Should You Plan For Retirement Or Seek Financial Independence?

July 13, 2015

When our team of financial planners asks others about their top financial concerns and priorities there is a consistent answer – retirement. In fact, our financial wellness reports usually show that every age group with the exception of those under 30 indicate that their top financial planning priority is indeed retirement planning. This probably comes as no surprise because everywhere you look these days financial services companies are bombarding us with clever messages to shift our focus to retirement. The Financial Finesse blog team, which I am a contributing member of, frequently writes about different aspects of the retirement planning process as well. Continue reading “Should You Plan For Retirement Or Seek Financial Independence?”

Retirement Isn’t All About The Numbers

May 22, 2015

Once in a while, usually during a long cold winter in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic area, my thoughts wander into a warmer place. I’ve joked that one of the requirements for my next home is that I have to be able to call the local Home Depot/Lowe’s and when I ask if they sell snow shovels, their answer MUST be… “NEVER!  Not a single day during the year do we sell snow shovels.” It was while discussing that philosophy with a friend that she pulled up this article on her phone to discuss her retirement dream. She would like to explore the world for a decade or so and then settle down in whatever place she feels like calling home. That sounds like a pretty cool lifestyle and one that a lot of people would love to experience.  Continue reading “Retirement Isn’t All About The Numbers”

Putting It All Into Perspective

August 12, 2013

The real purpose of the financial planning process is often lost when we focus on just the specific elements of a plan such as budgeting, eliminating debt, investing, minimizing taxes, and saving for retirement. Financial planning is more than these things. It’s actually the process of aligning our financial resources with our life goals, values, and vision for the future.  Continue reading “Putting It All Into Perspective”

Create a Financial Life Plan with a Few Simple Questions

July 22, 2013

Prior to becoming a full time financial educator, some of the work that I did with my clients fell into the realm of what is often called financial life planning. Financial life planning gives money more meaning and purpose and helped my clients do more than just focus on typical financial goals such as deciding when to retire, where they plan on living, and how much the expected lifestyle will cost. Rather than simply focus on money and wealth, it helps people decide what is really important in their lives. Continue reading “Create a Financial Life Plan with a Few Simple Questions”

Are You Trapped By Your Income?

March 02, 2012

I had a conversation with someone who was leaving a very high-paying job in order to do something that paid far less but was far more personally fulfilling. I asked her what her friends and coworkers thought of her decision.  She laughed and said that they all think she’s crazy.  But…they are all incredibly envious too!  Continue reading “Are You Trapped By Your Income?”