DEFINING YOUR OWN DEFINITION OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

The great Greek Philosopher, Aristotle, once wrote, “We are the all the sum total of our experience.” To learn from one’s experiences is paramount to truly navigating in life.  

As we now find ourselves living in uncertain times due to the COVID pandemic, some find themselves unsure of what their financial future may look like. Are we heading toward another financial crisis similar or worse that 2008?! Or is this an opportunity to take inventory to re-evaluate how you could navigate your financial future especially in uncertain times.

As Ben Franklin said, “All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are moveable, and those that move.”

The reason why so many people fail to reach their desired financial goals  is that they either lack the necessary information that provides the important ingredients and tools to use, or they simply succumb to their fears and negative beliefs (i.e. comfort zones) about their own financial future.

When creating your own financial future, you want to plan to not only include investing and savings, but your future growth and happiness.

So, to help you reflect on some things you can be doing now to take action during these uncertain times, here are eight quick tips to help you define your own definition for your financial future:

1. Spend Wisely – Spending wisely does not insinuate being cheap or being a cheapskate, but rather ask yourself, “IS this something I need RIGHT NOW, or can it wait until I can truly afford this purchase?” In the days of online commerce, there is no reason not to take the time to research and ensure you are getting the right purchase at the best price possible.

2. Accepting Responsibility – As President Harry S. Truman once said, “The Buck stops here.” When you make mistakes admit it, and work toward positive solutions. Remember, you got yourself into your financial situation and you will need to work hard to get out of that ‘hole’. Failure to accept financial responsibility usually costs you more money in the long run. There is no fast-pass to navigate your financial future.

3. Protecting Yourself (Buyer Beware) – More and more during uncertain times, there will be so-called gurus that will profess that they have all the answers and solutions to solve your financial problems: easy trading and investing money with 1000% returns, immediate repair of your credit report, wiping away past tax debt, etc. Don’t be afraid to challenge and ask questions or get second opinions (i.e. reputable online reviews) especially when you know what you want. The only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask.

4. Live within your financial means – Create a savings and spending budget that will help you fix your own spending habits and financial planning. Keeping up with the Joneses is a fool’s game because it usually leads you to overextend yourself financially to impress others. Learning to make good strategic financial decisions and not poor emotional choices is a good first step.

5. Always Put Yourself First – If you currently do not have any savings or long-term investments for retirement, you need to learn how to invest In addition, set aside at least 10% of your net income toward a savings and/or an emergency fund so you do not need to continually pay ridiculously high interest rates to credit card or predatory loan companies. Invest in yourself first, your future self will thank you.

6. Set Financial Priorities – It is one thing to draft a financial plan, but without taking action, you are like a car driving around in circles; not only are you wasting time and money, but you are not going forward. Whenever you create financial goals, assign specific calls to action that required realistic deadlines and expectations.

7. Learn from your financial mistakes – There is an old saying, “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” Learn from your financial mistakes and course correct in order thrive. Do not continuously fall in the same hole over and over again; Remember nobody cares more about your money than you do (or should)!

8. Most importantly, have FUN creating and defining your own financial future and reward yourself for taking time to plan your future..

“We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.” ~ Galileo

This content is intended to provide educational information only. Trading is risky and you can lose money.