“Get a financial advisor!” is advice we hear a lot. But why? Well, because most people are not educated on personal finance. A majority of Americans don’t know what to do with their hard-earned money, which is why the ones that do decide to improve their finances end up getting a financial advisor.
Self-Educate
Before you get a financial advisor here’s what you need to do: Educate yourself on personal finance, so you know what your financial advisor is talking about.
Yes, a financial advisor should know more about money than you, but that doesn’t mean they’re always right. Be able to hold your own in a conversation with a financial advisor (if you decide to get one).
Be the ultimate decision-maker for your money. Never leave all the money decisions up to your financial advisor.
It can be painful and uncomfortable to learn about money, and the information might go over your head, but eventually, the knowledge will stick, and things will start to make more sense.
I’m still getting comfortable with investment and real estate terminology. Much of the information goes over my head, but as I slowly invest time and energy into learning about it, the knowledge sticks, and terms become familiar and start making more sense.
There is no one like the individual who educates themself on finance.
Ways To Educate Yourself About Money
There are plenty of ways to learn about money — for free! Here are a few ideas:
Read books (see my book recommendations at the end of this article)
Read personal finance blogs and articles
Attend/complete free seminars and courses about money
Make new friends that are financially savvy
Personal Story
I will never forget how I had to correct a previous financial advisor of mine to this day. The information they conveyed to me was invalid, but if I had not done my research, I would’ve agreed and adopted the financial advisor’s inaccurate information.
Just because someone has a financial education, background, or certification does not mean they are 100% right. Don’t blindly trust financial advisors with your money and for financial advice. Do your due diligence.
I had my first financial advisor at the age of 14, and it was amply beneficial helpful in the beginning, but I never stopped educating myself on the subject of finance. We all have a personal responsibility with our money—no matter what age we are.
Don’t Let Laziness Win
Don’t be lazy when it comes to your money. Learn about the subject—in-depth—enough to make responsible financial decisions that won’t hurt you in the long term.
For those who want financial freedom and to build significant wealth, you will need to educate yourself on finance to help you meet your goals. Sure, you can take shortcuts and leverage your financial advisor heavily, but that won’t make you the person in charge. Furthermore, you won’t really know what’s going on with your money as your financial advisor does.
“Financial freedom is available to those who learn about it and work for it.” ― Robert Kiyosaki
Book Recommendations:
Grab your FREE books— Here. Wanna keep in touch? Connect with me on Instagram: @textdestiny, Facebook: @textdestiny, or destinyh.com