Dear Family,

A friend of mine, who happens to be a business coach, recently shared a story that hit close to home.

One of his clients, a second-generation business owner, had just discovered how little his parents—who spent decades building their business—had saved for retirement. Despite all their hard work and sacrifices, his father is still working to keep the lights on, instead of enjoying the retirement he once dreamed of.

Hearing this story saddened me, not because it’s uncommon, but because it’s all too familiar.

Despite the abundance of information available today—books, podcasts, YouTube videos—too many of us leave our futures to chance instead of taking deliberate, intentional action to secure the lives we envision for ourselves and our families. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about recognizing a pattern that many of us have seen in our own families or communities.

Running a business, raising a family, and managing day-to-day life is overwhelming, but if we don’t make time to build a financial foundation, we risk repeating the same cycle.

My friend, the business coach, isn’t leaving his future to chance. He’s actually a client of LUX and knows his number—the exact amount he needs to save and invest to achieve financial freedom. During his coaching call, he reminded his client that what happened to his parents doesn’t have to happen to him. But avoiding that fate requires two things: a commitment to change and guidance to get there.

This is where so many of us get stuck.

We think about where we want to be but struggle to map out the steps to get there. That’s why it’s so important to find your guides—whether it’s a financial advisor, a trusted mentor, or a peer group. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your goals and hold you accountable is one of the most powerful moves you can make.

So, as we start a new year, let me challenge you:

Do you know your number? Are you taking the intentional steps needed to secure your family’s future? And most importantly, are you willing to seek guidance to ensure you stay on track?

Don’t let another year pass by without taking deliberate action toward the life you want. Your future self—and your family—will thank you for it.

From LUX, With Love

Matt