Green Energy, Smart Investing, and Living Well

One of the biggest themes shaping our future is the transition to a green economy. Renewable energy, especially solar, has the potential to create millions of jobs and stimulate economic growth. But change always comes with tradeoffs. As we transition away from fossil fuels, many workers in traditional energy sectors will face displacement. For individuals, the opportunity lies in investing early in green technologies and sustainable practices. The sooner you align your portfolio with where the economy is heading, the better positioned you’ll be to benefit.

For military personnel considering retirement, the challenges are unique. A 45-year-old retiree drawing a pension may not realistically sustain a 50-year retirement solely on that income. Retirement used to mean stepping back from work in your later years, but today, it can mean decades of life ahead. To make that time fulfilling and financially secure, it’s essential to find meaningful activities, whether part-time work, volunteering, or entrepreneurship. It’s not just about the money it’s about purpose.

When it comes to investing, I’ve always been a fan of strategies that emphasize consistency over flash. Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) are a great example. By reinvesting dividends to buy more shares, investors harness the power of compounding. DRIPs have become less common as mutual funds and ETFs have taken center stage, but the lesson remains: consistent, disciplined investing even in small amounts can build substantial wealth over time.

Technology is also reshaping healthcare in profound ways. Wearables, low-cost diagnostics, and evidence-based medicine are helping to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Instead of the traditional “fee-for-service” model, technology empowers patients to be proactive about their health, which in turn reduces long-term expenses. For retirees especially, this means healthcare costs could become more manageable, provided they embrace these innovations.

But financial planning isn’t just about dollars and investments it’s also about relationships. Before marriage, couples need to have honest conversations about their financial health. Student debt, spending habits, and savings goals are too important to leave unspoken. Debt management is a long-term journey, and entering a marriage with clear expectations avoids stress later on. In many cases, working with a financial planner can help couples align their goals early.

Another area where planning matters is investing in bonds during times of rising interest rates. Rising rates cause long-term bond prices to fall, which is why I recommend focusing on short- and intermediate-term bonds. One-year, three-year, five-year, and some seven-year maturities provide stability without locking you into long-term risk. Diversifying between stocks and bonds is also crucial to balance growth with protection. Waiting for rates to rise before acting isn’t a strategy it’s a gamble that often leads to losses.

And let’s not forget financial literacy for children. Too many young people enter adulthood without knowing how to balance a checking account, manage a credit card, or save for emergencies. These skills aren’t taught consistently in schools, which makes it even more important for parents to step in. Teaching kids the basics of money management sets them up for independence and success later in life.

Ultimately, money should never be seen as the end goal. The other side of money is about remembering that wealth is a tool for creating joy, security, and freedom. Spending time with friends, traveling, enjoying nature these simple pleasures bring happiness in ways a bank balance never can. Early retirement may sound ideal, but without purpose and fulfillment, it can feel empty. True financial health is about integrating money with a life well lived.

So here’s the takeaway: invest wisely in the green economy, rethink retirement as a stage of purpose, stay disciplined with investing, use technology to lower healthcare costs, talk openly about finances in relationships, and teach the next generation about money. But most importantly, remember that money is here to serve you, not the other way around.

All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice; an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product; or an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. Whenever there are hyperlinks to third-party content, this information is intended to provide additional perspective and should not be construed as an endorsement of any services, products, guidance, individuals or points of view outside Edelman Financial Engines. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Please contact us for more complete information based on your personal circumstances and to obtain personal individual investment advice.

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