Most people think financial planning is something only “pros” can do — something complicated, intimidating, or reserved for people who already have everything figured out.
But here’s the truth:
You can build your own plan
And this series shows you how — step by step, no jargon, no pressure, no sales pitch.
Financial planning feels scary because you’re asked to reveal the most private parts of your life: income, debts, mistakes, hopes, fears. And we almost never talk about money honestly — not with friends, not with family, sometimes not even with ourselves. That silence keeps people stuck.
This DIY course breaks that silence.
I’m going to show you exactly what I show my clients — the real process, the real tools, and the exact sequence I’ve used for two decades to help people build plans that match their values, their lifestyle, and their version of freedom.
This is not a “follow your budget and hope for the best” Series
This is about designing a life that lights you up — whether that’s traveling in a van through the mountains, retiring early, or simply feeling calm when a bill hits your inbox.
And you don’t need to be a math person. You don’t need a finance degree. You just need willingness and a plan.
If you want help later, great — you’ll know how to reach me.
But this series is built so you can do it yourself.
🔍 What You’ll Learn (Your DIY Roadmap)
These are the same steps I walk my clients through and the ones I use myself — laid out in a sequence you can follow at your own pace.
1. Get the Full Picture
What to gather and why it matters.
I lay it out all herePart 3: What Will Retirement Really Cost You? in Part 1: What You Need to Gather First.
2. Build Your Cash Flow, Budget & Balance Sheet
I’ll give you templates and show you exactly how to use them.
This is a three part post:
- Part 2.1: Creating Your Net Worth Statement.
- Part 2.2: Building Your Cash Flow Statement.
- Part 2.3: The Spending Plan.
3. What Will Retirement Really Cost You?
Most people guess wrong. You won’t. I’ll walk you through how to start with a rough estimate and later we’ll drill down to really work out the details.
Read here – What Will Retirement Really Cost You.
4. Forecast Your Financial Future
No predictions — just practical modeling. I’m still putting the finishing touches on this post. Once it’s ready, I’ll post it here along with the tools you’ll use to DIY it.
5. Does Your Portfolio Match Your Plan?
It’s not about chasing returns. It’s about alignment. I’ll walk you through the basics of Dollar Cost Averaging and Asset Allocation. Then – I’ll explain how they work together to help you get the life you want.
6. Manage Cash Flow Without Losing Your Mind
Systems that last decades, not weeks. I’ll walk you through the exact system I’ve personally used for decades to get to where I’m at today.
7. Adjust the Plan When Life Happens
Because life always happens. The waves will hit you. Sometimes sideways.
The secret is is to build systems so that life’s inevitable waves don’t capsize your boat.
I’ll write about this in the coming weeks and I’ll post it here – when it’s ready.
Or if you’re ready for the next step – 👉 click here to jump to the series overview page.
