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Vail Daily column: How can you declare your financial independence?

Chuck Smallwood, Bret Hooper, Tina DeWitt, Charlie Wick, Chris Murray, Kevin Brubeck and Dolly Schaub
Financial Focus

On Monday, we observe the Fourth of July with sparklers, picnics and parades. And living in a country that offers so much freedom, we have a lot to celebrate. But on a more personal level, you may still be working toward another type of independence — financial independence. Here are some ideas to think about:

• Free yourself from excessive fear. As an investor, it’s not hard to find something to fear. Oil prices, interest rates, political squabbles, even natural disasters — at any given time, each of these factors might be blamed for volatility in the financial markets. Don’t let fear hold you back. It takes discipline and some mental toughness to stay invested in all economic environments, but if you’re constantly jumping in and out of the market, you’re almost guaranteed to miss out on the kind of continuity you need to move toward your financial freedom.

• Liberate your investments’ growth potential. Many investors avoid investing too aggressively. And that’s certainly not a bad idea. On the other hand, you can easily slip into investing too safely by keeping the bulk of your portfolio in investments that protect your principal but offer so little in the way of return that they may not even keep up with inflation. Try to always maintain a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented vehicles in your portfolio.



• Avoid the tyranny of debt. It can be incredibly difficult to avoid debt or climb out of it. Try to do everything you can to live within your means and avoid racking up more debt than is necessary. And when you whittle down your debts, put that money to work. The more you put in your investment portfolio, the more opportunities you have to reach your objectives.

• Free your thinking about the future. Here’s another roadblock on your journey toward financial independence: short-term thinking. Instead of seeking quick gains, strive for steady growth. Instead of reacting to the news of the day by making impulsive moves, chart a long-term strategy that’s appropriate for your needs, and stick to it. Instead of focusing on the losses you might see on one month’s investment statement, look back over the progress you’ve made during the past five or 10 years. In short, worry less about today — and plan for tomorrow.

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It will take a lot of time, effort and patience to ultimately achieve your own Financial Independence Day. But once you do, you’ll have reason to rejoice — and you won’t even need the fireworks.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser. Edward Jones and its associates and financial advisers do not provide tax or legal advice. Chuck Smallwood, Bret Hooper, Tina DeWitt, Charlie Wick, Chris Murray, Kevin Brubeck and Dolly Schaub are financial advisers with Edward Jones Investments. They can be reached in Edwards at 970-926-1728 or in Eagle at 970-328-4959 or 970-328-0361.


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