Welcome to our financial blog, where we embark on a journey alongside our fictional characters, the descendants of John and Sarah. Together, we’ll explore the myriad decisions that shape their financial lives as they navigate through various stages of life. But before we delve into the intricacies of financial planning, let’s get acquainted with John and Sarah’s family.
John and Sarah’s story began with a whirlwind romance in high school. They fell deeply in love, deciding to elope and tie the knot in Maryland, far from their hometown of Florida. Soon after, in 1964, their son John Jr. was born, marking the beginning of their journey into parenthood.
John Sr., the patriarch of the family, pursued a career in chemistry, diligently working two jobs while attending the University of Maryland. Reflecting on those early days, he often remarked, “We didn’t have much, but we had each other. That’s what mattered most.”
Sarah, his steadfast partner, found employment at a local insurance agency, contributing to the family’s financial stability. She’d often say, “We learned early on that a solid financial foundation is key to weathering life’s storms.”
Upon earning his Master’s Degree in Chemistry, John Sr., Sarah, and young John Jr. relocated to Edison, New Jersey. Here, John Sr. secured a position in research and development at a prominent soft drink manufacturer, while Sarah found employment at AT&T. John Jr., growing up in the bustling suburbs of Edison, fondly recalls, “Our family always emphasized the value of hard work and education. It’s what drove us forward.”
John Jr., born in the last year of the baby boomer generation, had the option of pursuing college, but instead chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marines. His time in the Marines instilled in him invaluable life skills such as discipline, patriotism, and teamwork. Reflecting on his service, he’d often say, “The Marine Corps taught me the importance of discipline and resilience, qualities that have served me well in all aspects of life.”
Following his honorable discharge, John Jr. utilized the GI Bill to pursue higher education, following in his father’s footsteps to study chemistry. As he diligently pursued his Bachelor’s Degree at a state university in New Jersey, he resided at home in Branchburg, NJ, saving on expenses and laying the groundwork for his future. He’d often joke, “Living at home wasn’t always glamorous, but it definitely helped me save up for what came next.”
It was during this time that John’s path crossed with that of his future wife, setting the stage for the next chapter in their lives.
Throughout this blog, we’ll accompany John Jr. and his family as they tackle a wide array of financial decisions. Each week, we’ll delve into a specific topic, ranging from managing workplace benefits to planning for retirement and everything in between.
Join us as we explore the importance of planning with the end in mind, ensuring that John Jr.’s family, and you, our readers, are equipped to navigate life’s financial challenges with confidence and foresight. Stay tuned for our weekly updates as we embark on this journey together!
DISCLOSURES
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