Investing is like good intentions

Have you heard that advertising campaign about people almost helping their neighbors? It’s a powerful message. Sometimes we think about doing good, but we fail to follow through.

The thought is either pushed aside or we fool ourselves into thinking that it’s the thought that counts. We’ll just do that later.

With investing, like doing good, the thought or intention is not good enough. We can intend to start saving for retirement all we want, but our problem is only going to grow bigger and bigger. It will continue to grow until we actually come up with an investing plan and a written game plan (budget) for setting aside money for our future.

I could list statistics and facts like the amount we must save doubles for every decade we delay, but statistics won’t change most people’s minds. Just as we have to want to do good, we have to want to be responsible in order to be financially successful.

Do you have any plans, dreams, or good intentions lying around gathering dust? Today could be the day to make the leap, plunge, or effort. No one is stopping you, but yourself.

Photo by E l i o