Achieving success, happiness, and prosperity should be easier than ever, given the proliferation of self-help books and coaching services. Yet with countless people reading, studying, and attending workshops, many still find themselves just scraping by financially. It’s time to find a fresh approach. Instead of looking outward for answers, I suggest a reset that combines both the spiritual and financial sides of life. Let’s raise your level of Money Consciousness. You can create incremental shifts forward, and even feel awe at the magical, unlimited universe that connects us all.

A consciousness-based approach to growth in any area includes incorporating aspects of the universe with a deeper understanding of the qualities of spirit and mind. It also involves being aware of the physical world, with an eye toward how we perceive it, from our individual egos to our shared humanity.  And of course, you need to be open to guidance, specifically as it relates to your financial life.

It is possible to achieve financial security and confidence. Financial topics don’t have to be dry, complex, or esoteric. Our capacity for experiencing abundance is already woven into the fabric of our multi-dimensional lives.

Self-knowledge is key. It’s essential to assess your current situation, which you can do by examining yourself on three levels: spiritually, physically, and financially.

 

Who Am I?

 

Spiritually – This is the greatest mystery. Just as it is essential to research investment strategies, different types of mortgages, and the types of cars to buy, it is also essential to research the nature of reality and how it operates. What laws seem to govern life? Are there any rules at all?

More importantly, we can begin the research of who we really are, each one of us. The explorations and discoveries of sages and scientists have shown us our interconnectedness and our infinite, multi-dimensional, and unlimited selves. Being reminded, or shown for the first time, of the great matrix in which everyone is a part, is very uplifting and inspires us to feel bigger than we might have before.

Soul evolution and quantum shifts in consciousness are possible through meditation, self-reflection, and self-inquiry. Continue to investigate by asking, “Who am I?”

 

Materially – Ask what has been created in your life and why? Where do you want to be? What do you want from the physical world? Do you have opposing beliefs, for example, desiring prosperity but believing rich people are corrupt? Go out into the world with specific tasks to unmask some of these hidden beliefs. Could guilt or resentment be holding back your prosperity?

What do you truly want, deep in your heart? Consider your family and other people in your life and society; what messages have you received from them? What were your first messages about money? How does the world look: safe, scary, or chaotic? What are the default beliefs that form a basis for your experience? When considering your goals, think about what that goal represents: what is its essence? (Which is the real desire!)

 

Financially – What are your financial goals, and how can you stretch your idea of numbers? How much is enough? What is the real purpose here? There are three types of people in relation to money: the saver, the spender, and the controller. Each has its own beneficial attributes, and each type can be successful. The problems arise when one type becomes out of balance. Without balance and well-being, a saver may become a hoarder, a spender will go broke, and a controller won’t take any risk at all. Knowing which type you are can enable you to find your balance.

 

Kasey Claytor’s Money Map Quiz can be found on this website and in her book, The Money Map: A Spiritual Guide to Financial Success, which may be purchased on Amazon.

 

 

Having walked my clients through planning, approaching, and living in retirement financially for the last almost 40 years, I couldn’t help but pick up on other aspects facing us besides the money part, such as grappling with when to retire, what to do in retirement, and how to plan a full and thriving last third of life. As I heard someone say, “What are you going to do between now and death?”

 

As we near our ‘golden years,’ we observe our elders living in a great variety of ways, from scrapping by on social security to cruising or flying around the world and traveling between multiple homes.  There is an undeniable correlation between financial health and satisfaction in the later years, but this doesn’t mean you need to be stinking rich.

 

A successful retirement appears to have several moving parts: financial, health and wellbeing, relationships, passions, and purpose. Let’s face it: Nearing death also affects one’s beliefs and how one experiences one’s spiritual life. So, how do we prepare ourselves for this last and significant period of our lives?

 

First, not planning for it or setting goals, not contemplating how you will live in retirement, can cause unnecessary suffering later on. With no plan, no savings, and with no interests outside of work, some retirees may end up spinning in their own exhaust, nowhere to go and nothing to do. This can be disastrous for the human spirit. Depression and other mental health problems can take hold, leading to unhappiness and even physical ailments. But let’s not dwell on this because the fact that you are reading this means you are proactive, interested, and willing to learn. Yay, you!

 

This topic could easily be a 400-page book, but I will give you the briefest of outlines here.

1) Financially

• Never too early or too late to begin saving. Have your paycheck debited for your employer plan, or have your checking account systematically debited to go into an IRA, as much as you can afford, and then a little more.
• Invest in a broad, diversified portfolio with stocks and bonds, low fees, and comprehensive management.
• Beware if you have the tendency, like some parents of adult children, to financially help them to such an extent that you harm your own comfortable retirement. I remember a client who borrowed against his home and withdrew from his IRAs to help a daughter who said she couldn’t find a job. He did this until he and his wife had to give up their plans to travel with their friends in retirement. He died leaving nothing for his wife, and only after his death did his daughter go to work to support herself.
• We used to say that in the financial business in the 1980s, you needed at least as much in savings as your closest decade,  a hundred thousand dollars for each. For instance, at 40 years old, you should have saved $400,000; at 60, $600,000; and so on. Typical standards now in financial planning state are that it really takes much closer to one million to have financial freedom these days to enable no financial worries and the ability to take care of all your needs.  Yet, I have seen people retire with half that and get along just fine.
• Educate yourself on how money and the markets work. Call our office at 321-383-4005 for our 30-page booklet on the 7 Big Mistakes Investors Make and the 7 Habits of Successful Investors to get you started.

2) Health and Wellbeing

• Of course, take good care of yourself. Eat a good, healthy diet with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins.
• Get outside every day. Walk, bike, swim, play, explore, move. Take up yoga or Tai chi, dancing, or some other social exercise. These good habits will be easy to follow into retirement. With good balance, falls become much less likely, among many other benefits.
• Find a mindfulness practice you like, such as meditation, contemplation, breathing techniques, prayer, and self-reflection. Conditioning the mind for well-being is also essential.
• If you do have anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems bothering you, find a good therapist. Most of these issues are resolved with the proper help. Our society still attaches an unfortunate stigma to getting assistance in this area, but it is so essential, shows emotional maturity and self-care, and can be a rewarding experience.
• Develop a positive attitude toward aging and retirement. Daydream about all the activities and experiences you’ll be able to enjoy and the friends and family with whom you will spend time. If you don’t have a close circle of friends, join a club or a class. Get involved in something you enjoy, sports, a book club, knitting, hiking, etc., and read; I can’t stress how much reading can enhance anyone’s life in so many ways. There are so many great books in the self-help genre, but even a great book of fiction is a positive experience.
• Cultivate peace with your own passing. Our cultures in the West have a poor record of coming to terms with death. It’s not usually spoken about except in dramatic and negative ways; we pretend it isn’t inevitable; we try to extend the lives of our loved ones in often grotesque and extreme ways, making their last days, weeks or months lying in a sterile facility hooked up to machines and on heavy medications. My recommendation is to have a good plan. Most states have a Dying with Dignity form to fill out, describing what you want to be done and how in a terminal situation. Let us know if you would like us to mail you one.  Other than this, building a solid belief of your own, whether religious or faith in life and nature, can reframe the end of life as something not to fear. There are many great books on this.

 

3) Relationships

• Fostering good relationships takes time, effort, and the ability to forgive—maybe yourself or others. We all say or do things we don’t mean at times, and we are hurt by others’ words or actions. Without processing these productively, we can be emotionally drained, hurt, or worse. Forgive yourself and others. I know it’s hard. I will never forget a ninety-six-year-old, long-time client on his deathbed telling me he had been too hard on his wife and children. He was verbally abusive. He carried this all of his life. If he had been self-reflective, brave enough to look within, and been able to forgive himself, he wouldn’t have been so full of pain at the end.
• Approaching this last stage of life, we can take the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with ourselves and others that will nurture us.

4) Passions and Purpose

• What do you envision doing during retirement? So many people have jobs they don’t enjoy, so they dream of retiring as soon as possible, looking forward to having endless free days, like permanent weekends. But they’ve spent little time thinking about what they will do in retirement. I’ve seen some retire in their 50s and become bored, aimless, and searching. Some go back to work. Some actually lose interest in life.

On the other hand, I’ve seen people in their 70s who have no intention of retiring anytime soon because they love what they are doing.

• Studies show that the more control you have over what you do at work, who you work with, and so on, the more satisfied you are. I believe that is why entrepreneurs often scoff at the idea of retiring; they are already living the life of their dreams.
• To discover what your perfect retirement might look like, create a vision board of activities and places you’re interested in exploring. Think about what you enjoyed as a child.
• Ask how you may serve your community.

5) Deciding When to Retire

• So, I am guessing you are beginning to see that fiscal retirement is not just about what age you can retire; it is about so much more than that.

1) You want to retire when you are healthy and able to enjoy your passions

2) You’ve figured out how to fulfill your needs for community, purpose, interests, and activities.

3) Ensure you aren’t just continuing to work because you have no idea what else to do with your life. Maybe you aren’t totally satisfied with your work but haven’t invested the time to explore what else might interest you.

4) What about semi-retiring? This is becoming very popular for those who have this option. And if you don’t, perhaps you could retire and pick up a part-time job doing something you’ve always wanted to do, like teaching art or working in a counseling position.

5) Talk with your financial advisor about the income you will need during retirement. Consider the cost of your desired lifestyle, your social security, and the amount of investments it will take to produce the income.

 

These subjects require some introspection; knowing yourself well will help you plan your later years to your benefit. Settling into the idea of being an elder in the community, offering your hard-wrought wisdom, having loving relationships, enjoying the fruits of your labor, knowing how to still play, and exploring the world with a sense of wonder can make your retirement the best time of your life.

 

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash

Last week was a consequential week in the United States. I’ve heard from many who are suffering trying to come to grips with news of the election results. Of course, I also recognize that many are satisfied with the news. How do we live with this result? What if we are worried about the future?

I was considering this and what advice I could give to my subscribers when, what sometimes synchronistically happens, an email appeared in my inbox from David Michie on this very topic. When what is going through our heads is causing suffering, it is usually something in the future or the past. It hasn’t happened, or it did a while ago. It isn’t happening at the moment. Receiving bad news usually involves worrying about the future and imagining all the worst of our fears.

David Michie is a follower of Buddhist philosophy and has written many best sellers, like the Dalai Lama’s Cat, aimed at entertaining, teaching, and reducing suffering. He’s done a magnificent job. Many Buddhists will tell you that Buddhism is not a religion but a collection of practices and a philosophy designed to lessen suffering in the world and bring about our fully actualized selves—enlightened if you will.

In this latest blog, David discusses Disappointment and four Buddhist insights to help us navigate it. You can read the whole article.

Here are some of the best points:

“Where does disappointment exist: outside us or in our minds? Clearly, it is a psychological thing. We don’t accidentally inhale clouds of disappointment walking down the street. It’s in here, not out there.”

“This moment, here and now, is often unaffected. Our hours, days or weeks are much the same as they were before we got the news. We still do the same things, live the same life. But because of particular news we see the future more darkly.”

And an oft quoted folk tale that I happen to love.:

“ An old man loses his horse to the wild. Horses are a measure of wealth and when his fellow villagers come around wailing and commiserating, he just says stoically, ‘We’ll see.’

Days later his horse returns – along with a few wild horse friends he picked up along the way. The man is now richer by several horses! The villagers come round delighted for him – if somewhat envious. He just says, ‘We’ll see.’

Attempting to ride one of the wild horses, his son is thrown off and breaks his leg. It is harvest time and everyone is needed to help in the fields. The villagers wring their hands, despondently. ‘We’ll see,’ the old man tells them.

The imperial army comes around recruiting able-bodied young men. Unlike other young men, his son is exempt from dangerous battle.

And so it goes.”

And

“Rather than entertaining thoughts about what may or may not happen in the future, how about letting go of them? Returning our focus to the here and now – i.e. the same place before we opened the faucet of speculative misery to full bore. There is nothing to be gained by tormenting ourselves with futile, negative cognition, or by opening ourselves up to the media and others who have no interest in our mental wellbeing. We have agency. We are in charge. Let’s remain calmly in the present moment, and practice equanimity: we’ll see.”

Have a wonderful week,

To Your Prosperity and Wellbeing,

Kasey Claytor

Photo by Charles Deluvia on Unsplash

When I was a child, there was a word describing an attribute used in the ‘olden days’ that you never hear anymore—at least how it was used then. Now, that word is used for many descriptions and often separates people. It’s too bad because this attribute would be so appreciated if it were to flow back into use in our society.

Upon hearing this word, one would imagine a gentle, polite person moving about in a way that made those around them feel comfortable. He or she would smile readily, grasp your hand upon being introduced, and make you feel as though you were the most important person at that moment.

Yes, when I was young, a person who was described as having class was a person who put others at ease and was never offensive. This is what my father taught me. And he did indeed have class.

It had nothing to do with someone’s income level, the way it is used today.

A person with class knew how to listen without interrupting. When they entered a room, you could feel their calm energy. They were magnetic, elegant in a way of being.

To a person with class, it wasn’t about them; they were genuinely interested in those they were meeting, talking to, and working with. They excelled in their working environments, perhaps even achieving more than one without this quality.

Of course, we still have people all around us with class today. However, class doesn’t seem to be valued as it used to. With all of our emphasis on ourselves, expressing our authenticity, bringing our gifts out to shine, and focusing on our own goals, our dreams, and our desires, we’re missing something.

We aren’t mastering an attribute that helps bring out the greatness in those around us. Becoming all that we want to be is accelerated by assistance from others with this quality.

With all the gross name-calling, constant criticism, vulgarities, smears, and sarcasm flooding our media and conversations, how can we mature into a kind and understanding society? One that fosters each other’s growth?

Let’s be classy.

We realize many, if not most, of you found the Kasey Claytor site and offerings because you are interested in financial success. We hear you. Many came to us because they were interested in one of Kasey’s books. We plan to send a survey soon to ask why you went to the Kasey Claytor site and what you would like to see in future offerings to live your life with joy and well-being. For instance, would you like to see more on the financial markets? How about more on meditation and creating wholesome well-being?
Look for this in your inbox soon.

One of the things Kasey has grappled with is narrowing her topics down to one or a few! She is interested in almost everything, even having blogs on politics, finance, and well-being.

Also, Kasey is setting up a free giveaway on Goodreads starting August 26,
2024, for her Money Map Book, signed by the author. It is a great time to join if you aren’t on Goodreads. There is so much great information, news on your favorite authors, reviews, to-read lists, and a chance to write your own book reviews.

Lastly, Kasey’s memoir, Finding the Light, Navigating Dementia with Her Son, is coming out this October. The reviews are already pouring in! Read some below.

To Your Prosperity and Wellbeing,

The Phoenix Team

____________________________________________

Reviews for Finding the Light

I was deeply moved by Justin’s journey as Kasey Claytor depicted in the book. Dalai Lama may see it as a reminder of the frailty of the human condition and the importance of compassion, patience, and love in caring for those who are suffering. It can be an opportunity to practice empathy, kindness, and selflessness in supporting individuals with dementia and their families.
Practical advice given for families within this book in similar situation is invaluable.
Vijay Jain MD, Integrative Medicine physician integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine.

“Finding the Light offers a ground-level and personable view into the experience of FTD for all whom it touches. Perhaps more importantly, Claytor provides the crucial reminder of the inherent wholeness that is ever retained in those diagnosed with FTD – witnessed here in the life of her son, Justin. This book serves not as a disembodied manual or how-to guide, but rather as a humane and spiritual reorientation to the gifts in life that
will not be limited by the diminishment of cognitive functioning.”
– Rev. Matthew Kern, MDiv

I first met Justin when I was working as a new nurse at Market Street. Although his time with us was cut short, he will forever be a positive light in my nursing journey. His love for his mom (BME)and brother Aaron, was so apparent. Kasey and her family played such a pivotal role in Justin’s health and well-being, and advocating for him was always their priority. In this memoir, Kasey showcases FTD on a raw, unfiltered, emotional level. This book will be such an eye-opening tool for other families and healthcare professionals!

–Danielle Torres, LPN

A few more:

“WOW ok, so I read this “entire” manuscript and am changed for it. I can’t wait for this book to come out!”

AND

“I am in tears after reading this. Many do not have the where with all, the higher perspective, and the ability to cope as you have and see what you can see, and that will be the gift and the practical.”

RESEARCH

 Getting to know our true nature

 “He who knows others is learned; He who knows himself is wise.” ~Lao-tzu, Tao te Ching

 Who Am I? What Do I Want?

Spiritual – Here we delve into the greatest mystery. Just as it is essential to research investment strategies, different types of mortgages, and what kinds of cars to buy, it is also essential to research the nature of reality and how it works. What laws seem to govern life? Are there any rules at all?

More importantly, we can begin the research of who we really are—each one of us. Sages and scientist’s explorations and discoveries of the universe are fascinating. Our inter-connectedness, the study of our infinite, unlimited, multi-dimensional selves by quantum physicists, complements our religious teachings. Reminding ourselves of the great matrix, of which everyone is a part, is very uplifting, inspiring us to feel bigger than we might have before.

Materially – Ask yourself what you have created and why? Just where do you want to be? What do you want from the physical world? Do you have opposing beliefs that may be stopping you? Going out into the world with tasks to unmask some of these hidden beliefs is your assignment here. How about guilt and the need to forgive yourself and others? Could this be holding your prosperity back? Asking yourself these questions can open a doorway to a new way of looking at your life and what you have.

What do you truly, deep in your heart, want? In looking at your family and other people in your life and society; what messages did you receive from them? What were your first messages about money? How does the world look: safe, scary, or chaotic? What are the default beliefs that form a basis for your experience? In looking at your goals, seek to discover what that goal represents, what is the essence? (Which is the real desire!)

Financially – What are your financial goals? How much income and net worth do you think you need ? See how you can stretch your idea of numbers so that large amounts become smaller and more attainable in your mind. How much is enough? What is the real purpose here? There are three types of people in relationship to money: the saver, the spender and the controller. Each has attributes that are beneficial, and each type can be successful. The problems arise when we become out of balance. Without balance and wellbeing, a saver may become a hoarder, a spender will go broke and a controller will either keep second guessing and comparing their methods or won’t take any risk at all.

Revisit the goals worksheet on Kasey Claytor’s site here.

 

 

 

 

I must say I’ve been blown away by the book sales since the Money Map came out. This is my 7th book, and I’ve never been so surprised by the high interest. Could the reason be because it is about money? I’m betting so! I posted an excerpt below explaining just how important our financial life is to our comfort and security. A big thank you to all who’ve taken the time to purchase this book. May you have complete financial wellbeing!

For those who live in Central Florida, I am considering a book talk to go over the points necessary to our financial success and wellbeing. Books will be available to be signed. Dates possible right now are Friday, Nov 17th or Saturday the18th. Please reply to this email if interested. Unless it is a very large group, we can meet in our conference room in Titusville.

To Your Prosperity and Wellbeing,

Kasey Claytor

“The Purusharthas, mentioned in the Indian Vedic texts, are a large body of religious writings by ancient, enlightened seers. They list four aims of life: that of purpose, (Dharma), material security, (Artha), pleasure and relationships, (Kama), and freedom, self-realization, (Moksha). Even the great sages of India knew without material security we will have deficits in our wellbeing. Artha is the security of having the material resources we need to live in the world with ease. It is a basic human dignity. And for any of us to take care of our families without money crises, it’s necessary to have material balance.

Financial success is a spiritual goal.”

From the introduction to the Money Map, A Spiritual Guide for Financial Success

Click here to buy!

 

I haven’t been in touch lately with you, my subscribers, except to notify you of the launching of my new book. You deserve an explanation. My son, Justin, was diagnosed with a terminal brain disease called Frontotemporal Degeneration in April of 2019. At the beginning of this year he declined rapidly, and he passed away in May. A link to his obituary. It has been hard to write about, talk about and live with, as you can imagine. Gradually working back into my book project was one of the ways I could spend my time where I was able to shift my attention to something other than my grief. I’d like to let you in on one of the ways I found to lighten and process the grief. Actually, there are many ways we receive help in crisis, from family, friends, support groups, books, spiritual teachers, chaplains and counselors to name some. This one practice anyone can implement anytime. Establish a ritual. Do it before any crisis. One thing that is certain; we all will have a crisis, or crises at some point. When you have a ritual that you are already practicing, you have something that gives you comfort and is nourishing, and for a small time, relieves you of pain. It may be devotion to your spiritual practices, but it may be something else. It ought to be an activity that takes you away from your normal thoughts, away from your chattering ego. Your ego is like a demanding child always wanting attention and control, full of judgements and self-pity. A ritual can invite your inner self, your higher consciousness, your soul, a connection to something much bigger than yourself, into your awareness. Peace is found there. The obvious ritual is prayer and/or meditation. But it could be reading poetry and sitting in contemplation of it. A ritual that encourages mindfulness. You could just focus on your senses, like sitting in nature listening to the sounds, feeling the air on your skin. Or create a ceremonial practice of a tea ritual, done with intention, purposeful with mindfulness. A walking meditation is lovely also, while reciting a mantra or prayers. Once you’ve decided on your ritual, do it every day in the same place and at the same time, if possible. You are creating a groove in your daily life which will invite a tranquil energy to fill you. Your physiology will become trained to shift into this perspective. You will look forward to it. It won’t be another to-do, it will be a break from your busy life, a rewarding time that will fill you with insight and inspiration. As Deepak Chopra says, if you are too busy for this, then you really need it! As you do this, while in a crisis, it may happen that emotions arise, and that is OK. Certainly. Allow them to flow up and out, wait until they dissipate, and return to your mantra. I embraced my meditation and prayer ritual with all my heart as I cared for myself in my grief, and still do. I wanted to share this with all of you, because I want you to have this skill for yourself, when you need it. I see so much suffering in others that could be helped by this practice. Here is my 13 minute recording on how and why to meditate just below my Hay House interview. Enjoy. I’m excited to share below the first Editorial Review for The Money Map! 5 STARS! And I feel a deep appreciation to all of you who have already bought this book. You’ve been giving me wonderful feedback. To Your Prosperity and Wellbeing, Kasey Claytor   THE MONEY MAP: A Spiritual Guide for Financial Success By Kasey J. Claytor https://KaseyClaytor.com ISBN: 978-0-692-89050-9 ASIN: B0CHG8ZBYM Osprey Publishing Rating: 5/5; Highly Recommended! “…”There is something magical about money—the way it appears and disappears, grows and shrinks, and, in a similar way of taming a hesitant wild horse, with calm assuredness and confidence, not only will you learn to control it, but you will find you can joyfully master it.” -Author Kasey J. Claytor Claytor offers insight on how one can change their thinking and behavior to allow the floodgates of abundance to open up, with solid advice for achieving undivided focus, intelligent poise, and a competent thought technique. She asserts that everyone can step outside of themselves and hold the point of view of the observer. If one is mindful and aware of their present moment, they can move toward much-needed peace and confidence, allowing the growth of new ideas and productivity. The route to monetary independence may appear too steep to ascend, but The Money Map will guide readers to the summit, one checkpoint at a time. This book’s eye-opening revelations about the mindsets of affluent people and its secrets to what they carry inwardly, earn it must-read status in the business resources category. The Money Map: A Spiritual Guide for Financial Success will provide readers with invaluable advice, standing beside such works as Spiral Dynamics by Dr. Don Edward Beck Ph. D., Map of the Scale of Consciousness by Dr. David Hawkins M.D. Ph. D., and Integral Psychology by Ken Wilbur. The Money Map will aid anyone in discovering the most beneficial path to financial success, regardless of their current situation….”

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