Learn to Invest...
Become an Investor

When financial freedom became our goal, my wife and I knew we had to do something:

Learn to invest.

It's something our parents never really talked about growing up. They taught us that we should go to school so we can get a safe and secure job with good benefits. A college education would ensure that we would have more than enough money.

Sound familiar? Is that the case today?

Not for many individuals.

Working hard at our jobs alone doesn't mean the cashflow would come in our direction. We had to learn to invest. So...

What is investing?

Let's start off with what investing isn't.

1. Your kids. There are a lot of parents who believe their children should fund their needs in their golden years. This used to work in the past but times have changed.

2. Depending on the government. Social Security was a bad idea. Don't plan your future on this failing government program.

3. Putting your money into a retirement plan and letting it sit, regardless of market fluctuations. This usually pertains to the 401k. Advocates of these plans promote the ease of putting your money into a plan and turning away.

The above examples deal with the problem of placing the burden of responsibility on someone else. But no one should be more concerned about your money than you. Thus, your investor education is very important.

So, how do you start this process? We suggest some of these initial steps:

1. Learn how money works. There are eroding factors of money. It's not only about how much money you make but how much money you keep.

2. Prioritize where you put your money. Become safe and secure. After these two are accomplished, it is your decision to become wealthy.

3. Understand what assets and liabilities are. Assets put money into your pocket. Liabilities take money out.

4. Discover some of the limitations of qualified retirement plans. People get into a 401k, IRA, 529 plan, and other programs without educating themselves on their disadvantages.

These can build a strong foundation when learning to invest. Without a solid foundation through education, your plans and strategies can crumble.

But it all starts with you again. Remember, you are your greatest asset and liability. Therefore, make your financial education an ongoing effort.

This will take a lot of time, reading, and self reflection. We will be teaching a lot of unconventional strategies. But the best thing is that it will all make sense.

Become an investor. Learn to invest. Start off by saying...

I am an investor.

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