I then had to reset my goal, which was to be financially free and a millionaire by age 45. It took me to age 47 to reach the new goal. 92 Rich Dad's Guide to Investing The point is, my plan remains the same. It just gets im- proved upon as I learn more and more. So how do you find your own plan? The answer is to begin with a financial advisor. Ask the advisors to provide their qual- ifications to you and interview several. If you have never had a financial plan done for you, it is an eye-opening experience for most people. Set realistic goals. I set a goal of becoming a multi- millionaire in five years because it was realistic for me. It was realistic because I had my rich dad guiding me. Yet, even though he guided me, it did not mean I was free from making mistakes ... and I made many of them, which is why I lost my money so quickly. As I said, life would have been easier if I had just followed rich dad's plan. Being young, however, I had to do things my way. So start with realistic goals, and then improve upon or add to the goals as your education and experience increase. Always remember that it is best to start by walking before you begin to run in a marathon. ยป You find your own plan first by taking action. Begin by call- ing an advisor, set realistic goals, knowing the goals will change as you change ... but stick to the plan. For most peo- ple, the ultimate plan is to find a sense of financial freedom, freedom from the day-to-day drudgery of working for money The second step is to realize that investing is a team sport. In this book, I will go into the importance of my financial team. I have noticed that too many people think they need to do things on their own. Well, there are definitely things you need to do on your own, but sometimes you need a team. Financial intelligence helps you know when to do things on your own and when to ask for help. When it comes to money, many people often suffer alone and in silence. Chances are, their parents did the same thing. As your plan evolves, you will begin to meet the new mem- How Can You Find The Plan That Is Right for You? 93 bers of your team, who will assist you in helping make your fi- nancial dreams come true. Members of your financial team may include: 1. Financial planner 2. Banker 3. Accountant 4. Lawyer 5. Broker 6. Bookkeeper 7. Insurance agent 8. Successful mentor You may want to hold meetings over lunch with all these people on a regular basis. That is what rich dad did, and it was at these meetings that I learned the most about business, in- vesting, and the process of becoming very rich. Remember, that finding a team member is much like find- ing a business partner, because that is what team members are in many ways. They are partners in minding the most im- portant business of all-the business of your life. Always re- member what rich dad said: "Regardless of if you work for someone else or for yourself, if you want to be rich, you've got to mind your own business.