How to Retire; Investing in Yourself--Your Most Important Asset

                I’m sure you have read other financial passages before and you may imagine mine to be no different. If you are in your twenties and feel this article does not concern you, think again. Life only gets more expensive.  Start saving money for yourselves while expenses are minimal, even if its $100 per month. Sitting down with a financial planner does not cost ONE PENNY, and it could ultimately change your life. Continue reading to understand why it is so important to begin saving while young. Although the last sentence may sound like its geared toward younger investors, please remember it is never too late to start saving.

                I believe the most effective way to connect with an audience is to share an intimate story with my purpose behind writing. One of the main reasons I decided to pursue financial planning is largely due to my grandparent’s situation. In my adolescent years, I watched both of my grandparents work frantically in preparation for successful retirement; and that they did, or so they thought. They retired in their late 60’s to return to work in their 70’s. They are currently working full-time, including weekends, just to scrape by.  I feel pained and devastated to watch my 80-year old grandparents work the rest of their useful lives away when they should be relaxing on a beach enjoying their years. Retirement is about celebrating life and appreciating the capital you have established from working so diligently. Retirement involves knowing you have set your family and future generations up for success. Unfortunately, not all people retire as fruitfully as they could.

                Fifty-Three percent of Americans are not sure when they have saved enough money for retirement.  People agonize through those years because they did not plan early enough, or have the proper financial help to prepare them for a prosperous life after work. My goal as a financial planner is to help people understand how to put money away today so they can fulfill all their life goals. To accomplish all of this without ever worrying about monetary hardship or returning to work, that is my objective for clients.  My grandparent’s misfortune is our learning experience. Use your resources.

                 I get asked all the time “What do you do?” “What does financial planning consist of?” True comprehensive financial planning is not just Joe Schmoe telling you to put $5000 in your IRA and roll your 401(k) over from your previous job.  While those two steps maybe important for that individual, those are just a small part of real, comprehensive financial planning.  In reality, financial planning should dive way deeper than that. It is the core of your financial world and the glue that holds your family and future together. My job as a financial planner is to inform individuals who only eat meat to possibly consider eating more vegetables. If you are strictly a meat eater, you are missing out on the diverse nutrition of the other food groups.  Financial Planning is no different. If you are only getting basic advice you are probably missing critical steps to guide you toward retirement. Having a true plan involves guiding and servicing to implement proper preparation for the unknown. It entails putting money aside today—allocating for the future without impacting your current way of life. Finally, financial planning is about allowing you to maintain your security and lifestyle you have come to expect, all because you have a plan to overcome.

                That plan may involve covering home repairs, children’s education, weddings and vacations.  No different than monitoring your health with doctor visits; financial planning is a fiscal check-up to ensure you are on the right path. Think how much time and attention we spend on our bodies safeguarding them through normal physicals, proper nutrition, diet, and exercise. We spend just as much time and money on our automobiles too; changing the oil, new wiper blades, tune-up, tires, wash and wax.  These things are all designed to prolong the life and appearance of our vehicles and ultimately, ourselves. In a nutshell, my responsibility is to look under the hood and make sure you have the right tools and professional expertise to prolong your lifestyle. With the right shocks and springs I am here to help you absorb the bumps in the road life will throw at you along the way. Most importantly, a worthy planner should help you experience the freedom and security that you have always envisioned. We only live once so why compromise?  My grandfather once told me; “Joey, don’t bother waiting for your ship to come in when you haven’t sent it out.” The earlier you plan for tomorrow, the better your tomorrow will be. Is it time for you to get a check-up?

Author: Joey Goone
50 Hill Pointe Ct, Suite 200
St. Charles, MO 63303
Phone (636) 493-9600
Fax (636) 493-9613
www.AXIUSfinancial.com

Read my bio here

Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and AXIUS Financial are not affiliated.

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