Planning

How to Get Promoted: A Roadmap to Career Advancement

Growing your income has more potential to increase your wealth over time. While cutting expenses can be an important piece, expenses can only be so low whereas income can grow to levels where regular expenses are nearly irrelevant. While there are many ways to grow your income, the easiest and most applicable for most people is getting promoted. Getting promoted isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working strategically. Promotions go to those who consistently deliver value, make their contributions visible, and position themselves as ready for the next level. Whether you’re aiming for your first leadership role or the next rung in your…
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The Six Habits of Highly Successful Retirees

Retirement isn’t the finish line. It’s a doorway. Beyond it lies a chapter that can be rich with meaning, connection, and joy—if you choose to live it with intention.The transition to retirement is not easy for everyone as moving from decades of work centric life to the unstructured life of retirement can be challenging.Over the years, I’ve seen people step into retirement and flourish, while others lose their way. The difference rarely comes down to wealth alone. It comes down to habits—daily ways of living that keep life vibrant and dreams alive.Here are six habits that seem to shine through…
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What Is Financial Independence?

For many, the concept of financial independence sparks visions of early retirement, tropical beaches, and never having to work again. But financial independence (FI) is more than a fantasy—it’s a measurable, achievable financial state. At its core, financial independence means you no longer need to earn a paycheck to cover your living expenses. Instead, your investments, passive income, or other resources provide enough income to support the lifestyle you choose.Imagine that - having enough income from your assets that you are able to sustain your lifestyle safely for the rest of your life without having to work another day in your…
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Account vs. Investment: Understanding the Distinction in Your Financial Plan

When managing your finances, terms like account and investment are often used interchangeably—but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction is essential for making informed decisions about saving, growing, and protecting your money. What is an Account? An account is a container or structure where your money is held. It provides a framework that determines:How your money is taxedHow easily you can access itWho can own or inherit itWhat rules apply to contributions and withdrawalsThere are many types of accounts. From a basic checking account at your bank, retirement accounts like a 401k or Roth IRA, to more complex…
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Where to Park Your Cash: Understanding Low-Risk Options for Emergency Funds and Short-Term Goals

Not every dollar in your financial life needs to be invested in the stock market. Sometimes, you just need a safe place to park your cash—somewhere it’s protected, accessible, and ideally earning a little interest. Whether you're building an emergency fund or saving for a short-term goal like a home down payment, a car, or a vacation, the priority isn't growth—it's safety, stability, and liquidity.But not all “safe” places are created equal. This article walks through the most common low-risk options to help you choose where to put your cash. What Makes a Good Parking Spot for Cash? For short-term…
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Understanding Benefit Base vs. Cash Value in an Annuity

Annuities are a staple in retirement planning, offering a mix of benefits that can provide peace of mind in the later stages of life. However, navigating the components of an annuity, particularly the distinction between the benefit base and the cash value, can be confusing. To simplify this, let's explore these concepts using a relatable analogy: a store coupon. The Benefit Base: Your Special Store CouponImagine you receive a coupon from your favorite store. This coupon is not cash; it has no value outside the store. It’s only useful for getting a discount on a future purchase or redeeming a…
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