April is financial literacy month...what does it mean for you?
In this issue, we’ll talk about how to maximize financial literacy month for your wealth and one of my favorite scriptures.
The Wealth Minute
Building Wealth Starts Now
April is financial literacy month, so I thought I'd share some strategies to help you be proactive this month.
Automate Your Finances to Pay Yourself First. Many people earn well but don’t save consistently. The key is to make wealth-building automatic.
Invest in Assets That Grow in Value. Wealth isn’t about what you earn—it’s about what you own. Investing in appreciating assets like stocks, real estate, and cash value life insurance help grow your money.
Optimize Taxes to Keep More of Your Money. High earners can lose huge amounts of money in unnecessary taxes. Smart planning will help you legally reduce tax liabilities and grow wealth faster.
Create a “Work-Optional” Wealth Plan. The goal isn’t just retirement; it’s achieving financial independence so work becomes optional.
Building wealth isn’t just about earning more—it’s about making smart financial decisions that grow your money over time. Whether you’re a high earner or just getting started, these four strategies will help you maximize your financial potential.
Wealth Move
Check out this article from CNBC for more on the subject.
Calculate your net worth so you'll know your starting point. Remember...it's not where you start, it's where you finish.
The Freedom Path
The Dangers of Lifestyle Inflation
A key part of financial literacy month is taking an inventory of where you are now in relation to where you want to be...financially speaking.
In walks lifestyle inflation.
It's subtle and oh so sneaky.
An increase in lifestyle to match the new bump in income and before you know it, the bump is a crevice and the increase has been consumed...completely.
As we take the month of April to learn more about how to be well financially speaking, let's stay mindful of lifestyle inflation.
Here are 3 keys to consider:
Delayed or Insufficient Wealth Building. Instead of using increased income to build wealth, lifestyle inflation can lead to more liabilities (debt, subscriptions, unnecessary upgrades). This hinders financial freedom, retirement savings, and the ability to create a lasting financial legacy.
Higher expenses mean greater dependence on a steady income. If job loss, economic downturns, or unexpected life events occur, maintaining an inflated lifestyle can become unsustainable.
A False Sense of Success. A higher lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean a higher quality of life—peace, purpose, and joy come from God, not things.
Wealth Move
Check out this CNBC article on lifestyle inflation. Does it describe you? If so, this is the month to make that wealth move onto a different path. Reach out if you need some guidance.
Click here for a great visual of the dangers of lifestyle inflation.
Book of The Month
The April 2025 book of the month is "The New Retirementality" by Mitch Anthony.
Join me on the journey of discovery this month. I just picked this one up for the month. I'd love to know your thoughts on it.
Coffee Chat Question
If we were to meet for coffee, what would you want to know?
Feel free to email me questions that will anonymously be added to this section during each edition.
“What’s the best financial advice you’ve received from scripture?”
What a great question!
I could talk all day on this one, but will refrain since this is supposed to be a "chat!" LOL!
The best financial advice that I've received from scripture is from Ecclesiastes 11:2, which states, "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth".
Diversification is a cornerstone of building wealth and this scripture speaks to the heart of why it's so important.
I teach my clients to diversify not only their portfolio, but also their streams of income. Diversifying all types of assets is never a bad thing and scripture says so!
I hope that helps.
Are You A Federal Employee?
"Uncertainty" was a word never associated with federal employment in the past.
It's a daily utterance these days, however.
To help you make informed financial decisions that are best for you and your family, I'm offering all federal employees a FREE Money Chat.
Click here to schedule a 30 minute chat to discuss anything you want.
Let's change the word of the day to "Empowered."
