When Work Becomes Optional

Published by Robert W. Huntley, CFP®, CHFC®, CKA® Founder & Wealth Advisor

WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN WORK BECOMES OPTIONAL? 

For most people, there is never enough money. Either that is factually true, meaning the numbers just don’t add up yet, or, it’s emotionally true, they will never feel like they have enough, regardless of the numbers.

This is not a new phenomenon. John D. Rockefeller was at one point the world’s richest man and first-ever American billionaire. Considering he was a billionaire in the early 1900s he is among the richest people in modern history. When a reporter asked him, “How much money is enough?” He responded, “Just a little bit more.”

What if you had more money than you could ever spend, and you knew it? How would that change your life?

Would you expand your lifestyle? A bigger home, fancy cars, travel, bling…?

Would you give more to people and causes you care about?

Would you set your kids and grandkids up for multi-generational financial independence so they could experience life and have options like famous families such as the Hilton, Kennedy, Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families?

IS MONEY A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

Americans enjoy the most affluent and abundant culture the world has ever known, yet we are apparently more stressed out, anxious and depressed than ever. Why is that?

In Hebrews 13:5, the Bible offers some insight:  “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

In Philippians 4:11-12 we read “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

For the most part, American’s are not content with what we have.

A life of substance rests upon a foundation of knowing who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it. You might call it living a “Life Defined.”

LIFE DEFINED

At Wise Counsel, we embrace the idea of “Wealth Designed. Life Defined.”

Wealth Defined speaks to the “how” questions. It’s the planning and investing work we do to help create a customized game plan for your money.

Life Defined is about the “why” questions. We view money as a tool, a means to an end, not the end itself. We invite clients to think about their purpose. What are you uniquely gifted and motivated to accomplish with your time, treasure, and talents?

What are you naturally interested in and passionate about? What are your hobbies, those things you just enjoy doing because they are fun, or you are naturally good at? What skills do you have that you’re better at than you should be based on the amount of time you practice them?

These things are all clues in finding your passionate purpose in life. Living life on purpose, intentionally making priorities for how you’ll direct your time, talent, and treasure while you are here. Doesn’t that resonate a little with you?

Most of us are distracted by the realities of having to pay the bills. And that is obviously an important responsibility and necessity.

I’m not suggesting trivializing your responsibilities. I’m saying it’s wise to schedule time regularly to think about the “whys” that lead to the “hows.” This is how we make progress at being more proactive and less reactive.

“SLOW IS SMOOTH, SMOOTH IS FAST”

The Navy Seals have this saying and I love it. You find the same sentiment in many popular books. Simon Sinek says, “Start with Why.” Michael Gerber in “The E-Myth” invites business owners to “work on your business, not just in it.” Socrates at his trial put it this way: “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

Taking time to think often feels illogical. There’s so much to do. But the truth is, you will enjoy a more meaningful life by making time to think. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

WHERE TO START

Our work at Wise Counsel is driven by a desire to help people bring order and meaning to their lives when it comes to managing their finances. This process of connecting wealth with purpose demands a thoughtful approach.

We can ask you the right questions. We can show you ways to wisely structure your finances.

But only you can discover your passionate purpose.

A good place to start is with the question we opened this blog with: “What will you do when work becomes optional

Get in Touch

In just minutes we can get to know your situation, then connect you with an advisor committed to helping you pursue true wealth.

Contact Us

Stay Connected

Business professional using his tablet to check his financial numbers

401(k) Calculator

Determine how your retirement account compares to what you may need in retirement.

Get Started