Get Up and Get Moving!

Do you ever have those mornings when the alarm goes off and you feel like you are in a dream with still hours of sleep remaining?  Sure you have. I had one of those very moments this morning. In fact, this has become a rather recurring theme for nearly a month now.

I admit, over the course of the past month I've succumbed to the majority of these moments. Yes, that’s right! I've hit the proverbial snooze button a half bazillion times, struggling to catch yet another 10 minutes of sleep. Who ever thought of the 10-minute snooze default anyways? My guess is probably the same dude who came up with the 8-hour workday.

Just so we set the record straight, I’m not talking about an alarm set for 9, 8 or 7AM – mine is set for 4:30. I know, most people think this is far too early anyways. Sometimes I’d agree. 

The issue for me is that I’m going to bed early enough and getting enough sleep – I just want more. So, I find myself doing just that. The result isn't exactly great. 

Here’s what my observations have been just this past 30 days or so. My hope in sharing this is that maybe it will help you to GET UP AND GET MOVING!

1) Once the alarm goes off, there is no such thing as “going back to sleep”. Sure, you might find yourself falling asleep but the result isn't true, peaceful rest. Instead, you’re much more likely to wake in an awkward portion of the sleep cycle, rushed to get ready, and walking around at a 45-degree angle to the floor for the rest of the day (like the folks on the old v8 juice commercial who hadn't had their v8 that day).

2) For the rest of the day, you’re likely to feel “off”. Sure you’ll make it through, you just won’t have the focus and energy you would have had otherwise.

3) You risk the possibility of feeling like you've failed in meeting your goal(s). After all, the “simple” goal of getting up early(er) is often what people set in order to accomplish other more complicated goals (like working out, prepping a good diet, or enriching their lives in general).

Are you ready for the solution to all three of the negative results listed above? Yup, you guessed it! GET UP AND GET MOVING!

Losing Money?

 “Rule number 1: Never lose money. Rule number 2: Never forget rule No. 1.”
                                                                -Warren Buffet

It’s most likely Mr. Buffet was referring to never losing money through investing. Ever think how much money you might be losing simply to investment-related fees?

Take a few minutes to review the fee structure related to your investments. Really study this and let it sink in for a few minutes. Now, close your eyes and think of the cost. What feelings flood your mind?

Fees are not inherently evil. After all, there really is no such thing as a free lunch. Fees turn evil when they exist for no real apparent reason or are excessively high in comparison to viable alternatives. 

One financial advisory firm has a 42-page document explaining how they are compensated. Do you think you could fully grasp all the fees and compensation - even if you read all 42 pages?

If you aren't working with an adviser, chances are you have a 401(k) or similar plan available to you through your employment. Do you know how much it costs YOU to invest in such a plan?

Vanguard provides a nice, short and sweet analysis on the topic of fees.

Also, consider watching this documentary by PBS Frontline:

Today is the day to begin making sense of the fees you pay!