A dollar today is worth far less than it is 30 years from now thanks to Enemy #1, INFLATION. Whether it maintains its historical average of 3% or surges to recent catastrophic levels, inflation erodes our earning power and investment returns quicker than any factor. Every investment portfolio needs adequate long-term exposure to stocks and equity assets to have any chance at defeating inflation.

One of two certainties in life. How you manage your tax liability throughout life and through key financial events has a huge impact on your retirement objectives. Don't accept the common financial advisor disclaimer, "I'm not a tax professional," as an excuse for lack of advice; tax planning and retirement planning are intertwined. Proper tax diversification across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free buckets is as equally important as your portfolio composition and investment selection.

Just because it isn't on your statement doesn't mean it's not there. Investment products are laden with hidden fees and expense ratios. Sure, there is a cost to successful investing, but it should be transparent and understood. Canopy Financial manages investments on a simple, flat 1% AUM fee and clearly discloses any internal operating cost, if applicable. My ability to mitigate common investment expenses has a direct impact on your annual returns. I also give complimentary second-opinions and fee reviews on current investment strategies to help you make more informed decisions. Read on below to learn more about our Service & Fee Structures.

Although broad and subjective in nature, managing emotions can be the difference between financial success and sub-par results. Fear, greed, political bias, risk aversion, and other irrational behaviors can have a crippling effect on your net worth. Clients who work with financial professionals gain an invaluable accountability partner and are more likely to reach their financial goals.

There are varying degrees of debt and different schools of thought on its role on your balance sheet, but suffice it to say, every dollar of debt you finance represents a goal you are not funding to its full potential. Analyzing your cash flow and creating a living budget are the secrets to true wealth accumulation. Don't make choices in a vacuum -- establishing a full financial plan that combines coaching, advising, and professional asset management is the best way to create behaviors that turn into successful investment habits.

Murphy's Law is a persistent and inevitable enemy. If you are not properly prepared, a simple emergency can spiral into a debt situation that detracts from your financial goals. You need reliable and creative cash management strategies to ensure liquidity is balanced with adequate, conservative growth. Bottom line -- plan for emergencies.

This enemy is often disguised as "best intentions," but incompetence, whether intentional or not, impacts every area of your financial plan. From basic cash flow blunders to serious portfolio misallocation, the only way to defeat mismanagement is to work with a fiduciary Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with experience and knowledge and is not bound to limited, captive products and ideas.