I often ask my clients what money means to them...and the answers often surprise me. But there is one common theme in their answers that I have observed and it is this...
"Money itself has no meaning. Money is an abstract concept. It is not money that matters, but what money can do for myself, my family, my community that really matters."
Think about it...When you look at the balance of your retirement account, what comes to mind? I would bet it has more to do with the quality of life you want in retirement, the inheritance you want to leave your children, or the opportunities to follow your dreams that pervade your thoughts. So, it makes little sense to focus on a number...many times I have had clients tell me that they want to accumulate 1 million dollars, or other specific dollar amount...and that is all fine and good, I guess. But what I have seen truly motivate people is to focus on the reasons why they want to accumulate a million dollars...and it has been my experience this is a far better motivator of people.
I have been thinking of this a lot lately in regards to baseball. Like many of you, my family and I are baseball fans. Amazing to some as I am both a Yankees AND a Red Sox fan.......I know :). Both my boys play and love little league, but in years past they have struggled with consistency in both hitting and fielding, and unfortunately I am no great coach. Sure, I played baseball as a kid...but I really don't know the proper way to throw a ball, swing a bat, or field a ground ball. I learned by just figuring it out on my own, but that can only get you so far.
So this year, on the advice of a client, we decided to pay for the boys to have baseball lessons with a former Major League player and awesome coach.
It has revolutionized their game, attitude, and performance.
Opportunities like this are not free. It is a financial commitment to these lessons, and that requires commitment and sacrifice across the board. When I wake up in the morning, I want to give my boys every opportunity to excel...and this is one of them.
Money is a means to an end...More money will not necessarily give you a better life, or more opportunities. But when you couple sound financial strategies and concepts, with the deepest needs of your heart, great things can happen. I hope to be your "financial baseball coach" and see you and your family thrive.
All the best to you, Mike
P.S. Money alone will not do it! You could take daily lessons from the greatest players of all time and never really get any better without focused practice and dedication.