Everywhere you go there are barriers. You can't get onto a golf course without the proper attire. Riding transit - you need a ticket. University? You need the right marks from High School. There are barriers to almost everything in life, most of which are put there by other people. The only barriers to financial success are the ones you build yourself.
4 Barriers to Financial Success You Can Overcome:
1. Fear - It comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Fear of the unknown, of failure, of mistakes, of not enough education, of not knowing where to start. How do you overcome the barrier of fear? Get knowledge! Get Informed!
2. Pride - It says, "I've got this! I don't need anyone to tell me how to be successful with money." You will figure it out on your own. You will figure it out the old fashion way - with blood, sweat, and tears. I guarantee there will be plenty of it. Do you know how you overcome pride? Humble yourself - serve others, learn from others. Canadian households are carrying more debt than ever. Retirees are strapped financially due to debt. The fact is, "We don't get this".
3. Confusion - Where does one even start with figuring out the Canadian Financial System? We have RRSP's, TFSA's, RESP's, GIC's, Income Trusts, Stocks, Bonds, REIT's, and more. How about Real Estate and businesses? How do you overcome confusion? Become informed. Start with one strategy. Seek advice from an expert in the subject you want to learn more about. If you need to improve your finances, work with a financial advisor (aka Willis & Nancy). Wink, wink, nudge, nudge! :-)
It's a known fact that many Canadians will settle for working harder instead of taking the time to learn how to work smarter.
I'm reminded of a guy that worked at the same mine I worked at when I was 18 years old. I never met the guy, but he was somewhat of a legend. He worked there his whole life. He never took a holiday and worked every available overtime shift he could get. Shortly after he retired at 60, he dropped dead. Regardless of your age, today is the best time to take control of your life and your finances and start a plan to change how the rest of your life will turn out.
Inquire of a retired person what they would do if they could start over. I bet you a donut one of their top regrets is not saving, investing or planning SOONER in life. Consider this math fact: a person who waits until their 50's to start saving for retirement will have to save 4-6 times as much money each month than someone starting in their 20's to get the same amount. The biggest mistake we make when we are young is underestimating the Time Value of Money. This brings me to the next barrier...
4. Time - Why is it that we put off getting our Financial House in Order?
We just can't find the time, take the time, make some time to get our financial affairs in order. This is the one that bothers me the most. Because time is the great equalizer for every human on the planet - we all have one life to live and we have all been given the same amount of time each day.
"Most of us will spend more time planning a 2 week vacation than planning the rest of our life."
1. It gives your money ample time to grow and compound over time and,
2. It gives your money time to recover from market corrections - and there will be corrections, recessions and pull backs.
Incremental changes today can have a huge impact on the lifestyle we enjoy both now and for the next stage of living.
You don't have to be like the many Canadians in retirement with too much time but not enough money!
The only person who can remove the barriers to your financial success is YOU!
Let us help you get your financial house in order so that you can focus on what really matters: Your Family, Health, Relationships, Career, Business, Causes, and pursuing your purpose. We'll make sure your money goes where it should so that you don't have to wonder where it went. We'll manage your debt, investments, risks, and cash flow more efficiently so that you can confidently enjoy your lifestyle today and not worry about tomorrow.
Learn more about our flat-fee planning services.
Retirement Income, Investment & Tax Planning,
Nancy Langford CRS
Willis J Langford BA, MA, CFP
