From my viewpoint as a financial advisor, the Holy Grail of personal finance is finding balance between enjoying today while preparing for tomorrow. While enjoying today doesn’t necessarily require spending money, let’s be honest that it usually does, and often a substantial amount – whether in larger, lump sums or smaller, frequent expenditures. It’s not even just about “fun spending” for hobbies and travel. In the modern era of busy, nonstop lives, we gladly pay for convenience, and sometimes relaxation and rejuvenation, just to keep going on the hamster wheel.

Whenever you read an article about saving money, usually items like “stop buying Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème coffee at Starbucks” are high on the list. That is a real drink, and doesn’t it sound delicious? If you are visiting Starbucks three times a day, then you might want to consider cutting back. But if you enjoy visiting a Starbucks patio on a Saturday morning to read a newspaper (remember those?), I think it will be okay. This sounds like a relaxing time for you. It’s time we revisit our grandparent’s motto: “Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish.”

The term “FIRE”, which stands for “Financial Independence, Retire Early” is a term that has been increasing in popularity over the last few years. “FIRE” is thought of as a way to escape a life of working in a stressful occupation for 40+ years before finally enjoying retirement. Although it sounds wonderful on the surface, it takes a very low-expense dedicated lifestyle in order to make this dream come true. Every city has a different cost of living. So we have created a case study to provide an example of: What does it take to successfully FIRE in Denver?

Our very own Julie Fletcher McDaniel is quoted in the US News Money article about how we sabotage our finances. Read the article here!

One of my personal struggles is with being an “all-or-nothing” human being. I’d rather not do something if I can’t commit to it fully and without reservation. But as most of us know, that’s not an easy way to live in the modern world where time is always limited and judgement calls are often a shade of gray rather than strictly black or white.

INSPIRED IMPACT™ is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of purpose-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and around the world. We're featured in this week's blog!