Seeds to Success

It’s the beginning of February and just around the corner, at least here in Houston, it will be time to plant seeds for summer vegetables. The growing seasons awaits. In my garden I usually grow tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, okra, onions, and peppers. I call myself a goat because I’ll eat pretty much everything, my kids however, not so much.

I aim to plant around March 1, just about the earliest time possible in order to maximize the growth and yield when it’s harvest time (or it get’s too unbearably hot – for both the plants and myself). If I wait too long to plant I may not give the seeds a long enough to time germinate, sprout, flower and bear fruit. I want the best chance at enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Similarly, when saving for retirement, you want to give yourself the best chance to enjoy the fruits of your career labor. How’s that? Start early!!!!!!!

An investor can always increase the amount they set aside (save/invest). An investor can always increase the frequency or how often they set aside (save/invest)money. However, a saver/investor cannot increase the amount of time. Perhaps, you can postpone retirement, you say. Well in those years closest to retirement, you’ll want to be transitioning towards investments that have a lower risk/reward profile. In order to make up for lost time you may risk losing some of the assets you worked so long for.

Check out this article on investing as early as possible. Neat infographic included!

https://www.lifehack.org/325117/why-you-should-start-investing-early-possible-infographic

So plant those seeds for financial success early: set aside your pizza and beer money, invest in your company’s retirement plan, make a budget, stick to the budget, do what you can even if it’s a little!

“Do not save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffett