In the autumn of 2015, we found ourselves enjoying the breathtaking views of mountains and the calming sound of Atlantic waves from our hotel balcony in South Africa. Life felt absolutely perfect.
It was the occasion of our honeymoon. We were in good health and earning more than sufficient income to support our way of living. However, as we cherished the final hours of our stay in Cape Town, we came to realize that the life we were returning to was out of sync with our values. Over the years, we had inadvertently placed our dedication to our well-paying careers above our commitment to one another. A change was necessary.
The urge to safeguard our marriage prompted us to reassess the significance of money in our lives. Aware that financial disagreements are a primary cause of marital breakdowns, we decided to actively learn everything we could about finance, investing, real estate, and entrepreneurship, aiming to give ourselves a better chance.
We believed that aligning on our financial matters would shield us from the lurking risk of financial disputes and possible separation. We were thrilled by the knowledge we were gaining and even more thrilled about putting these lessons into practice. However, we were unprepared for the profound impact that this new financial awareness would have on our lives.
As we focused on eliminating debt and unnecessary expenses while increasing our retirement savings, we encountered conflict with our previous lifestyles, social interactions, and the cultural practices that had once mattered to us. With every improvement in our retirement funds or profitable rental period, we experienced missing out on special events or enduring late nights of work instead of relaxation.
Despite our sincere attempts to balance one facet of our lives, we inadvertently caused an imbalance in others. Yet, after five years, one child, and several entrepreneurial ventures, we can confidently assert that we have unraveled the mystery.
If we were to distill everything into a single word—a defining quality linked to our success—it would be courage. We attribute our ability to be unconventional and stay strong during challenging times to this courage. It has propelled us through abrupt job shifts, health challenges, and unforeseen natural events. Courage has offered us insights that money cannot acquire, positively influencing our identities.
As investors, we have discovered the value of patience and recognized that fixating on uncontrollable factors is futile. As entrepreneurs, we’ve realized there are few feelings more satisfying than reaching an ambitious income target, particularly when we enjoyed the journey to achieve it. And as partners, we’ve learned the importance of fair fighting, understanding that conflicts are inevitable and should be embraced rather than evaded.
It has taken nearly a decade filled with invaluable life lessons to arrive at our current point. We have explored an extensive collection of books, listened to countless podcast episodes, viewed documentaries, and engaged in thousands of discussions about finances with individuals globally. We have attended numerous conferences, addressed various audience sizes, and held meaningful financial dialogues with those seeking help. Throughout this journey, we’ve also collected a few industry honors for our sophisticated approach to personal finance. All these experiences have guided us toward a validated route to financial independence that effectively adapts to our needs.
There is no instantaneous solution to acquiring wealth, just as there isn’t a universal key to achieving success. The journey will demand every bit of resolve you possess, likely testing both your mind and body.
Aside from challenging your intellect and physical capabilities, your instincts will also come into play.
In these moments of doubt and transformation, having a supportive community and a familiar voice cheering you on for success can be tremendously beneficial.
