“Financial Fitness” with Ashlea (Kleitsch) Jones – Deer Hunting and Saving For Retirement

Have you ever thought about how deer hunting aligns with saving for retirement?

I have been in the tree stand a lot lately, which gives me a lot of time to ponder these kinds of things!

This year is the first time I had the pleasure of taking both of our boys (and sometimes their little sister even tagged along) out for youth deer season. There are so many things you can learn in the dirt that can shape the human you are and the way you are conditioned to cope with future failures and successes. It has been a joy to have these conversations with these little humans that are growing up way too fast.

1. Patience. You can do everything right and still not reach the goal you had in mind. You bought the ammo, sighted in your weapon, scouted out where to put your tree stand, and got up early to be there for the sunrise. There is still no guarantee that the big buck will walk your way and you’ll make the perfect shot to take him down. You might sit for hours and only see a squirrel – but you won’t see anything if you aren’t out there.
2. Consistency. Not every venture to the woods is going to be fun and full of action. It may be days, weeks or even years before you reap the seeds you sow. Sometimes it will be cold. Sometimes you might have to walk for miles. Sometimes you must carry your heavy equipment through uneven terrain. Do it anyway.
3. “Farm your own farm”. There will be people you know who get their deer before you and same goes with their life successes. They’ll show you pictures and tell you stories that will make you feel like you must be doing something wrong to not have your own successes yet. Nobody brags about their failures and missteps but it’s a mistake to think you are the minority. Life is hard and achieving any good goal is hard. Keep your head down and stick to the plan.
4. Appreciate the people who helped you. There is rarely – if EVER – something earned that is strictly a solo effort. To hunt, we had a friend give us permission to access their land. Another who let us sit in one of their stands. A third who said we could borrow a gun anytime we needed. Everyone involved was checking in to see if we had any luck – they truly cared about helping and fostering a good experience for my kids. Sometimes help shows up as a physical gift, sometimes financial, sometimes a word of encouragement or perspective that helps you get to the next level. There are so many intelligent people out there who are willing to be generous with their time and resources if you remain open and grateful for their partnerships. Always stay humble and kind!
5. The only consistency in life is the lack there of. Everyone is different – whether deer hunting or financial planning. One of my boys is a little slower to pull the trigger … mentally checking off all the nerves and factors. Our other son is chomping at the bit to take a shot. As a mom and financial advisor, the advice I provide is only effective if it is spoken in a way that is cohesive with the person receiving it. It is my job to meet you where you are and to mitigate obstacles in an effective and palatable manner.

Hoping that all the youth hunters, adult hunters, farmers, wage workers, business owners, and anyone shooting for big goals finds the courage to stay the course! If it pertains to financial success, let us be your guide!

Ashlea (Kleitsch) Jones

Financial Advisor
Prime Capital Investment Advisors
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

pciacedarrapids.com
1815 Boyson Rd.
Hiawatha, IA 52233
P: (319) 269-7143