What Should I Invest In?

Guest Writer: Joe Bennell

A few weeks ago I was in Chicago O’hare, and I saw the iconic football coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears. He was sitting with his head down, playing with his phone, perhaps trying not to be noticed as he was on his way to work at ESPN that weekend. I watched as people went over to him and shook his hand, asked for his autograph, and asked his opinion about different team stats, etc. I wanted to talk with him too, but not about football. So I went over and sat down in an empty seat across from him.

As I went to take my seat he glanced up at me for a moment, and I extended my hand and said hello. We shook hands and I started chatting with him looking for segue way into a more engaging conversation with the legendary coach Ditka. After the normal “how do you do?” chit chat, I paused for a moment and asked him “Sir, when a man reaches your level of success and recognition, what do you invest in?” My question caught him a little off guard, but it certainly grabbed his attention! His eyes lit up and he said:

“Invest in yourself, invest in being debt free, invest in being free, don’t be a slave to anyone or anything!”

Well said coach!

These are the same principles that I practice in my own life. They’re easy to follow, and they work incredibly well.

Invest in yourself: Spending money learning life skills that offer long term rewards is money well spent. Take Holly’s financial responsibility workshop, learn how to be a responsible consumer, and be in control of your finances.
Invest in being debt free: Pay back the money you owe to others as quickly as possible, and then pay yourself for the rest of your life. Learn techniques that accelerate repayment of your student loans, car loans, credit card balances, and home loans.
Invest in being free: This means something different for everyone. For me it means investing in things that create residual income (real estate, businesses, services). Think about the things that will bring you freedom.

The bottom line is that “investing in yourself is the best investment you can make….the rest is crap!” -Mike Ditka

Stay tuned to the FFL blog for inspiration, tips, and opportunities to enrich your financial future!

Holly Morphew, AFC® is personal finance expert, coach, writer, and speaker based in Denver, CO. She is the CEO + Founder of Financial Impact, a specialized financial coaching practice that helps career-driven entrepreneurs and professionals create personal wealth and financial independence. She is the author of Simple Wealth, a #1 best-seller in wealth management, personal transformation, real estate, and women & business. Holly began teaching personal finance in 2006 as a service project with Rotary International, and received the prestigious “Rotarian of the Year” award for her work in financial literacy. As an Accredited Financial Counselor® with the AFCPE, Holly has also been recognized for “Bridging the Gap” for outstanding work in private practice. Her philosophy, “abundance is our natural state” is the core of Financial Impact programs, which help clients bridge behavior and mindset to realize their potential. In addition to personal wealth building, Holly also helps clients start and scale businesses and create new streams of income.

Hi! I’m Holly, the founder of Financial Impact and an award-winning financial coach. I help career-driven leaders and entrepreneurs create wealth, take the stress out of managing money, and feel confident and powerful when it comes to their finances.