I was recently asked by our local TV station to give an interview about the current economic outlook in lieu of a recent drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average stock index. Here was my response: I don’t think there is cause for great concern right now. GDP is still strong, unemployment is low, and retail sales were up 2% in the last quarter. The volatility that we’ve recently experienced is a result of the trade war with China and…
Millionaire Success Secret #1: Implement a Viable Cash Flow Plan
Budgeting will make or break you. Get it on paper and implement it. Budgeting is not only an important aspect of wealth-building, but a vital tool for it. Without a working budget you simply can’t win with money. Clients and friends ask me all the time how they can formulate a cash flow plan that not only works with their long-term goals, but is also attainable in their day-to-day lives. Here are a few key takeaways to help you construct…
The Quintessential Key to Building Wealth: It’s not What You Think
The research is in. The findings are conclusive. Anyone can create the lifestyle and legacy that they want—even you, especially you! The good news is that if you want to grow wealth, you don’t have to time the markets perfectly, make a six-figure income, or inherit a fortune from your deceased uncle. The bad news is that it’ll take work and you’ll have to do the exceptionally boring, yet all-important task to get you there—budgeting. Budgeting is the most essential…
10 Ways to Save $10,000 This Year
What would you do with $10,000 saved this year? Did you know that if you set aside 10k a year for 30 years, you’d have 1.2 million to retire with (assuming an 8% rate of return which is less than the long-term market average)?? Watch the second-half of our seminar below in order to help get your finances on track! We apologize that the first half of our seminar was lost unfortunately due to Facebook live difficulties and the sound…
The New Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Maximize Your Tax Refund This Year
Two certain things in life are death and taxes. And even though much can change in the tax system, the IRS will always be there to take their portion of your income. Much indeed has changed since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Many Americans this year are seeing less of a tax refund or more of a liability than they were expecting because their employers withheld less taxes on their pay-stubs last year. In an effort to reduce…
Purpose: More Than Just “Work, Pay Bills, and Die”
No one wakes up one morning and thinks to themselves, “I was born to work, pay bills, and die.” Rather people realize their destinies and say things like: “I will provide the best life possible for my family.” “I will influence young minds to build a better tomorrow.” “I will save lives with my medical skills.” “I will explore the world.” “I will hone my craft so well that everyone will call me the best in my field.” “I will…
Contentment: Finding Happiness Through Intentional Living
Contentment. Happiness. Laughing so hard it hurts your stomach. Catching up with an old friend. Having a deep conversation with someone who truly understands. Listening to your voice being drowned out by others in a perfectly harmonious chorus. Breathing in the pure oxygen and the smell of pine trees on a sunny mountaintop. Sitting under homilies of grace on a Sunday morning. Snuggling with your loved one with the TV on. Lifting iron in the gym. Exploring a new place.…
Life-Money Goals and the Parable of the Mexican Fisherman
A vacationing American businessman standing on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village in southern Mexico watched as a small boat with just one young Mexican fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish. “How long did it take you to catch them?” the American casually asked. “Oh, a few hours,” the Mexican fisherman…
Loving Your Career: Your Most Lucrative Asset
A common misconception among investors is that they’re going to get rich from their investments. While this can and does happen, investments primarily serve to protect and slowly grow one’s wealth. The most common way to grow your wealth and achieve your dreams is through your employment. In fact, for the average worker, investing in your education or career advancement offers you the single greatest ROI (return on investment) of all your other assets. While traditional investments require financial assets…
The Key To Accomplishing Your Goals: A Fire in Your Belly
If you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution, then you know the frustrations that hit after about two weeks of working towards your goals—you hit a wall. This can look like running out of the energy you once poured into your goals, giving in to a temptation you’d sworn off, or simply losing the desire to break your hardwired habits and routines. If working towards a goal is difficult, then changing a constant behavior can feel equivalent to moving mountains.…