Maybe Wealth Isn’t Quite What You Thought
“We’ll retire when the 401(k) hits a million.” Or $500,000, or $5,000,000. It’s not uncommon at all for people to set financial goals like these that are very clear and very exciting. After all, what’s unclear about getting to a certain dollar amount in savings? And while I applaud these goals and will cheer for you as you work toward …
Back to the Basics: In Retirement Planning, Time Waits for No One
If there is one asset that has become more valuable than all others, it is time. It is finite, making it scarce. It is fluid, making it difficult to grasp. It is often misunderstood, allowing it to escape our attempts at mastery. In fact, time is the very asset we would willingly trade all others for—if only we could have …
Briefcase Study: Replacing Paychecks with Retirement Income
What happens if you stop working for money next year? As people approach retirement, they often run a series of calculations in their heads to determine the right timing. While financial variables play a significant role, non-financial considerations also come into play. Questions such as whether they are truly ready to lose the structure of a workplace or how they …
Getting Retirement Right When Your Timing Isn’t
When I first began doing this work many 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 was meeting with these …
Financially, When is Enough, Enough?
Ever wonder how much money it would take for you to feel totally safe and free from financial stress? Take a moment and think about it – what’s your number? Got it? In a number of big studies, researchers asked people the exact same question. The results were stunning, if not saddening. Regardless of the participants’ level of wealth, the …
Debt as a Dance Partner
The Joker, in Tim Burton’s Batman movie loved asking, “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?” What does that mean and why did he say it? “I ask that of all my prey. I just like the sound of it.” Alright, I’ll admit that’s a really cool response. But today I ask you: Have you ever …
Client Corner: Let’s Explore
We have been successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and adventure-driven people who love exploring and pioneering. Even though retired, we still pursue these avenues for a gratifying life. We love traveling, especially to beautiful mountainous areas. Together, we enjoy hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing, while Bob also loves Alpine skiing and golf. Bob’s corporate career with a large public corporation …
Your Five-Year Plan
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the idea that whatever I chose to do at any moment could change my life forever. I’m not talking about which sports to play or what to say to the cute girl in my class. No, I was focused on what would happen if I snapped my fingers or raised my …
Briefcase Study: Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Do you also keep New Year’s Resolutions? I’m not a big resolutions guy, but I’m happy to hear from others who’ve had a resolution actually stick. A friend of mine started a resolution to floss his teeth daily starting on January 1st, 2012, and hasn’t missed a day since. When you read this, assuming …
Back to the Basics: New Year Reflection
New Year Reflection: The Mexican Fisherman and the American Businessman As we embark on another year, it’s natural to think about our goals and ambitions—working harder, saving more, and striving for greater ‘success’. But amidst this drive, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what we truly want out of life. One story that captures this sentiment beautifully is the parable …
