Savoring Summer

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Ahhhh, it’s summertime. My favorite time of year.

Yes, I’m a snow skier and enjoy winter sports, but there is nothing like summertime to warm the sole. I love to sit out under the stars on a warm summer evening, run trails through the mountains, dust off the road bicycle, go hiking, open water swim in mountain lakes, and travel with the kids while they are out of school.

In short, I don’t like to work much during the summer. It’s time to savor the good things in life.

What’s that got to do with investing and wealth building? Everything!

Why do you think I built my wealth? I couldn’t care the least about fancy cars or clothes. Affluenza is a prison for fools that virtually guarantees you will never find freedom. I lead a good lifestyle – but nothing flashy. Instead, true wealth is all about the experience of life – enjoying more of what you love.

My coaching clients already know this about me. I generally work during the winter while the kids are in school and vacation during the summer while the kids are out of school. This summer’s agenda includes a month of travel in France, a two week visit with family in Seattle, backpacking, camping, and various other assorted treasures. I can hardly wait. 

I tell you these things for two reasons:

1. It effects our publishing schedule. During the winter I publish weekly, but during the summer I cut back to every other week. That way I can relax a bit more and so can you. I might get inspired to send you an extra postcard from France or a summer reading list, but other than that you will only hear from me every other week while the sun shines brightly. Weekly publishing will resume in September after the kids go back to school and the rain begins to fall.
2. The other reason I tell you this is to demonstrate through my own life how one person chooses to live financial freedom. I have no taste for a lavish lifestyle, but I’m very passionate about experiencing the adventure of life. Financial freedom is not about buying “more, better, different” stuff: it is about experiencing life fully without being encumbered by a work schedule or financial limitations. I love my work, and I love to play during the summer.

So anyway, that is one person’s take on financial freedom as we head into the summer season. Maybe this could be your year to make serious progress toward financial freedom. If so, then the first step is getting clear on the motivation that will drive that commitment. I shared my motivation – what’s yours? Commit it to writing in the comments section below.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your summer, connect with family and friends, and savor all the beauty around you. It is a marvelous time of year.