea that may change your life. Yes, I said it may change your life. I don’t say that often, but I think it fits here. The concept is called the ‘EIEN’ and it can transform your thinking from one of scarcity to abundance almost overnight. Let …
The Curse of Knowledge
Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of hours of classes on financial retirement. The class I teach is called Retirement Elevated and we created it help aspiring retirees better prepare for the challenges and opportunities of retirement. In fact, advisors all over the country now teach these classes at colleges and universities; the impact has been tremendous. Attendees sign up …
Team Spotlight: Kathleen Sherman
Kathleen Sherman Elevated Retirement Group Event Coordinator 3 years, 7 months WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY JOB: I love my opportunities to help grow ERG through partnering well matched pre-retirees with Scott and his advisors, as well as, developing relationships with major corporations locally and nationally in helping them provide financial literacy to their employees through education and retirement planning. …
Back to the Basics: Return Policy
As more and more shopping moves from brick-and-mortar stores to the internet, the risk of getting it wrong escalates. A pair of pants bought from a website, without trying them on first, is something that would have seemed insane 25 years ago. Will they even fit? I recall the back-to-school ritual of trying on jeans while seeking Mom’s approval (since …
