I read some advice on Threads a while back about climbing 14er’s. I wish I’d saved the reference so I could link it here, but the idea stuck with me.
If you’re not familiar, a “14er” is a mountain with a summit over 14,000 feet above sea level. We don’t have any in Montana and nothing even close in Maine. Montana’s tallest peak is Granite Peak at 12,799 feet in the Beartooth Range. A tough climb, no doubt, but not technically a 14er. Colorado has the most in the lower 48, with 53 officially recognized peaks (though some lists go up to 58 depending on prominence and criteria).
The advice I read went something like this:
It’s not about how fast you summit. It’s about making the summit. Pack the right gear, take breaks often, lock your knees when you rest, and enjoy the view.
I love that. And to me, it’s a perfect metaphor for hitting long-term goals—especially financial ones.
A Real-World Example
I’ve got a friend from high school who retired in his 40s. Sure, he scored a perfect 800 on the math portion of the SAT, but that’s not what got him there. Reaching long-term financial goals doesn’t require elite math skills. It takes discipline, a plan, and a whole lot of common sense.
He writes on Quora now and has a huge following. Why? He shares great content and engages with his audience—responding to comments and answering questions. Basic stuff. But he does it consistently and well.
What It Takes to Climb a 14er
Let’s break down what’s actually required to climb a 14er:
- Have a plan. Know your route. Watch the weather. Start early.
- Pack smart. Bring water, snacks, layers, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a map, a compass and maybe even bear spray.
- Rest often. Sit down or lock your knees while standing. Hydrate. Refuel.
- Stay on course. Use that map and compass you brought.
The Financial Parallel
Now, here’s how that maps to long-term financial goals:
- Have a financial plan. Know where you’re headed. Write it down.
- Pack the right tools. Pay down debt. Set up automated investments into both retirement and taxable accounts.
- Take breaks—but stay consistent. Let the time value of money do its thing.
- Don’t overreact to market dips. Stay the course.
- Check your progress. Review your plan annually. Adjust if needed, but don’t obsess.
The Takeaway
Stop worrying about how soon you’ll “summit,” and start climbing. Too many people delay creating a plan while time keeps ticking. The truth is, one year of real progress beats ten years of waiting to start.
The older I get, the faster time moves. One year can take you a long way. Ten years? You’d be amazed. Most of my clients—and myself included—made huge strides in 20 years.
If you’re 25, 45 sounds like a lifetime away. If you’re 45, it might feel like you’re too old. It’s never too late to adopt smart financial habits.
At 56, I look back and realize: 45 was just the 8,000-foot point. I’m not at 14,000 yet. But I stopped worrying about that a long time ago. From where I’m standing, the view is already pretty great.
And that’s worth something too.
