Elon Musk often describes “first-principle thinking” as breaking a problem down to its most basic truths and building back up. The same idea applies to personal finance. When you strip away products, predictions, and noise, nearly every financial decision rests on three first principles. These principles explain why some choices support long-term stability while others create unnecessary stress. They do not change with markets or headlines. They form the foundation for bette

Early in my career on the trading floor of the Chicago commodities exchange, I learned something early and hard: success in that world isn’t about how big your account looks, it’s about how much cash you actually have to absorb the swings and volatility that come with trading. One month you might win, the next you might lose—and if you haven’t built a buffer, your lifestyle becomes your liability. I saw—and personally experienced—traders who had great months, sometimes great

When I first started in finance, I thought a plan was just paperwork. Clients wanted investments, not binders. But over time, I noticed something important: the people who started with even a simple plan were the ones who  avoided many of the big mistakes people make . You’ve probably been told more than once that you “ need a financial plan .” It may have come from an advisor, an online tool, or even AI. Some call it a strategy, some call it a roadmap, and others just talk a

When it comes to securing your financial future, having a clear and detailed plan is essential. A comprehensive financial plan acts as a roadmap, guiding you through the complexities of saving, investing, and preparing for retirement . It helps you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay on track toward your goals. I have seen firsthand how a well-structured financial plan can transform uncertainty into confidence. Financial planning is not just about numbe

The best way to reduce your risk of fraud is to never, ever give out your PIN or password and to avoid opening any texts or emails you weren’t expecting. These two strategies alone will save you a lot of time and hassle. That said, we are seeing more fraud attempts from various sources, and minimizing the risk can feel overwhelming. Here are three additional ways to significantly reduce your chances of financial exploitation by a fraudster. Two are free, and one has a modes

I recently watched a thought-provoking video titled “Is Success Luck or Hard Work?” by Veritasium, which challenges our conventional beliefs about financial achievement. While skill, effort, and perseverance are undeniably important, the video illuminates an often overlooked factor in our financial journeys: luck. This insight has profound implications for how we approach wealth building and financial planning . The Misconception About Solely Earned Success Many of us hold

How should we allocate our investments if we are close to or in retirement with a populist president in office? It is easy for those who...

Navigating Life’s Crucial Decisions as You Approach 60 As we approach 60, life seems to accelerate—our bodies change, and the number of...

In my book , I discuss three principles that nearly everyone I've known who has successfully built wealth( Key to Building Wealth )...

In my book, I outline three core investment principles that can help individuals make better financial decisions: have a plan , be...

I recently wrote a book on making better financial decisions and have been doing podcast interviews to promote it. One question I get...

Like many crises, the retirement crisis facing baby boomers today was predictable; for those who grew up in the 1970s, watching a train...

Planning for financial independence is a crucial step in securing your future, and one of the most powerful tools you likely have is your...

Hi Client, Congratulations on taking the next step toward managing your financial decisions effectively. Enrolling in PlanAssist® is a...

Navigating financial decisions can be challenging, especially when it comes to accumulating and managing wealth. A critical element that...

Hi Client As with most services we pay for, it's wise for us as clients to periodically confirm that our payments align with industry...

Make Better Financial Decisions - (3 Of 9) Balancing Act: Planning with a Strategy Understanding the distinction between strategy and...

Your ultimate guide to financial risk management: Discover strategies to identify and reduce potential risks in your financial journey.

Financial Planning For Achieving Financial Success in 2024 As we step into 2024, financial planning becomes more crucial than ever in the...

Financial Roadmap: A Clear Guideline For Your Financial Goals A financial roadmap is a plan that can help an individual's or a family's...