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Health & Fitness

To the Graduates of 2014

He was three years old when his family moved in two houses over in our cul-de-sac. I was working outside and here comes this little boy pulling a small wheeled suitcase. Surprisingly social at a young age, he introduced himself and asked, “Do you want to see my cars?”

  Not knowing what to expect, I said, “Yes, I would.” He slowly unloaded a large collection of little die-cast cars, placing them neatly in rows on my driveway while commenting on each one. His mother, watching from afar, later told me she was thinking, “Oh, that poor man!”

  Now our little friend is a tall, handsome young man, just graduated from high school, leaving soon for college. Neighborhoods are festooned with graduation banners as young people set off for college, graduate school, the military, new careers, or job searching in a challenged marketplace.

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  A neighbor asked me to visit with his son, a college senior. Contemplating graduation a year hence, he is interested in learning about investments and career direction.

  My first thought applies to everyone, whether newly graduated, newly married, or well along in life with growing responsibilities and obligations. Recognize the power of money, for good or ill. Money can build confidence or it can destroy those overcome by avarice, a lust for power, and bad habits.

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  Resolve to build a “freedom fund.” Raised in a household where money always was scarce, when I married I resolved to have a minimum of one year’s living expenses in reserve so I could sustain a job change or setback without worry for my family. That reserve allowed me to leave a frustrating and unfulfilling job. It granted the freedom to start my own company in a brand new career field, that of financial planning. It powered the freedom to be an entrepreneur, taking a leaf from a Frank Sinatra song and doing it “my way.”

 Money is freedom, choices, flexibility, and responsibility. Money allows material generosity, benefiting loved ones and others, an element in a life well lived.

 Never confuse means with meaning. They are not the same. The apostle Luke counseled: “Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given. But even more will be demanded from the one to whom much has been entrusted." (12:48). You have been given a brain and free will. Use your gifts wisely.

 A 2010 Pew research study indicated that Americans ages 18-29 are considerably less religious, and attending religious services less often, than  older generations. That’s a mistake. There is more wisdom about money and life in the Old and New Testaments than in all of the self-help books you will ever read. Do not scoff at the wisdom of the elders. Join the campfire discussions. Finding a life mate who shares your core and religious values is important. Who you marry will have a significant impact on your life, success, and wellbeing.

 Nobody owes you anything. You are not entitled to an award for just showing up. You will be interviewed for jobs and other advancements by members of an older generation, and what they think is important, whether you agree or not. You may love your tattoos. They may not.

 Education and lifelong learning is key to social mobility. And if you think you can try smoking cigarettes, pot, or ingesting other drugs or alcohol to excess and stop whenever you wish, the risk is, you may not be able to stop.

 Read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis to learn how the Dark Side can trick you and ruin your life. Save the book and read it again in 20 years when in light of life experiences, it will make even more sense.

 Read The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. Build your Freedom Fund. Save and invest 10% or more of your income from the get-go. Keep debt under control. Seek common sense financial advice, much of which is free.

 To my young friend who now drives a car—the toys are put away and you are your own man. Godspeed. And always listen to your mother!

 Walker Capital Management, LLC, Lewis Walker is President of Walker Capital Management, LLC.  Certain advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA).  Lewis Walker is a registered representative of SFA which is otherwise unaffiliated with Walker Capital Management, LLC.

 

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