A new report examines 5 strategies – which one’s best for you? Saving and investing for retirement, or as I prefer, “work-optional,” is one of the top financial goals for most of us. At least once we have fewer work years ahead of us than behind… Unfortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean we all manage it […]

In the immediate aftermath of the COVID pandemic, many (if not most) of us went on a spending spree driven by pent-up demand and fueled by financial injections from the government. We spent a lot, especially on things COVID prevented: trips, eating out, and mall shopping, to name a few.  The motto of that time […]

If you’re earning (and spending) a decent income, but still aren’t even remotely happy with your life, it might be time for a little life overhaul. I’ve been using the happiness per dollar concept recently to adjust how I spend my money and my time. The amount of happiness each dollar buys us is wildly […]

I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to dive into the 2021 book Die With Zero by Bill Perkins. I read the much earlier book Die Broke by Stephen Pollan and Mark Levine way back when it was published in 1998. So I’ve long been interested in the concept, even if I’m not […]

Raising kids with more than you had is a goal many of us work toward—but once we get there, it can bring its own set of challenges. As a first-generation wealth builder, you’ve likely worked hard, made sacrifices, and overcome financial uncertainty to create the kind of life you once only imagined. Now, you’re raising […]

If you think you know everything there is to know about money, wealth, and financial systems, you’re probably wrong. These classic finance documentaries are a great starting point for anyone who wants to lift the curtain and take a closer look at international finance systems, how money works in the real world, and what you […]

The small decisions you make in your 20s can impact your personal finances throughout your life. It all starts with taking control, which is hard, but really important. Those who aren’t able to keep track of their finances often feel out of control, regardless of whether they’re a six-figure earner or a student on a […]

Money doesn’t just affect your bank account—it touches nearly every part of your emotional well-being. Financial stress can lead to anxiety, sleepless nights, relationship conflict, and feelings of shame or failure. On the flip side, a sense of financial clarity and control can bring peace, confidence, and freedom. At Life Story Financial, we believe that […]

If you’ve found yourself holding more cash than usual – whether from an inheritance, a business sale, sale of stock options – you’re not alone. Many people are unsure how to best manage surplus funds. Holding on to cash can feel like a secure option, but over time, excessive cash reserves can become a silent […]