The American Dream. A house with a white picket fence, financial security, and the ability to provide a better future for your children and grandchildren. This dream, however, is slipping further out of reach for many, morphing into a source of anxiety rather than aspiration. The crisis isn't simply a lack of money; it’s a pervasive problem of procrastination and a misunderstanding of how wealth truly builds. This inaction, coupled with an unpredictable economy, is creating a generational wealth gap, leaving families struggling to stay afloat, let alone build a legacy.
Diana Turner, a local financial advisor and life insurance agent, is helping people take control of their financial futures and fully embrace the American Dream.
“My favorite part about helping people is giving them hope and excitement about their futures. People are not prepared, and they know that. They don't know who to go to or trust, what to ask, and they don't feel like they have enough to get started.” Turner says.
Finding Time
From Diana’s experience, the biggest misconception people have when it comes to finances is that they don't have enough time to save and invest. The immediate pressures of daily life often overshadow long-term financial goals. Paying bills, managing expenses, and dealing with unexpected emergencies take precedence. This usually leaves little room for saving and investing.
“Just waiting one year can cost hundreds of thousands in lost rates of returns.”
First Things First
Another misconception is paying yourself last. Building wealth requires focus and knowing that paying yourself first is equally important as paying your bills on time. It’s so important to have that monthly amount in your budget that you invest in yourself consistently. If you are always putting money away, you can stay away from credit cards, and your money will be working for you.
Make a Plan
The main thing Diana helps her clients do is to start investing in their future now. She recommends meeting with an advisor who has the same goals as you and is willing to help you from beginning to end. Put a plan in place and work to keep yourself on that path.
“Make sure you have annual meetings with your advisor!” She says.
Adjust As You Go
As your life changes, so will your financial goals. Give yourself raises, and have the goal in mind to add to your budgeted savings. If your money isn't working for you at a pace higher than inflation, you will never get ahead.
Diana Turner
Diana has been a resident of Queen Creek since April of 2008. She has a degree in business administration and has been in finance all her adult life. Originally she began as an accountant then a consultant for corporations to help them turn a profit. She then became a stay at home. When her husband unexpectedly passed away she learned that he had the wrong life insurance. In addition to her grief, Diana had to battle through financial turmoil. After this experience she decided to get her securities and life insurance license to help others avoid similar pitfalls. Her passion is to advise middle income families and small businesses and to help build generational wealth providing hope and a plan.
'My favorite part about helping people is giving them hope and excitement about their futures. People are not prepared, and they know that.'