Sometimes Blessings Come in Disguise

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Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. Albert Einstein

Let’s look at this quote from the context of the work being our financial plan, or the mission to grow money so we can reach our financial goals and have the life we desire.

Out of clutter finds simplicity. Do you know how much money you have and where that money is? Do you know how much is flowing in and out every month? Can you easily access those numbers? January is the perfect time to reduce financial clutter while you are still motivated by the freshness of the new year filled with promises of enhanced personal empowerment that comes from being your very best self.

From discord find harmony. Are you at that place of discontent with your current financial situation, or perhaps lack of financial prowess, that you are at last aroused to commit to the attainment of your financial goals so you can live each day congruently and in harmony? The ultimate gift, of course, is being one of those 20% of Americans aged 25 to 55 who feel confident that they will be able to live comfortably in retirement.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. We are certainly in a time of great discord in our financial system, with 80% of Americans saying they will not have enough to retire comfortably, according to a SunAmerica / Teresa & H. John Heinz III Foundation National Women’s Retirement Survey. Not only do opportunities follow discord, there is always some type of investment that offers value for those willing to seek and act. Additionally, rock bottom has often been just the thing to get me off my derriere and into action to make the changes I know I have needed to make for years, but didn’t for some unacceptable excuse.

Clutter, discontent and discord are three great financial motivators! I don’t know about you, but lacking those, I could be tempted to spend the entirety of my days relaxing on the beach while listening to the waves with my big hat, a comfy chaise, and a fine book.  Sometimes blessings come in disguise.