It’s true. HHH and I have been bitten by the travel bug. Traveling through five countries, we’re planning to return to the home of sloths, butterflies, and trams gliding over the rainforest. Costa Rica 2026.
In ironing out details, finances are a big consideration. Although traveling is great, it’s a luxury. In our world, luxuries come after all the expenses in life are covered. To travel, we needed to come up with a solid savings plan.
Our successful financial plan didn’t begin with spreadsheets, charts, or complicated language. It started with small steps and the decision to save. Ending January with a New Year’s resolution to save, this plan will have big benefits by October.
Interested? If you’re starting from scratch, start simply. Save all your change. Keep the small bills and give that money a purpose. Make one modest goal and decide that every bit of spare change belongs to it. Whether you slide it into an envelope tucked in a drawer or use one of those “100 Envelope Savings Books” available on Amazon, the method matters less than the commitment. Pick a plan and stick to it. That’s the secret. Consistency turns small effort into real progress, and you’ll be surprised how quickly those little amounts add up. One day, you’ll open that envelope or fill that last numbered pocket and celebrate success.
After becoming a widow in 2020, I faced some of the hardest decisions of my life about investing my retirement fund. One of the biggest decisions was choosing the right financial advisor. That first Junet meeting with “My Guy” was one of the most stressful days. Sitting across from a stranger with my future spread out in numbers felt overwhelming. It required a leap of faith at a time when faith itself felt fragile. I chose him to watch over my savings, while helping me plan for the years ahead that I hoped would still be full.
Almost six years later, I can say with gratitude that I chose well.
A good financial plan is not built in isolation. It’s shaped by guidance from trusted and professional voices and those who have walked the road before you. Read. Learn. Pay attention to the mistakes of others. Try to avoid them yourself. Wisdom compounds just like savings do.
Don’t wait. Tomorrow has a way of slipping quietly into next week, month, or year. There’s no time like the present. Make a plan. Commit to it. Adjust when needed, while never giving up.
Although HHH and I haven’t started packing just yet, our homework begins today. We’ve got months before we plan to spend time watching the sun rise and set over our beachfront bungalow. Choose your dream and start saving. If not now, when?
Have a terrific Thursday.