Dagger Money Talk: Make the Most of Your Money

By Adam Freeland
Special to The Dagger

“Most people don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.” – John L. Beckley

Legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh said it’s wrong to think the world is made up of winners and losers. Really, he believed, the world is full of winners and people who want to win, but don’t know how. That’s the purpose of this column: to give you ideas on ways to be more successful with money.

People share many of the same financial issues. All of us want financial success, but most of us have never been shown how to get there. I want to educate, motivate, and inspire you to take charge of the financial side of your life. This column will offer some options and guidance based on both positive and negative lessons learned, and based on industry standards. For my part, as a Certified Financial Planner professional, I will share some lessons I have learned from working with people in all kinds of financial situations. I am hoping you will send me anonymous questions, concerns, and ideas for future columns.

After high school, I served on a guided missile cruiser in the United States Navy for six years as a Nuclear Plant Operator. I didn’t know anything about money, but I lucked out with mentors who taught me the value of investing. I also watched some of my buddies struggle with bad financial decisions.

Later, looking for a little more space, I worked on Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) as a Trainer and Training Manager for the Chemical Weapons Disposal Program. In addition to going back to school, this ended up being a special assignment because I met my future wife. We are now saving for the education of our children and have the headaches of paying bills, and saving for our retirement all while trying to enjoy life.

When I was single and working on my own, I learned that I had to depend on myself for financial security. Now, I have to think about my family’s needs. I have seen the positive effects for families who developed a financial plan and worked hard to achieve it. I have also seen the devastating effects of a lack of planning, poor planning, or not sticking to a plan.

My mom told me that “readers are leaders,” and through my reading, experience, and education I want to lead you to a new way of thinking about finances. I will draw heavily from books and resources of my profession. My next article will draw from the research from Dr. Tom Stanley’s books “The Millionaire Next Door” and “Stop Acting Rich and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire.” I think you will connect to Stanley’s ideas and the real people in his books who talk about strategies for taking charge of their financial life.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Harford Financial Group and Cambridge are not affiliated.