In this article I’ll answer those questions. I know this isn’t a big deal to some of you — I’m only posting this article at the request of a few readers. Remember, if you have any requests for topics to be covered, just use the contact form at the top of this site.
My Financial Planning Strategy
The following are the pillars of my financial planning strategy. Note that this isn’t just theory, or what I’d like to do — this is what I’m doing right now.
Debt Free. I don’t believe in debt. It’s scary, it’s risky, it’s enslaving. Debt eats your net-worth, decreases your ability to enjoy life, and shackles you to crappy jobs. Debt is financial evil.
Frugal Living. For at least the next year or so, I’m living as frugally as possible. I’m saving money, putting my earnings toward savings and investments, etc. I drive a used car, though I’m tempted to buy a shiny sports car every time I pass the Cadillac dealership. (I have a thing for the CTS-V.)
Secure Investing. I believe in secure investments. Gold, silver, platinum, agriculture, commodities in general — all of these are important pillars of my investing portfolio.
Passive Income. Dividend investing is probably the most important part of my stock-investing strategy. I invest my money only in companies that pay dividends — I don’t like to speculate with stocks.
Early Retirement. I currently have a net worth and a passive income that would allow me to retire right now. I don’t want to do this, however, because I don’t feel comfortable enough with the income or the assets — and I enjoy what I do so much. I suppose it could be said that I’m currently part of a “working” retirement. I talk about this in my retirement planning article at my wealth management site.
Small Business. I don’t like working for others — I’d rather make myself wealth than someone else. I currently own Stand Strong Media, a financial web publishing firm. I’m currently in talks to acquire some farmland and possibly a plantation. I’ll write more about this later though.
In the end, the most relevant aspect of my financial plan would be gold mining stocks and gold futures. Note that I don’t have any futures contracts — no gold futures for me. I prefer tangible investments that I can physically own — or at least stocks that pay an actual income. Anything else is just too risky.