We focus on stocks and bonds when we think of investing most of the time, but we often forget that it’s also possible to invest in ourselves. An investment in yourself can offer very good returns, as long as you are wise with your investment.
I’ve been in exploratory mode this year. I’m trying to decide what I want my life to look like for the near future (at least until my son finishes school), and I’m still tweaking my finances after the overhaul that came with change in family situation.
It’s been a good time to think about the investments I want to make in myself. Some of those investments include:
Education
I probably won’t go back to school anytime soon. However, I’ve long toyed with the idea of going back for a PhD or getting my MBA. Right now, school isn’t an option with my son to raise, among other obligations.
The good news is that you don’t need to go to school in a formal setting to invest in your education. You can learn from good books, online courses, and plenty of other sources. I try to expand my knowledge of business and other subjects that can help me boost my earning power. I also try to learn things that enrich my life.
Health
One of the best investments you can make in yourself is your own health. Take better care of your body and you can save money in the long run. I’ve started exercising every day, and I’m slowly reforming my eating habits. I wasn’t in terrible health before, but I recognize that, as I age, my body is less forgiving and it’s more important than ever to practice good healthy habits.
Taking care of my health means a better quality of life now and in the future, not to mention cost savings since I won’t have as many health care issues that require medical attention.
Business
BusinessI’m trying to invest more time, energy, and even money in new business opportunities and projects of interest. I hope that these will pan out. I want to be able to boost my passive income and diversify my income further so that I’m not quite as reliant on freelance clients. Putting money back into my business efforts can pay off in the long run, even though it’s kind of tough right now.
In fact, this has been one of my struggles. As a freelancer, I’m used to being paid immediately for almost everything I do. Putting money and time into a business that takes a longer payoff has been an adjustment for me, but I recognize it as an investment in myself.
Relaxation
Finally, I know that I need downtime. It’s important to recharge and relax, and that’s an investment in yourself. You can’t do your best work, whether you are at a traditional job, running a business, or running your household if you haven’t taken time to relax. I’m working on making time to read and making time for my son. I consider my good relationship with my son an investment in myself and my emotional well-being.
There are many ways you can invest in yourself and in your life. If you want to be able to live a more fulfilling life, an investment in yourself is necessary.
These are the ways I’m choosing to investment in myself. What ways have you invested in yourself lately?
Editor’s Note: I’ve begun tracking my assets through Personal Capital. I’m only using the free service so far and I no longer have to log into all the different accounts just to pull the numbers. And with a single screen showing all my assets, it’s much easier to figure out when I need to rebalance or where I stand on the path to financial independence.
They developed this pretty nifty 401K Fee Analyzer that will show you whether you are paying too much in fees, as well as an Investment Checkup tool to help determine whether your asset allocation fits your risk profile. The platform literally takes a few minutes to sign up and it’s free to use by following this link here. For those trying to build wealth, Personal Capital is worth a look.