No matter what generation you are a member of – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z – I have some free, basic financial advice that will serve you well.
“Spend less, save more, and don’t do anything stupid.” The late Dick Wagner coined that phrase, and I use it regularly as my “free advice” when people ask me about where to invest, “what’s hot now,” etc. Implementing that advice is much more difficult. Here are a few ideas on how to build wealth or use your money to get ROL, Return on Life, your life, rather than the often talked about ROI, or return on investment.
No one saves and invests solely to watch their money grow. There is always a “why” behind the effort. The question I like to ask clients and prospective clients is “are you using your money in a way that is improving your life?” A simple question, with a much deeper meaning.
As an example, is your home a place of comfort and security, or are the payments, maintenance, etc. an emotional and physical drain? (Return on Residence)
Do you love the work you do that pays for your lifestyle or is your job causing you stress and time away from your family that makes you feel resentful? (Return on Work)
Are you able to maintain your health and take time for the activities that you love? How can you use your money to improve the health aspects of your life? Let’s face it, having large sums of money invested at the expense of your health is not a trade off most people consciously choose. (Return on Heath)
These are just 3 of the 10 facets we look at as part of our “Return on Life” assessment.
So let’s shift the conversation from ROI to concentrating on how you can achieve the best life possible for YOU, with the resources you have. If you need a partner to help sort through this, contact Fish and Associates for a consultation.