For those who have ever used the services of a financial advisor, you will no doubt have been told that the important steps to financial independence are: pay of credit card debt - start putting a little into superannuation (401K for USA readers), pay of your mortgage if you have one, then really start pumping funds into 'super' or other retirement fund - and bingo, you are on your way to living a financially independent existence. Although I do agree with some of this - I am always wary of taking advice from people who are working long hours in jobs that takes them away from the things they would rather be doing.Advisors are always talking about this or that 'investment medium' - citing that the most important thing is to 'save for retirement' - and although it is important to put money away, I strongly disagree with much of their philosophy. For me, the single most important investment medium - is MYSELF!
Investing in ourselves, our health, our happiness and our ability to produce income is by far the best investment we could make. If we love what we do; and we are healthy and happy, we can earn money that will allow us to do and have the things we need. Putting our main focus on saving for retirement can distract us from 'living now' - from 'earning now' and from honing and improving our 'earning potential'.
YOU are the best investment you could ever make. Invest in your own continuing education, in your health, your happiness - and money will not be a problem.
Here's to good health and investing in yourself.
Warm regards,
JBW
