James E. Mayer, Jr., CRPS, C(k)P’s Post

Who do you think you’ll be in a year? Five years? Twenty years? One of the big problems with setting goals, especially financial ones, is that we’re really bad at imagining our future selves. Just remember what you imagined you’d be as an adult when you were a kid. I’m guessing there are some gaps between that dream and your current reality. When we talk about financial goals, we’re often talking about long timeframes. Consider retirement, for example. That could be upwards of 20 or 30 years from now. You can’t even imagine yourself at that age, let alone plan for it. That’s your parents, not you! We do the same thing with our children. When your kid was born, college was probably the last thing on your mind. When we start talking about our distant future selves, it’s easy to rationalize the decision to not do anything. In fact, our future selves can actually often feel like some other annoying person constantly stealing heaps of fun from our current selves. And yet, while our future selves may feel like a big old pain in the neck, it’s important to realize that appeasing that person is still very much in our best interest. So what’s the solution? To start with, we need to get really clear on our goals. And I’m talking broadly. You don’t have to know exactly what college your first-grader is going to go to and exactly what the tuition is going to be. Just don’t pretend that 18 is a long way off. It’s not. So you better start saving now. You may feel like you’re still 30, but if you just celebrated (or mourned) turning 40, it’s time to get real. Our future selves will be here faster than we think. Remember all the stupid stuff you did as a teenager? Don’t be the 60-year-old that wants to hit your 30-something self over the head for doing stupid adult stuff, like not getting clear on your financial goals.

🧭Navigating Life Transitions: Your Financial Compass for a Bright Future 🌟🌈 Life is a journey marked by transitions. Transitions are pivotal moments that shape our futures. As a financial planner, I've witnessed the power of proactive planning during these transitions. Life may be unpredictable. However, being prepared for life's turning points can pave the way for a brighter and more secure tomorrow. Here’s some key transitions in life… 💍Marriage Joining two lives means merging dreams, goals, and financial realities. Proper financial planning helps couples start their journey on solid ground, aligning their aspirations and securing their shared future. 👨👩👧 Parenthood Welcoming a child is transformative. The financial responsibilities grow alongside the joy. Strategic planning ensures that your child's dreams are supported while you maintain financial stability. 💼Career Changes Whether climbing the corporate ladder or venturing into entrepreneurship, career shifts impact your financial landscape. Planning safeguards your income and helps you seize opportunities with confidence. 🏖️Retirement The golden years beckon. Retirement planning ensures that your hard work is rewarded with the comfort and dignity you deserve. Begin planning early to savor a retirement filled with dreams fulfilled. 🪦 Loss of a Loved One Coping with loss is emotionally challenging. Having a financial plan in place eases the burden on your loved ones, allowing them to focus on healing rather than navigating uncertainties. 👵🏻👴🏻 Aging Parents As roles reverse, caring for aging parents becomes a priority. Planning helps manage potential financial strains while ensuring their well-being. Transitions are inevitable, but their impact can be significantly shaped by proactive financial planning. Each step you take today lays the foundation for a more secure, prosperous, and empowered future. Just remember,  as a ship navigates rough waters with a skilled captain, your financial plan guides you through life's uncertainties. #paulineteohfinance #money #professionalwomen #financialplanning #wealthmanagement

Lunch dates with loved ones are 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, and this particular afternoon was one for the books! Here's a snapshot of my son, Bo, about to dive into a milkshake that's as big as him! 👨👦💙 Moments like these remind me that beyond the numbers and charts, life is made up of 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗿. At Fundamental Wealth Designs, we believe in weaving these moments seamlessly into your financial plan. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 on a balance sheet - it's about crafting a future where you can savor the flavors of life without financial worries! 🍨 If you're ready to embark on a journey towards a worry-free retirement, see my 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗶𝗼! #familyman #parenthood #financialplanning

Recently, I was interviewed by the New York Times regarding the whole FatFIRE movement and what early retirement is like. If you’re curious about the entire FIRE thing, check it out (it talks about the various levels) Things to note- I’m incredibly lazy regarding work, and the only reason I could reach FF was that I happened to find my “Ikigai.” It was never and should never be the plan. Being retired is a little lonely when you’re the only one in your friend group not going to work. When colleagues do not surround you, you must be purposeful about connection. My phone used to light up like a Christmas tree, and now it’s, well, like a Christmas tree in May-dim. I think I’m ok about that but as you can imagine, it’s quite the change. This experience has given me time with my family, which I’m grateful for daily. In a world where people are searching for what matters, I think I am on my way to figuring it out. The concerning part, though, from my experience on Reddit as a moderator of the FF community, is that many people thought this was the end game, and it’s sadly just the start. People realize money only solves money problems. Many people face internal problems regarding purpose, health, community, etc. They also buy a lot of stupid shit trying to fill a happiness hole. Remember, doing nothing isn’t the goal. Doing what you want to do is the goal. And many of you might already be there. https://lnkd.in/gQ8sB7cZ

Have you retired recently? Or do you know someone who is retiring soon? It is a little way away for me (😅) but if you're in this boat, check out neuroRetirement's free network below, founded by my awesome mentor & Fairshare's advisor Charlotte Neser #startup #work #retirement #network

DON'T WAIT! I had a professor in college, Fr. Jan Santich, who had us write a paper on what we would do if we had six months to live. We all had to read our papers in class. It was quite interesting to hear all the wild answers that my classmates wrote. When we were done, Fr. Jan asked one thing: "Why aren't you doing those things right now? You never know when your six-month timer starts." I am almost 50 now and I just found out a few of my friends have cancer. I don't like that. Not only because they are my friends, but also people MY AGE shouldn't get serious illnesses. I'm still too young, right? In the last few months, we have been running plans for clients who are able to retire in their early to mid-50's. The response I get is: "That's great, but I don't know what else I would do?" I'd say lean into that question. Have you been able to do all the things that motivated you at age 19? Is there anything on that list that still motivates you or gives you purpose? Shoot, just under 30% of the population doesn't even get to age 65 -- i.e. "normal retirement". If you are fortunate to have enough financial security to move on to the next challenge, I'd love to encourage you--if not full-time, at least part-time. Do things that give you purpose. Have the experiences you always wanted. You never know when your six month clock starts... #moxiewealth

DON'T WAIT! I had a professor in college, Fr. Jan Santich, who had us write a paper on what we would do if we had six months to live. We all had to read our papers in class. It was quite interesting to hear all the wild answers that my classmates wrote. When we were done, Fr. Jan asked one thing: "Why aren't you doing those things right now? You never know when your six-month timer starts." I am almost 50 now and I just found out a few of my friends have cancer. I don't like that. Not only because they are my friends, but also people MY AGE shouldn't get serious illnesses. I'm still too young, right? In the last few months, we have been running plans for clients who are able to retire in their early to mid-50's. The response I get is: "That's great, but I don't know what else I would do?" I'd say lean into that question. Have you been able to do all the things that motivated you at age 19? Is there anything on that list that still motivates you or gives you purpose? Shoot, just under 30% of the population doesn't even get to age 65 -- i.e. "normal retirement". If you are fortunate to have enough financial security to move on to the next challenge, I'd love to encourage you--if not full-time, at least part-time. Do things that give you purpose. Have the experiences you always wanted. You never know when your six month clock starts... #moxiewealth

Insightful article on F.I.R.E. These principles are helping me work less, earn more, and retire early. I’m excited to belong to a group that includes “… people who would like to exit the work force on their own terms, at an age of their own choosing, rather than hustling for a paycheck all the way into their 60s.” https://lnkd.in/evyMCatC ♻️Share if you like this article! 👍🏾 Like if you wish to retire before 65+

The interaction and value of the experienced person is a grounding force in all environments. The last 10,000 years of humanity, value of knowledge, skill and ability was paramount. It's a "Modern" concept to negate, abandon and sequester the older people in our society. Ever see the very young and the preteens with older people? Of course the kids are learning machines. They glean more from a day with an elder than weeks worth of the daily routine of waking, eating school/work, eating, sleeping. Older personnel in the workplace, even on a part time basis, bring a steadier hand, a measured responce, and a level of authority that's inherent. Retirement today isn't our Grandfathers retirement. The work ethic, attitude toward excellence, applied/actual knowledge with skill don't ever become passe'. Now, if we could only get the C-Suite to broaden their horizons. Don't forget, everyone, regardless of position in the foodchain, ages every day.