Photo by Rana Sawalha

When you make a dream board, you’re setting powerful internal forces in motion that will move you toward your goals, even when you’re not consciously aware of it. Visualization is one of the most powerful tools we humans have for achieving our dreams. 

It may seem silly that by collecting words and images on a piece of paper, we can channel some magic power that influences our lives—but studies have shown that through visualization, we can actually train our brains to work for us in surprising ways.

Make your subconscious work for you

There’s a reason cultures and traditions around the world use visualization to effect powerful change. By constantly envisioning ourselves achieving the things we really want in life, we’re forming habitual thought patterns that keep us moving toward that goal.

Make a dream board- it isn’t just a symbolic action; it’s a way to keep your mind focused on achieving your goals so your subconscious can keep working for you.

Focus your energy through constant reminders

It’s not enough just to jot your dreams on a piece of paper and file it away somewhere; dream boards work best when you keep them in plain sight. Post yours in your office, your bedroom, even your bathroom—anywhere you’re sure to see it every single day.

I personally use a dream board to help focus my personal and professional financial decisions. It hangs right next to my desk as a daily reminder of the ideas, goals, dreams, plans, and visions I have for myself and my future. By keeping it within sight every single day, it’s easy for me to get motivated to do something about my dreams.

Help others help you

Some dreams just can’t be accomplished alone. There is power in sharing your dream board with others. As soon as you start to tell people about your goals and desires, they’ll be able to help hold you accountable for making them happen.

Article: I Don’t Want To Share

Also, sign up for our eNewsletter blog that includes timely financial matters, news, and planning strategies that you can implement today.

Ask yourself- can my portfolio support my lifestyle in my retirement? 

Photo by Thomas Ashlock

Transitioning to living off mailbox money (living off your investments for the rest of your life) is an attractive idea, but retiring is not as simple as having enough money saved up and walking away. People on the verge of retirement are often afraid of moving away from the comfort of a paycheck every two weeks and living entirely off a set income.

It sounds easy in theory—after all, if you’ve been doing your financial planning homework, you know exactly how much money you need to retire. But even so, living off your investments can be a scary proposition. When it comes time to make the leap, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain is an understandable reaction. It’s true: living on a fixed income has its challenges. What’s more, when you make that transition, there is usually no going back. You have to get it right the first time.
That said, even the scariest of situations can be made a lot less daunting if we’re ready for them.

Here are a few ways you can prepare for the transition to living off your mailbox money:

• Have your home paid off. Living off your mailbox money is a lot less scary when you don’t have a mortgage.
• Practice your retirement budget. Stick to a retirement-income budget plan for six to twelve months. Can you actually live on what you think you can?
• Practice a modified work schedule. Try taking more time away from work to get used to the idea of not working five days a week.
• Retire in stages. Work on decreasing your hours in the office and your income from work over a year.

If you put in the steps to prepare for the transition, you’ll have the confidence to make the leap and start living off your investments full time.

Also, sign up for our eNewsletter blog that includes timely financial matters, news, and planning strategies that you can implement today.

Ask yourself- can my portfolio support my lifestyle in my retirement?