Which financial plan is the best?
Where do I begin?
If you are like me, you are always looking for a better way to do things. I am convinced that there is a smarter, faster, or even less risky way to grow my money and my noble quest never ends. I read everything I can about investing and money and I never stop tweaking my own strategies.
Even though I am quick to absorb new information, I am slow to implement it. Not that I am procrastinating. No, I just want to make sure the new strategy is sound. I also consider what my current strategy is - because it matters. It matters because every plan requires follow through. I need to see if it works and stick to it over the long term. Long term thinking is what will set you apart from the crowd and long term actions are how you execute on these strategies. That means acting deliberately and with sober discipline through thick and thin.
Every financial plan is going to be affected by the winds of change. The economy and interest rates - technological change and macro-economic variables all make a strategy more or less effective depending on the plan you choose. Do not be afraid to change if there is enough evidence to change.
On the flip side of things, do not change at the first sign of a market correction or the feds announcing an increase to the interest rates. These are normal things and the ebb and flow of the markets are inevitable. You must be strong in these times and stick to the plan if the math works,
So which plan is the best?
The one that you actually do.
Find a plan that makes sense and actually do it. Take your cold, hard cash and make a move. Then stick with it. Do not go chasing every new trend or investment scheme that comes along. If your original plan is moving you forward at approximately the rate you anticipated, then stick with it. Starting over again and again will get you nowhere. A good strategy takes time and perseverance through ups and downs. You cannot expect things to happen overnight.
As much as I would love to think the biggest problem people have when building wealth is jumping around from plan to plan, that is, sadly, not the case. The biggest problem most people encounter on their financial journey is doing nothing. Even if you do take an interest in investing and building a financial nest-egg, most people read a book or two then do nothing about it. They think the idea is cool (or not) and then just go about their lives thinking that financial freedom is only for the lucky few or is just an abstract idea. This is a tragedy. Most plans you read about, especially the ones you have heard about more than once, are good plans. They work if you work them. If you grow your money and demonstrate self discipline and perseverance, you will succeed. This is the most likely outcome.
The guaranteed outcome of doing nothing is nothing. Your will be in the same place ten years from now that you are are presently if you don't implement a sound financial plan.
I could mention that the other side of the coin is having a financial plan that is stagnating and you never make a change because it is too scary. That is another issue. I have been in that situation too. We think about "sunk cost" and refuse to let go of our bad investments because we think we love them. Try to have the courage to cut your losses and move on. You will know when it is time. You just have to admit it to yourself.
So the best plan is to actually read the book, take the course and follow through.
Set up the accounts
Move the money
Set up the automation
Watch it grow.
I encourage you to take the time to think about your current plan. Are you doing nothing? Are you jumping around like a maniac? Are you sitting on that mutual find that is paying more fees every year than it is earning? If so, it is time to find your courage. Do some homework, find a plan that works for you and then move on it. Put your money to work and watch the magic happen.
If you are looking for a plan, perhaps my books or courses can give you a nudge in the right direction. I also recommend many books by other people smarter than me in my articles that are excellent roadmaps for financial abundance. Whichever you choose is up to you. But you actually have to do it. Money can be scary and most of us think we have no extra money to spare. But the truth is there is a way. You can start a financial freedom plan with the money you already have. It is possible. I have done it and many of my readers have too. It is not witchcraft. Financial freedom is not reserved for a special few. It is for everybody. If you are not on the path to financial freedom then there is just something that you don't know. That is all. If you can find the information you are missing and ACTUALLY act upon it, you will be amazed at the new opportunities and perspectives that will come your way.
God don't drive no parked cars
- Dr. Phil
There are three distinct steps in wealth creation..