Earlier>Later

Time is the most valuable thing we have; the earlier we each understand and embed that thinking into our lives the better off we will be. Managing time is just as important as managing money. When we manage time right, the opportunities and growth that presents itself compound. When we slip up, and we all do, it costs us in a multitude of ways.

Starting off with that mindset and acting on it by saving now to own that time later...that's freedom and flexibility and a wealthy/healthy way to focus on what really matters. And if you're later to the game, it's still not too late. There's still time.

When it comes to understanding what needs to be done, and sorting out options around organizing finances, setting financial goals, strategizing, executing plans, and making smart, long term financial decisions, it can be easy to be overwhelmed. There's so much to to think about, things you've never thought about at all. And then you face the jargon, the intimidating settings, the unfamiliar faces and spaces, and you just don't know who to trust or how to start making decisions.

Take a deep breath...every journey starts with that first step. And there will be times you take a couple steps backwards, that's fine. As long as there's a destination you're trying to get to, a means to that end, there's no better financial education than through doing. We can read books, articles like this one, watch YouTubes and listen to podcasts...but nothing will teach you like experience and, of course, some mistakes. And that's always easier when the stakes are small.

Just like any good habits to take care of your health, starting early and building habits and behavior will be the best thing you can ever do for your wealth. Make things easier for yourself, clear away hurdles and friction. Think of it like uber but for saving money for future you; easy and always available. In fact, make it a game for yourself - take an uber ride, put the same (or more) into a savings vehicle. Automate as much as possible. Keep banking, saving, and investing apps available without having to dig too far. Turn the hardest, most tempting, splurge-inducing places and feeds into sources of content that will actually help you understand finances more.The greatest outcomes will come from what you can control:

* Focus on bringing down debt, especially avoiding credit card debt. pay off either the whole balance or stretch to pay off as much as possible - the return on reducing that cost is far greater than a return you can reliably get in the markets.

* Keep yourself organized - there are plenty of tools these days but even keeping a simple spreadsheet can really help see what's happening.

* Manage risk - even though it's early in the game, start thinking about protecting your greatest assets - your ability to earn income especially. And keep a savings account that's purely for emergencies (but real emergencies, not a night out) - job loss, health issues...hopefully you never need to use it but better to have it and not need it.

* Create accounts for intermediate (3-8 years) and longer term (9+) needs and goals. These vehicles can be a challenge to start because if you're just starting, it just is.

But the key is finding the money and being creative with it. Find others that are also on this journey. The encouragement and team approach will be such a support. Telling your story can also help you finish it - but you can't finish what you don't start, that first step is up to you...

As important as time and money are, relationships and friendships are the key components to our long term happy, healthy, wealthy life.

What if we've been focused on the wrong things when it comes to retirement planning? We know that the financial piece is obviously important, but money isn't the only thing to think about in planning.With all the ink spilled over IRAs, Social Security, pensions, 401ks, insurances, trusts and every other jargon filled strategy and product, we have overlooked one investment that is as impactful as all those other things - strong social connections. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that having meaningful relationships is the strongest predictor of living a long, happy and healthy life. Loneliness is killing people, literally. Being socially disconnected, which too many of us are, is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It is stressful, painful, depressing and retirement, which is stressful by itself in its own ways, can compound all that.

Put the right steps in place to bring happiness into your life. Make and keep friends. Do things that bring you and others joy, together.

Secure the bag.