Initial Thoughts

Indeed, these are the queries that many ponder over but either hesitate or simply lack the time, lost in their daily routines, to truly contemplate. We tend to think, “I’ll deal with that when the moment arrives.” Allow me to share this with you—the moment is now. This platform is entirely focused on finances. Yes, finances. From managing money, investing, earning, to losing, and understanding both monetary successes and failures…. Essentially, everything related to finances. If you feel shy discussing money, it's time to move past that, truly… You’ll be glad you did. This narrative reflects our experiences, how we have triumphed with finances and how there was a time when we were overwhelmed by financial hurdles. You don’t have to be a genius to succeed in managing money. The concepts and principles are straightforward, ubiquitous, and everlasting. Anyone can grasp them; it’s about learning and applying them. The remarkable aspect of financial matters is the existence of a vast community around personal finance and countless success narratives of those who have achieved financial independence and lead a life of their own design.

Here’s what we aim to accomplish:

• Sharing our journey: The ups, downs, and everything in between. How we navigated various situations.

• Enlightening: Providing insights into various ideas and principles so that once you have the knowledge, you can make informed decisions.

• Testing: Sharing different experiences and trials, illustrating how we reached conclusions on various subjects, which later evolved!

Ultimately, we blend a bit of this and that, with a sprinkle of ideas here and there, concocting our own personalized plan.

First and foremost, let me present myself: I'm Richard, in my early 50s, employed in a government position, married with two children, aged 21 and 16 at the time of this writing. Our household lives on a modest income, and like many, I too contribute a mandatory 12% to the pension fund. We own a home, have cars, and two dogs. Sound relatable? My financial situation mirrors that of many other Americans reading this.

Our financial path… is probably quite similar to many others. Complete high school, pursue a college degree, secure a job, and navigate through life. We transitioned from financial instability to achieving a stable income (yet still without savings) within a relatively short timeframe. We experienced a handful of victories but faced many more setbacks. Our journey has been filled with challenges and learning experiences.

One observation I've made throughout my journey is that even if you aim for the stars, fall short, you can still achieve significant strides. This truly is a journey, not a sprint. Your financial habits will evolve, your priorities will shift, your circumstances will vary, and your spending strategies will adapt…. Everything can and will transform. Stay prepared to adjust. Plan ahead, but remain adaptable.

To dive right into some beneficial insights, here are three straightforward steps towards building wealth, attaining financial independence, and ultimately succeeding with money:

From www.jlcollinsnh.com: 1. Avoid debt 2. Spend less than you earn 3. Invest wisely with the difference.

-These may seem simple but can be among the most challenging actions to execute. We’re here to guide you on this journey.