Money Matters (January 2017)
By Chuck Dudley
I DO LISTEN IN CHURCH!!
During the Advent season this year, our pastor, David Moseley, talked about ‘Finding Your Path’ this year.
Made a lot of sense to me. And I always need reminding.
As an old year passes, and a new one begins, it’s time to pause and reflect on what was good and not so good about 2016. And then……….it’s time to get started on the path to 2017 and beyond.
Maybe it’s reconnecting with family and friends you have been needing to see, but just haven’t for whatever reason.
Perhaps a new hobby awaits, or a trip to that bucket list place that’s always been in the back of your mind.
Hopes are high when a new year begins. Just witness all the ‘resolutions’ that people make………Let’s lose weight!!! Get more exercise!!! Take that vacation to the beach!!
Yep, me too. We are all guilty of having resolutions, and then as the year progresses, we seem to forget them.
Maybe we won’t this year.
IF YOU DON’T CARE WHERE YOU ARE GOING, ANY PATH WILL GET YOU THERE
Isn’t this true?
I found this on the daily message wheel on our window sill.
What does this statement say to us?
Very simply, if you don’t have any idea of where you are going, it doesn’t matter which path you go down. You will still be on that random walk, aimlessly going to wherever life leads you.
Planning your year, your next 5 years, your next 10 years, is the most important thing you can do at the start of a new year. The path you choose today will have a huge effect on your well being and quality of life in the future.
No matter if you are in your 20’s or 30’s, or if you are facing retirement, planning the pathway is most important to your happiness and longevity.
Retirement planning is certainly most important. Having turned 62 this year, reality is setting in about the retirement thing. I’m thinking about it constantly and trying to make sure I’m on the right path. It was a process that started about 30 years ago and continues today and into the future.
IT WASN’T RAINING WHEN NOAH BUILT THE ARK!
Sure wasn’t! But he knew it as coming and built it to specifications. (Those cubits and all!!) He planned properly and stayed on the path created for him, for the most part.
Just like Noah, we question, we stray from the path.
The important thing is when you get off the path, you find your way back.
Pastors like David Moseley remind us of this.
Financial professionals are there to remind you to get on the retirement planning path. And to get you focused again when you stray.
Use this January 2017 focus on your path. Focus not only on this year, but where you want to be in 5, 10 or 20 years. This will be real planning and it will give you a better chance to stay on your financial path.
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous 2017.
ACTION PLAN
If you really want to make sure you have right ideas for moving forward in a positive manner, we will listen. We’ve been able to help families and businesses learn to use money wisely, and we’d like to help you too. We would be honored to visit with you about how to help you and your business. My number is 501-318-0010, or you can send me an email at cdudley@heritagetrust.com.
An hour of your time spent analyzing your situation might make a lifetime of difference
Arkansas Insurance Producer # 1005698
That’s all for this month! If you’ve enjoyed what you read, please share Money Matters with a friend, family member or loved one.
Sincerely,
