“One reason, doubtless, why squirrels are so bold and reckless in leaping through the trees is that, if they miss their hold and fall, they sustain no injury.  Every species of tree-squirrel seems to be capable of a sort of rudimentary flying, at least of making itself into a parachute, so as to ease or break a fall or a leap from a great height.” – John Burroughs

Have you ever noticed how a squirrel seems to lack focus?  They get the job done, but they seem to take the long way around and they jolt back and forth from spot to spot.  I’ve also called this the “oh, did you see something shiny?” syndrome.   Have you ever felt that way yourself?  We live in such a distracting world it is often really hard to focus on one thing at a time. 

I’ve noticed recently the word “Fiduciary” has been tossed around in various contexts and statements, for example:

• I am a fiduciary
• It’s my fiduciary responsibility
• I acted as a fiduciary

A couple of times in the last few weeks I have heard these phrases and I was not completely sure the individuals stating actually knew what the word meant.  Sometimes it’s being used as a noun and sometimes as adjective. 

“If you are saving, you’re succeeding.” – Steve Burkholder

Last Friday we released Wine and Dime Episode 13 – The Six Letter “B” Word with the “Money Honey.” Nancy and I have worked together on projects for Cornell Cooperative Extension Steuben County for many years, and her commitment to educating the community is extraordinary.

In addition to the podcast, we hope you enjoy the following guest blog from Nancy on “Who’s Watching?”  For more information about the amazing programs being offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension Steuben County, and to help them celebrate their 100th anniversary, go to their website: www.putknowledgetowork.org

Last Friday I released my 12th Episode of Wine and Dime!  I look forward to all of my guests, but this one touched a place in my heart and soul because it was about financial education for our youth.  This is an area of great passion for me personally; I can’t wrap my head around why financial education isn’t a class that is required each year, just like math, science, etc.   Please take the time to listen to this episode and share it with friends and family – as a community let’s start a movement to make financial education just as important as the traditional education subjects, it is a skill we use for the rest of our lives!

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.”” – Denis Waitley

 Last Friday I appeared on a podcast called “So Money with Farnoosh Torabi,” (click here to listen).  One of the topics that came up was market volatility and it got me thinking about one of the top topics that clients are asking me right now.  As I glanced through the recent emails, I noticed the number of questions coming up about Bitcoin; what is it, am I buying any, and should it be purchased?  I hope the following information helps to educate you on this topic! 

Financial Independence

How do you know when you can stop working?

When future expenses are covered by passive income streams, a person is typically considered to be financially independent. In this situation you no longer need to work to support yourself.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will stop working, but it does mean that you can choose to do the kind of work that makes you happiest.

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” - Lance Armstrong

 I saw that quote recently in an article published by First Ascent Asset Management, one of the key sub-advisors we have formed a strong relationship with over the past year.  I thought it really was fitting on many fronts as I was sitting in my office in New York shivering, pondering how thankful I am that it is temporary because all of you allow me to live my dream of being warm for most of the winter. 

On Thursday we announced the addition of Katrina (AKA Kate) Welker to the team, which was followed by a special edition podcast release on Friday (click here to listen).  Now you get to hear from her via her first blog post!  We hope you enjoy this edition.

On Friday we released a great podcast with Career Coach Ray Giese (click here to listen); in addition he has agreed to be our guest blogger for this week.  Thank you for your words of wisdom Ray!

When asked most people would say that their home is their greatest financial asset (note that I said financial asset – I could argue that my greatest assets are my family and health, but that’s for another post).  However, think about it.  What gave you the financial resources to buy the home in the first place?  Your career of course!  Another way to state is that your earning power gave you the financial capability to purchase that home and everything else you have in your life!  Everything in your life really starts with your earning power!

One of my goals for 2018 is to give you multiple voices with regards to financial education and this week I’m excited to share a great blog by one of my co-XY Planning Network members, Brian Thompson.  Brian is the owner of Brian Thompson Financial, and I think you’ll enjoy reading his suggestions and ideas, of course if you are working with me, we incorporate many of these tasks into the year, but a different voice on a topic can sometimes bring attention to an area that may need additional discussion.