Just start
What I wish someone would have said clearly to me in my 20s. And why you need it more than ever.
We have enough information. That’s not our issue.
Our biggest issue is something far more significant.
I keep seeing this time and time again.
I’m so passionate about providing detailed resources, so people (maybe even yourself) can have exactly what you need to build wealth and manage money wisely.
The deeper I dig, the more I see just how many details and scenarios and things to think about there are for any given individual.
I know that, from your perspective, it can feel so daunting to begin building your own personal financial empire. I also know you’d like to have it. Who wouldn’t??
There are things to learn.
There are decisions to make.
There are plans to create.
There’s real work to do.
But you’re costing yourself by missing the most important thing…
Just do something.
The distracted intention gap
I’ve heard it said this way recently.
Information ➡️ Intention ➡️ Implementation
This is the goal: Shrink the gap of intention
So many of us are stuck in this gap. We hear, we resonate, we understand, we intend, then we stop. Next steps are usually pretty clear. I’m convinced, however, that intention sitting in a world of constant distraction is keeping us from doing what we know we need to do.
3 real conversations I’ve had that have genuinely frustrated me for people
Conversation 1:
I recently coached someone on how to setup and start funding a Roth. She asked me for the conversation. We talked about Roth IRAs, starting by getting her employer match using a Roth 401k option she has available, and beginning a budget with her fiancé.
Her action steps from our conversation were this: budget first, get your employer match (Roth 401k with good funds available), set an emergency fund goal and begin funding it, earmark the Roth for when these other things are done.
I followed up a few weeks later: “How’s the process going? Have you started your budget?”
Her response: “I still need to do that.”
Conversation 2:
I had a similar conversation with someone else about beginning to invest while he’s young (college age). I gave him the tools to take the step. Several months later we crossed paths again.
We talked about school. We talked about his business finance class (he knows I’m the money guy, so I’d find this particular class interesting). We talked about how life is busy.
All fine.
He’s doing a lot through school, work, and relationships. What is he still not doing?
Investing.
Conversation 3:
I was in an office with someone who mentioned she had been given info three months ago to setup her employer sponsored 401k.
She still needs to make the call.
The common denominator
Information. Intention. Inaction.
Stuck
This is what I wanted to tell each one of them (and did as best I could).
You are all still spending money.
It’s a relevant part of your life that deserves attention.
It needs organization. It needs decision.
I am frustrated for you.
This is what you’re missing out on.
For the 21 year old I talked to.
This is the least amount you’ll invest from a dollar amount perspective because your income is likely the lowest it will ever be. Right now is also the most valuable every dollar is for you. And it’s likely the lowest your expenses will be too.
Just start by getting your employer match. Although it’s a minimal amount and you can easily be doing more, check this out:
Starting Balance: $0
Invested per month: $182 ($2,184 per year)
Return rate: 10%
Ending balance at age 61 (40 years): $1,010,163
This same scenario for myself at 35 years old results in a much different (worse) ending balance: $249,194.
If I were starting at $0 right now, in order to hit that million dollar mark by 61 I would have to invest almost $740 per month.
A little now goes a long way. Later it requires much more.
Start early. Stay consistent. Time is on your side.
I know I’m pushing, but I also get it
I want to briefly empathize with you too. I know looking under the hood financially can feel daunting. I know taking action with something you feel unfamiliar with can be scary. I know the various emotions that can be connected to talking, learning about, and looking at your money.
I’ve experienced them all.
There’s fear. There’s insecurity. There’s anxiety. There’s stress.
Money can produce any and every one of these.
And they will continue to, especially if avoidance controls your rhythms.
So let’s keep moving with action in mind.
Just know that I see you and the challenge that this can bring.
Here’s the best way to make action inevitable.
One thing
There’s plenty to learn.
I know figuring out your money is a process that involves moving parts and learning how they go together. It requires work.
But the best financial guidance I can give you is this.
Do something.
Just one thing.
Action produces experiences. And experiences grow wisdom.
Don’t let intention win. Intention doesn’t accomplish anything.
Consider these verses from the Gospel of Matthew as a sending to take action today:
…Hear the words, put them into practice…it’s like building your house on a rock. When the storm comes beating against your house, it won’t fall. Because of its foundation…
Matthew 7:24-25 (my paraphrase)
Try this instead
Hearing the words and putting them into practice is like building your house, your life, on a foundation that can stand everything life will bring.
And as large of a part as money plays in your life, building the right kind of foundation for it can transform your life. Not because you’re serving money, but because you’re allowing it to serve you and the purpose you’re here for.
Information ➡️ Action ➡️ System ➡️ Habit
Shrink the gap of intention. Don’t allow distraction to keep you stuck there.
See that this progression won’t see you through.
Let’s get the word out.
This generation still needs personal financial education.
Maybe more than ever as pricey as life continues to get.
And as distracted as our world remains.
I’m here to coach.
Not to post cute tips.
Not to bury information in a feed.
Not to give you something to read through and nod your head at.
This is about your action.
I’m here to cheer you on.
Let’s get this thing going.
Your future is depending on it.
Join The Club.
Upgrade your membership.
Use it as an accountability tool to get yourself moving.
An update from one of those conversations
Let’s end here.
I wrote the majority of this post and then spoke again with the person I referenced above.
Guess what she did today?
She made the call. Opened her employer sponsored Roth 401k account.
Her investing is now automated into good, boring index funds and she’s getting a 4% matching contribution from her boss.
A wealth-builder is in the making.
This stuff works.
It will take community, accountability, system, and habit.
But it starts with your action.
Are you willing to take a step?
We don’t need more information.. We need a little more courage to begin..
foundation is EVERYTHING! I have learned that the hard way ... a couple times