There’s a new flurry of Your Money or Your Life readers discovering or in some cases rediscovering this amazing jewel of a book. This is great news on many levels and I’m grateful to be hearing from many of you. From the recent calls and emails I’ve received, what’s most on your mind seems to be how to achieve financial independence (FI) early rather than later in life. Early semi-retirement is a huge boomer trend by the way and one I feel that’s still operating below the radar screen of mainstream media, but I’m sure, not for long.
If you work in the corporate world, you know you’re in trouble when the leadership of the organization starts talking about the need to “increase productivity”. This is a clever euphemism for working two, sometimes three jobs for the price of one. Profits stay high for the corporation while your quality of life sinks.
If you’re self employed, but no longer feeling inspired by what you do for a living - that has the same numbing effect on your emotions has working two jobs has for the corporate person. What both people share in common is a burning desire for freedom, for liberation from whatever they’re doing currently. It’s precisely at this moment that my phone rings and on the other end of the line is usually a very highly motivated baby boomer willing to do what it takes to reach FI. This is a sweet spot where words and desires turn into action.
That said, there are also a huge amount of boomers that love their jobs or the businesses they own yet are at a place in their life where quality of life is more important than standard of living. They’ve spent years striving to arrive, only to realize what they want most in life isn’t more things, it’s more free time to do with as they so desire. And these are the calls I LOVE.
So when you have some down time, and you feel peaceful and relaxed, check in with yourself and see how you’re doing. Do you feel inspired by work? Is money your servant or has it become your master? Does your life feel in alignment with your values? Do you feel peace of mind?
Financial Independence begins with your thoughts, your imagination. It’s there you’ll summon the power and courage to dream and dream big. And when you’re ready to turn your dreams into reality, you know who to call for help in designing your financial independence road map. Live your dream….