If you are like most working Americans, you probably have two to four weeks’ vacation time per year. With 52 weeks in a year, two to four is not much. But what if you could take a sabbatical from work? Think of it – putting your career on hiatus, while you take some time just for yourself to do whatever it is that you have never had enough time to do. If the idea sounds too far-fetched, just know that a number of people are finding ways to do just that. This is not about just taking a vacation – this is about taking a full career break.

Many American workers find themselves in careers they had not planned, or in jobs they simply do not like. A 2017 Gallup study, “State of the American Workplace” revealed that 51 percent of American workers were actively searching for new jobs, and 47 percent were keeping themselves aware of job openings. The study also showed that only one-third of America workers felt fully engaged in their jobs. It might be a stretch to conclude that Americans hate their jobs, but it is clear that many would prefer to be doing something else.

We all know bad habits are hard to break. But if your worst habit has to do with the way you manage your money, breaking it could change your whole life – in a good way. If you overspend, don’t save money, over-use credit cards, pay bills late or consistently impulse buy, it may be time for a fiscal intervention. Now that we can buy everything from groceries to a new car with one click on our keyboards, reining in your bad consumer impulses takes real self-discipline.
Those who commit the above-listed money sins are often so used to being strapped for cash or hounded by bill collectors, that they may not even realize there is a better way to live. Further, many money sinners might believe they have been in the financial hole for so long that it is too late to climb out. That is absolutely untrue. Age has nothing to do with modifying your financial life. Here are common sense tips to help you have a healthier financial life:

Financial literacy is nothing more than a skillset designed to help you be in full control of your money and your investments. The problem is that many people do not take the time to develop these skills. Think of it: You learn skills associated with home repairs, cooking, interacting with people, driving, athletics, housekeeping and a host of other things required for your daily life. So why would you neglect perfecting your financial skills?
If you want or plan to retire, or if you have recently retired, financial literacy may be key to your well being for the rest of your life. For some people, the idea of financial control can be daunting. It does not have to be, and just focusing on a few key skills may make all the difference. Spoiler alert: The bottom line may have much to do with finding the right financial advisor. But before you do that, take a few proactive steps:

For many people, the idea of an early retirement is the holy grail of career success. Everyone has heard the stories of people who made their fortune early and then retired. And how many times have you day dreamt about not having the freedom to do what you want to do, instead of what you have to do. But is retiring at an early age all that it is made out to be? There are a number of serious considerations that must be thought through before giving up your job or your career for the sake of freedom. Financial independence is just one.