• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Ellis Retirement Services

  • Who we are
  • What we offer
    • Services for Companies
    • Services for Individuals
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Webinars
    • Educational Guides
  • Contact

Schedule A Free Intro Call

An Answer is not the same as the solution

September 8, 2022

I recently ran across the work of Dr. Trevor Kashey, and found something he said very interesting. Dr. Kashey is a scientist who works primarily in the field of nutrition. What he said that stuck out to me was that “an answer is not the same as a solution.”

What he means is that often times, we might know the answer to a challenge we are facing, but that answer doesn’t help us actually solve the problem. In nutrition, for example, when someone wants to lose weight, the answer is to consume fewer calories than they burn on an average basis for a certain period of time.

But we all know, losing weight isn’t easy, and the advice to “eat less than you burn” might be accurate, but it isn’t the solution that most people do. In other words, it might be simple, but it definitely isn’t easy.

I love this concept because of its application in the areas of money and finances. In theory, achieving financial goals is simple – take small actions over long periods of time.

Save “x” amount of dollars for “y” number of years and you can easily figure out where you will end up (not accounting for market conditions of course).

Spend less than you make. Give, save, live on the rest. It all works!

And though the concepts might be simple, we all can agree that being financially successful, whatever that looks like for you, isn’t easy. When you add in the elements of human psychology and circumstantial change in life, it can feel downright impossible.

That is why, when it comes to nutrition, people often seek advice, whether that be from Google, a coach, an online program, or a nutritionist.

That is also why I am a firm believer that everyone needs, but more so deserves some level of financial advice. Having someone look from the outside in and guide you along the way is one of the best ways to ensure you have a plan in place and are accountable to that plan along the way.

There are a million ways to get that advice, some free, some paid for. I encourage you to find the method that works well for you, and you alone. It might be online research. It might be online advice. It might be working with a financial advisor.

Whatever the case may be, know that there isn’t one right way or one right answer. There is only what works for you, based on your unique and specific goals, circumstances, and desires.

As you head into a long holiday weekend, I hope you get some time away to be with family and friends, and maybe a little time to just sit with your thoughts. I find sometimes that leads to some interesting discoveries.

If there is anything I can do to help, even if it is just to provide some thoughts or a second opinion, please feel free to schedule a meeting below or give us a call. We’d love to help you out.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

Sincerely,

Grant Ellis, AIF® | Managing Principal

Share this post:
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 6 Smart Money Moves Every Recent College Grad Should Make
  • Spring Cleaning Your Finances: Declutter, Organize, and Save
  • Love and Money: How Couples Can Build Financial Harmony
  • New Year, New Money Habits: Simple Resolutions for Financial Health in 2025
  • Tax Season Survival Guide: Tips to File Smart, Save Money, and Stay Sane

Archives

Ellis Retirement Footer Logo

Broker Check Logo

Get in touch with us

901-519-7734
EllisTeam@LPL.com
Linkedin dashicons-linkedin

ADV
Privacy Policy
Web Accessibility
Site Map

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Copyright ©2025 Ellis Retirement Services. All Rights Reserved. Designed by TinyFrog Technologies

This website uses cookies to improve your experience AcceptReject All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT