By Louie Lapa,

When I look back at the 10 years in this business of savings, spending and the key to being ahead, I've come to the conclusion that it's all about the choices we make on a day to day basis. It's about the habits and values that were instilled in us when we were young, and it's about how we feel about job security, whether we have an abundance mentality or one of scarcity.
   

For example, I've sat in meetings with an individual who earns $50,000 and saves 20% of his income per year with absolutely no regret, or problem for that matter. I've also sat across individual that makes over $250,000 and barely being able to save $14,400 in one year!! Why?
Lifestyle choices.
 
One prefers to dine in, one prefers to dine out every day. One prefers to go for runs and jogs, and hikes (which are free except for snacks and water) and one prefers to golf at expensive golf courses, 3 times a week, with rented golf carts, new golf balls, new gear and new equipment every year.  

Granted, both are enjoying themselves in different ways, but would you believe that the person making the most money still carries a mortgage? Moreover, this individual is retired and aged 67!!

Why do we spend first, buy stuff we don't need, then come up short in retirement? Easy...consider this:
* Buying a pair of shoes once a month (let's say $150)
* Buying various larger furniture or appliance pieces 2 times a year ($500 each)
* Purchasing computers or new gadgets every year ($1000)


Doing these 3 alone for 20 years can mean $173,895 in opportunity lost. This amount of retirement money can provide you an income of $15,446 per year for 30 years!!
 

To learn more about investing your hard earned money into more than stuff, I want you to consider calling on Louie Lapa, Investment Advisor & Certified Financial Planner for Dundee Securities Corporation.

I think he is onto something good here...

Email: llapa@dundeesecurities.com
Or find him on the web a http://lapa.dundeewealth.com
 


Comments

Rose Kapp
05/19/2010 09:15

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Rose Kapp
05/19/2010 09:19

Second hand shopping can save you a lot of money too. Some of the items are new or next to new as many people end up getting rid of things they never wore. Did you know you can get recent magazines, material and craft supplies too? Another idea is Craig's List or just asking friends. I wanted a treadmill, asked around and a friend said hers is just wasting space. A free treadmill!

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