In 2016, a transformative personal decision set the stage for a new professional direction, culminating in the author's departure from a corporate role in 2017 to pursue a passion for educating others on investing. This pivotal period began with a family sabbatical, involving extensive travel across North and Central America, including a three-month stay in Costa Rica. The experience was profoundly eye-opening, fostering a desire for a lifestyle that offered more personal freedom and family time. Consequently, the author transitioned from a financial industry career, where he had gained significant experience and several promotions since 2003, to establish an online platform dedicated to personal finance education and investment guidance. This shift was driven by a deep-seated commitment to helping individuals navigate their financial journeys, rooted in his own experiences and expertise, including a bachelor's degree in finance-marketing, a CFP title, and an MBA in financial services.
The investment philosophy articulated by the author focuses on building a robust portfolio composed of companies characterized by strong dividend growth potential. This strategy, termed the 'dividend triangle,' prioritizes enterprises demonstrating consistent increases in their payouts, supported by sound financial health and growth prospects. A key principle of this approach is the reliance on organic dividend growth stemming directly from the portfolio's holdings, rather than requiring continuous new capital contributions. This emphasis on self-sustaining income generation is central to the author's pursuit of financial independence, allowing the portfolio to compound wealth and generate passive income over time. By carefully selecting companies with a proven track record of dividend reliability and growth, the author aims to create a resilient and expanding income stream that can support his and others' aspirations for a financially secure future.
Ultimately, the narrative underscores a profound journey from a conventional financial career to one centered on personal fulfillment and empowering others through investment knowledge. The author's decision to leave a 'suit & tie job' was not merely a career change but a lifestyle choice, deeply influenced by the desire to spend more quality time with his family. His investment principles, honed over years of professional experience and personal application, reflect a disciplined and forward-looking approach to wealth creation. This journey serves as an inspiring example of how aligning personal values with professional pursuits can lead to a more meaningful and impactful life, both for the individual and for those they seek to assist in achieving their own financial dreams.