When we updated our website we were unable to move our blog. So... we are going to post some of our old blogs as a blast from the past. If you've already read it, you can read it again and get all nostalgic (for June of 2019 for this one). If you haven't read it, we hope you enjoy.
At a certain apple tree, a couple stands, their hands out, palms up. They wait for apples to fall into their outstretched hands. Occasionally an apple falls and they pick it up, but then return to waiting for the next apple to fall into their hands.
They say, “We need more apples. we deserve them, we’ve waited patiently for so long. We wish we would get more apples, what else can we do?”
At a different apple tree, a couple walks around carrying small baskets almost full of apples. They look up and when they see a ripe apple they go to it, reach up, pick it and place it in their baskets.
They say, “We are getting apples. We work hard and have all the apples we need... usually.”
At yet a different tree, a couple stands with a professional apple farmer. At their feet are basket after basket brimming with apples. The farmer is telling them how to properly place the ladders he brought to safely reach the top of the tree.
They say, “We have all the apples we need and enough to share with others. We know we will have enough because we sought out guidance from an expert who knows about apples and is willing to help us.”
Personal finance is a lot like this story.
Some people are like the first couple, passively waiting for “things to improve”. Whether it is a better paying job, or picking the right lucky numbers, outside forces are what will allow them to become financially secure. They feel they deserve to be rewarded for being patient and merely waiting. This rarely is the route to financial peace and security.
The vast majority of people are like the second couple. They work hard, day after day, and financially are doing “fine”. Regardless of whether they are making $50,000 a year or $500,000 a year, they are just getting by. They pay their bills on time, their neighbors see them doing well, and probably are trying to keep up with them (we’ll call them the Jone’s :-) ). The problem is they are not getting ahead, they have no financial cushion. An extended illness, job loss, or other financial pothole can take them from doing fine to falling behind in a single pay period. Even if they don’t have a setback they aren’t able to put money aside for the future and feel the stress of living paycheck to paycheck as a never-ending cycle.
The third couple is where most people want to be. Not only having enough but having an abundance. They have money to set aside for the future and be generous. Usually, this takes more than just working hard. Seeking out wise counsel from someone who has the knowledge and ability to help you learn and grow are some key traits to look for.
A financial coach could be just what you need as wise counsel. By asking insightful questions and careful listening we help you set your money goals and provide guidance to develop an action plan moving you towards your dreams. As your coaches we will offer support, help you build new skills, habits and behaviors to move you from fearful to confident, frustrated to secure, and confused to knowledgeable. We don't sell any products which means our only goal is helping you achieve yours. Our job is to guide, equip, and encourage you along your path to financial security.
Whether it is apples or money, what couple do you identify with, and more importantly, which couple do you want to be like moving forward? If you are ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck and start working towards your financial success and security, we’d love to talk.
Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is? - Frank Scully
Ron and Meg Knapper
Financial Coaches
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