In this series, we’ve been talking about how we see money and its place in our life. Have you examined what your attitudes are about money? Are you a hoarder? A spender? In between? Do you know what you want to do with it when you reach your later years?

If you missed the first article, talking about our early identity with money, you might want to give it a quick read before moving on.  Today, though, we’ll look at what I call the second brushstroke across our lifetime canvas.

Brushstroke Two: GREEN

Green represents growth, high energy and vibrancy.

As we move out of one family portrait and into young adulthood, we begin to create a new picture for ourself. We spend our energies on finding great jobs and building families of our own. This is the period in which we generally will increase our income on a steady basis. It’s also the time in our life when, if we’re not careful, we’ll plunge heavily into debt as we struggle to get ahead. Prudent decision-making can provide a solid framework for our future years – and still leave adequate funds for fun, travel and all the “things” we like to accumulate.

Like beginning artists learning to paint, we sketch out a picture for our future. We learn about colors and textures. We invest in lessons and decide if we like landscapes or portraits. As investors, this is a time for experimenting and learning to make wise, financial decisions. We discover which investing methods work well for us. This is also where we learn about our comfort level with risk. Hopefully, the good habits we established in our younger years will help us become confident artisans during this period. 

This is the time to put plans into action. While we are in our 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, we have time to make adjustments to the plans if things aren’t working out as we’d hoped. But the main thing is to start something as early as possible. Take action. Invest in 401k’s at your company, if given the opportunity. Set aside money for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) if you haven’t already done so. Do both. Establish a budget if you have difficulty finding extra money at the end of the month for those unexpected dinners out with friends. But do something to establish good habits. 

This becomes equally as important as you begin to have children of your own. What example do you want to set for your next generation? Be conscious of how bright your colors are as you start building the perfect landscape for your future vision.

Take the 20-question quiz and evaluate your current situation. Today is the best time of your life to begin working toward retirement – that time when you’ll want to sit back and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created.

If there are areas that could use some improvement, then make a commitment to start today. You’re in the best position you’ll ever be in to begin painting a brighter picture for your future. And the future will be here before you know it.

If you are not quite sure where to start . . . or what the next steps should be, I’d love to talk to you Contact me at Info @ CoachorResults . com. I can help you get in touch with your dreams, understand your current budget situation so you can feel confident in outlining your own strategy. You’re the artist. Pick up that brush and paint your masterpiece!

Next time, we’ll talk about the third color in your masterpiece: RED.

Have a Golden Day!

Coach Darlene