U.S. Financial Services, LLC

Your time is much to valuable to be reading through a list of services and what I've done so let's get right to it.

What you want to know is if I can help you live the way you want and retire into a life on your terms.

Clients I work with have savings and investments.

Have created a lot of success in their life.

But they still worry:
-Do I have enough?
-Will it last?
-Can I go on that extra trip?
-Can I leave that job/business behind?

Sound familiar?

The first step in creating an ideal life is understanding where you are today.

That starts with asking and answering some questions
-Where are you today? What do you have and what do you want.
-Where do you want to be?  What do you need to do that will allow you to have that life you want.
-Figure out how to get there - Outline the steps needed today and tomorrow to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

Once you know
-What you have
-The problems you have
-The solutions you need

Then you will have the guidelines for how to build the life you want.


Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. U.S. Financial Services, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS.

This profile is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives of Kestra IS and Investment Advisor Representatives of Kestra AS may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. For additional information, please contact Kestra IS Compliance Department at 844-553-7872. www.finra.org and www.sipc.org

Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch

The next step I made was joining a financial advisors team. I took any available next step towards becoming a financial advisor.

I worked with clients in the same capacity as the advisors on the team:

Reviewed portfolios and recommended investments.

Built financial plans and help bring on new clients.

Then made sure that current clients felt that their plans were updated with their lives and that they received the service they needed to keep their lives on track with their goals.

Registered Client Associate

Starting out on the path to becoming a financial advisor 

I thought it wouldn't make sense going straight into the role as I had just graduated college 

And I wanted to become the go to person any client could rely on to care for their retirement as well as get them to the point they wished to be.

In this role I was able to work with financial advisors and their clients to trade many different

Stocks, bonds and options to help them grow and protect their portfolios

I learned from the ground up in many aspects of the business.

Since I was working with financial advisors and clients everyday I was able to become part of the training team for new financial advisors and employees in general.

Helped the management team oversee 60+ client associates which in turn provided me an understanding of what it took to run a business with employees

Market trade corrections and fixing margin calls were part of my everyday activities to ensure clients were getting what they expected.

While completing all of these daily I had three straight years of flawless bi-annual audit results and achieved the highest possible annual review rating

Operations Representative

Financial Advisor - Virtual or In-Person - Financial Planning - Guiding you through a simple three step process to prepare for the future while enjoying today.

The About You Section: Questions to start:
● What do you want?
● Where are you today?
● Where do you want to be in the future?
● How are you going to get there?
● What does your ideal life look like?

Answering these questions is a challenging task.

But you don't have to do it alone.

I help busy professionals create their work free life

Quit the rat race

And plan your victory lap

Retirement means something different to everyone - Run your race your way

It all starts with a plan
● Your plan is based on what you want and where you want to go.
● Investments are a piece but not the whole picture
● Know your cash flow to see your life today and how your situation works in the future
● Protect yourself and your family from the unknown

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞
● Office Number - 973-882-3600 
● Email - EDrury@usfsc.com

A little bit about me:
● Travel Enthusiast
● Husband and Father
● Avid Reader
● Financial Advisor With A Passion For Helping People Live Life Today and Be Confident About Tomorrow

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭
● My Weekly Newsletter Designed To Have Some Fun With Tech, Books, Food Items, Or Anything Else I've 
   Found Interesting That Week
● You'll Receive Market Updates As Well
● Email me at EDrury@usfsc.com and I'll be sure to include you on the next one!

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦
Our Mission at US Financial Services is to Help Our Clients Live Life Today and Be Confident About Tomorrow.

Founded in 1989, US Financial Services is an independent family owned financial planning office that is dedicated to serving individuals and businesses by tailoring solutions to your unique needs that reflects your personal philosophies.

Full list of services
Financial planning, financial advice, wealth management, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, annuities, REIT's, BDC's, life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, long term care insurance, 401(k)'s, corporate benefits, stock option planning, coordinate tax planning with your accountant, budgeting, and more.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. U.S. Financial Services, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS.

Evan Drury, ChFC®

Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.

Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. financial professionals may only transact business in states where they are registered. Any individual communication trying to effect a transaction in securities or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation will not be made to persons in states where the financial professional is not registered. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), Member FINRA, MSRB, SIPC, and federally Registered Investment Advisor. 3225825

Neither Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. nor its representatives may provide tax or legal advice.  Anyone to whom this material is promoted, marketed, or recommended should consult with and rely on their own independent tax and legal professionals regarding their particular situation and the concepts presented herein.

Investment Advisor Representative

Qualia

- Made 50+ calls per day into existing account base based on marketing campaigns
- Generated quality intro calls between our prospects and Account Executives that drove additional revenue growth.
- Researched accounts, identified key contacts, built interest, and understood vendor approval processes
- Managed and maintained up to date contacts, opportunities, and account information within Salesforce.
- Leveraged Salesloft to run targeted cadences with proficiency.
- Consistently hit (and exceeded) quota month to month which led to being recognized as the top SDR for Q2 2022.

Sales Development Representative

University of Colorado Boulder

- Mentors students, conducts office hours and review sessions
- Attends multiple class lectures per week and communicating with students about computing questions pertaining to Excel and MATLAB.
- Providing Materials design, structure, and exam help to ~150 Junior chemical engineers
- Strong public speaking and leadership skills.

Teacher Assistant

- Investigate the assembly of nanostructured materials at length scales of 1nm to 1000nm using computational simulations.
- Develop, validate and apply atomistic potentials of oxides, metals and polymers to solve challenges in soft matter.

Nanomaterials Undergraduate Researcher

Saoradh Enterprise Partners

- Conduct market, technology and industry research, using Wellspring and Pitchbook, to support client projects, evaluate investment opportunities and support portfolio companies.
- Involved in finding, organizing and presenting data, using PowerPoint, gathered during the research process.
- One on one meetings and presentations with portfolio companies to develop interpersonal and trustworthy relationships.

Business Analyst Intern

National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)

- Utilizing Python and/or MATLAB for efficient data transfer from enormous satellite data into simple and useful spreadsheets.
- Utilizing SQL for efficient database analysis.
- Record Videos and utilize Camtasia to edit videos and audios for scientist ti upload onto Coursera for educational purposes.
- Implementing a ticket system using Jira and Confluence to streamline and smoothen tasks for management.
 - Worked with internal users to understand grant requirements and implement processes that meet those needs by writing technical documentation, providing on-site help and developing different methodologies for collecting samples.

Data Analysis Intern

- Performed quantum chemical calculations to examine the catalytic cycle of cobalt cyclam-catalyzed reductions of CO2.
 - Examined the stability of spin states of various cobalt complexes, computed their proton association constants and reduction potentials and their effect on CO2 emissions. 
 - Examined various papers from JACS (Journal of American Chemical Society) to study the viability of the catalytic cycle previously proposed by researchers.

Carbon Dioxide Reduction Researcher

I create efficient tax and investment strategies for tenured Sales and Software Pros | Financial Advisor & Fractional CFO | Guiding you to a better and abundant financial life |

TFA’s mission is to enhance the present and future economic well-being of its clients and representatives. 

Baby Boomers are retiring every day.

The average baby boomer believes $300,000 is sufficient enough to retire on.

Do you think that's enough money? But before I answer that, here's my story:

I was on track to be a Chemical Engineer till 2020. But when I graduated, I was distraught with what the job requirements were. Putting myself first, I completely decided to quit the track.

No plan, no job in sight. I started to panic.
 
That's when my mom sat me down and told me to list the things I'm passionate about. Turns out personal finance and education were the top two on my list. Not shocking, considering I always had a passion for how money works. 
 
So, I started doing research for jobs in financial services. My goal was to implement my passion for financial education for everyone. 

Since then I've helped countless individuals, families, and business owners make easier financial decisions for their future.
 
Services I provide:

1. Portfolio Planning
2. Budget Creation
3. College Funding
4. Debt Reduction 
5. Retirement Planning 
6. Proper Protection
7. Tax Efficiency
8. Investment Allocation



What makes me different:
- Keeping you accountable to your goals
- Creating simple yet effective strategies
- Establishing a personal relationship
- Yearly reviews accounting for changes in goals and income

So to answer the question above, $300,000 is not enough money to retire on, in my opinion. But that's where I come in. 

If you want to learn more about how my clients are pursuing their financial goals, let's have a quick chat :)

Omkar Shinde

The Trump administration is proposing 50-year mortgages.
Most people think 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 the problem. 
It’s actually much deeper.

In my opinion: a 50-year mortgage isn’t good or bad.
It just exposes how financially unprepared most of you are.

Yes, logically, there are real benefits:

→ Lower monthly payments.
→ More cash flow month-to-month.
→ Easier approval for first-time buyers.

But there's no such thing as a free lunch:

→ You build equity painfully slow.
→ You pay interest for 20 extra years.
→ Total interest could potentially double.

As an Advisor and Real Estate investor myself, the mortgage isn’t the issue.

Financial illiteracy is.

Because if you're financially literate can use a 50-year mortgage to:

→ Free up cash flow.
→ Invest the difference.
→ Build wealth faster than they pay interest.

But if you've never made good money decisions:

I'm willing to bet you'll still buy a home you can’t afford.

So a 50-year mortgage alone isn’t dangerous.
Using it blindly is.

In the right hands, it’s leverage.
In the wrong hands, it’s a trap.

And that’s the real message here.

You can’t win a financial system you don’t understand.

li_at

JSESSIONID

Security Verification | LinkedIn

Sales Navigator

Talks about #taxes, #wealth, #investing, #retirement, and #financialstrategies

I create efficient tax plans and investment strategies for Sales & Software Employees making $200,000+ | DM me “W2” for an intro call.

I talked to a young couple 2 weeks ago.

At 34 years old, they make $430,000 a year but don’t save a single $.

Read that again.
Almost half a million in income... and nothing left at the end of the month.

Here’s what their reality looked like:

• $17,000 on credit cards
• Two luxury car payments
• A $6,000/month mortgage
• No emergency fund, $80,000 in an IRA.
• Keeping their rentals afloat because rent < mortgage

They weren’t reckless, maybe just a bit.

They were just stuck in the “we’ll save next month” loop — the same one you're falling into.

Their problem wasn’t income.
It was basic cash flow management.

Because if your lifestyle scales with your income,
you’ll always feel broke — no matter how much you make.

So we built a system for them that:

→ Paid themselves first every month
→ Automated investments + savings
→ Covered essentials through one account
→ Allocated guilt-free spending money in another

However, this is not going to be an easy adjustment.

If they want to stay on track for their goals, 
they'll have to cut back their lifestyle significantly.

Every dollar they earn has a job with this system.
But they'll feel the constraint the first few months.

This is where, along with cash flow management, you need an expert holding your hand throughout this process.

Most of you think it's "set and forget"
Nope... because there's always a chance for relapse.

Money habits don’t change overnight.
They change with accountability, structure, and discipline.

That’s exactly what I help my clients fix.

If you’re ready to finally feel in control of your money —
DM me “CashFlow” and I’ll show you how to turn chaos into clarity.

P.S: how many times have you started something and couldn't manage to stick with it?

A 7-day trip to visit my sister in SD taught me something crazy:

The problem isn't your income. The problem is what you do with it.

San Diego isn’t cheap.
Flights, food, coffee runs, gas, Ubers, dinners, and all the “let’s just stop in here real quick” moments add up fast.

But the crazy part? I swiped my card like I was a Kardashian.

Not because I’m careless, I hope not....
but implementing cash flow management makes every dollar feel lighter.

Each $ that I spent had a job:
"To be spent for my joy in San Diego."

When you have a system, you stop asking:
“Can I afford this?”

and start asking:
“Is this what I allocated for?”

And that’s the difference you'll never experience.

→ Travel fund? Already filled.
→ Investments? On autopilot.
→ Bills + fixed costs? Covered.
→ Guilt-free spending money? Set aside intentionally.

So when I was in San Diego...

eating at The Taco Stand, walking Sunset Cliffs, spending time with Arya —
the only thing I focused on was being present.

Not the receipt. Not the cost. Not the guilt.

Because cash flow management isn’t about restriction.
It’s about maximum impact with minimum stress.

People think wealth is about making more.
But it’s really about getting the most out of what you already earn.

Making more is great, keeping more is better.

And when your money has a job before you spend it,
you get to enjoy moments like this — fully, freely, and without stress.

That’s the real ROI of a system.

As a Financial Advisor, I’m spending 6 figures on a wedding.

Logically and financially speaking, this isn’t a dumb decision. Here’s why:

Because not all *big expenses* are bad.

You expected me to say something like this, right? 
Yeah, let's remove this AI slop....

4 personal reasons why spending money on a huge wedding is worth it for us:

1. Shreya and I are the eldest in the family.

Being the first borns in each family, this is the biggest celebration of life you could have. 
With how modern dating culture is progressing, being able to celebrate this walk of life is a blessing.

2. The parents need to show off.

Our parents immigrated from India to give us a better life, worked their butt to help us stand on our two feet, and now that they are adding on family. 
The parents have every right to give their guests the best time of their lives to come celebrate us.

3. We'd regret it.

6 figures is a lot of money. Invest that over 40 years at 8% and that's retirement money (forgive my analytical brain).
But having a room full of people that are only there to celebrate you will never happen again. So live it and remember it.
Actually it will, but you won't be a part of the celebration... if you catch my drift.

4. Shreya wouldn't let me forget.
I'm weak -- I'd rather pay the 6 figures instead of hearing her complain over and over again about how we didn't have a wedding.
I'll pay for the peace. 😂

So yeah—maybe it’s not the “smartest” financial decision on paper.

But it’s the right one for us.

Because money comes back. Moments like these don’t.

This wedding isn’t about the venue, the outfits, or the price tag.

It’s about watching our parents cry tears of pride.
It’s about standing beside the woman I’ve built my life with.
It’s about creating a memory that reminds us why we work this hard in the first place.

And if that costs six figures?
Then so be it.

Because at the end of the day, I can always make more money—
but I’ll never get to relive the day I marry my best friend.

I wake up everyday knowing it could all end today.

It’s a harsh truth that most of us ignore.

I used to take everything for granted:
The small moments, the everyday smiles.

I didn’t realize how fragile it all was.

That's when life hit me with my Turning Point.

A Turning Point is:
A moment in your life when everything shifts. When you’re forced to re-evaluate what truly matters.

• A health scare that shakes your core.
• A conversation that stops you in your tracks.
• Losing someone who meant the world to you.

Suddenly, the mundane feels precious.
Suddenly, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Life is unpredictable.
One day you’re here,
The next day could be your last.

Why wouldn't you take a moment to appreciate what you have right now?
Why wouldn’t you live today like it’s the gift it really is?

As Alex Hormozi said:

"You're gonna die.
Everyone will move on.
Do what you want."

Be grateful—for the people, the moments, and the opportunity to chase your dreams.

Say what needs to be said.
Do what needs to be done.

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a call to action.

Don’t wait for a Turning Point.
Start living with intention today.

Start appreciating everything that is before it’s too late.

Don't put numbers on a spreadsheet and call it a "plan".

A real plan is the vision between your ears and why it matters.
 
Most of my clients come to me for: 
 
→ Reducing their debt. 
→ Making more cash flow. 
→ Saving money on taxes. 
→ Passing money onto loved ones. 
→ Helping fund their child's college. 
→ Creating a well-balanced portfolio. 
→ Understanding how to leverage insurance. 
 
But the goals behind it drive the success: 
 
→ Retiring debt-free. 
→ Creating Passive income. 
→ Paying no taxes in retirement. 
→ Providing security for your loved ones. 
→ Protecting your loved ones when you're not around. 
 
Here's how you can accomplish this: 
 
1. Understand your cash flow (W2, K1 etc.). 
2. Make a list of outstanding debt (House, Credit, etc.). 
3. Create a budget for your priorities, and emergency fund. 
4. Protect yourself with insurance (life, disability, long term care). 
5. Contribute to your retirement assets (401(k), IRA's, etc.). 
6. Invest in Alternative Assets like Real Estate and PE. 
7. Create an Estate Plan for your legacy. 
 
You put numbers on Excel? Cool.
You sent your tax forms to your CPA? Okay.
You have $857/month going to Fidelity? Wow.

What's that for though?
 
Align your goals, your values, and your vision. 
And create a plan to achieve that. 
 
That's how you'll win at life and money.

Otherwise you'll have a worthless stack of cash, and nothing to use it for.

As of today, I have $10,748 in credit card debt.

I could pay it off, but I choose not to. Here’s why:

Because not all debt is bad.

Most people hear “credit card debt” and immediately assume irresponsibility.
But here’s what they miss:

→ That balance is on a 0% APR promo
→ The money I could’ve used to pay it off?
It’s working harder elsewhere

→ Being deployed into cash-flowing investments
→ Earning more than the interest I’m being charged (which right now... is zero)

This is what most people never get taught:

Bad debt drains you.
Credit cards at 22%, high-interest loans, buy-now-pay-later traps.

Good debt buys you time, leverage, and flexibility.
Used correctly, it accelerates wealth.

I’m not saying go rack up cards.
I’m saying—understand the strategy.

Paying off everything ASAP might feel good emotionally...
But it’s not always the smartest move financially.

The goal isn't to avoid debt at all costs.
It’s to learn which debt builds and which one buries.

Because the difference?
Could be the reason someone stays stuck at $80K/year…
While someone else builds a million-dollar net worth off the same salary.

♻️ Repost this to challenge what we’ve all been taught about debt
🔔 Follow Omkar Shinde for smarter money strategies that actually work

Social media shows the 1% of the 1%.
 
Here's why you shouldn't believe everything you see on your screen:
 
What social media has normalized:

• Millionaires at 18. 
• Always flying private.
• Making $75,000/month.
• Living a iShowSpeed lifestyle.
 
That's fewer than 1% of people in the US. 

Why compare yourself to them? 
 
The vast majority of millionaires:
 
• Are 50+ 
• Fly economy 
• Have money tied up in assets 
• Live frugally and spend time with family 
 
Why not strive to be one of them? 
 
Remember:

99% of the time, wealth is boring and slow. 
 
If comparing yourself to the top 1% doesn't motivate you...

Take the safer route instead. 
 
You'll still achieve your dreams.

Just because I’m an advisor doesn’t mean I pinch pennies.

Here are 4 unusual things I happily pay a premium for:

The older I get, the more I realize something my 21-year-old self never understood:

Money is a tool. 
I used to look at it like a trophy. 

The more commas I have, the cooler I am.

But now I use it intentionally to buy back the two things that actually matter to me: time and mental peace.

1. Credit Cards

Not just for the points — for the peace they buy me.

→ Lounge access during long travel days.
→ Concierge services that save me hours.
→ TSA Pre and Global entry to skip long lines.
→ Travel protections I use more often than I’d like.

2. Watches

Yes, for the hype — but also because they retain value.
The kind you enjoy daily, that hold appreciation, and eventually get passed down.

It’s one of the rare “luxuries” that doesn’t punish you for liking nice things.

But also tells people what your time is worth.

3. Personal Development

Coaches, courses, mentors, masterminds.
I’ll invest in all of it.

One lesson can save me years.
One perspective can add six figures.
One conversation can change how I operate.

I’m buying the blueprint from someone who's already living my life.

4. Convenience

Fast passes, upgrades, same-day delivery, detailing — all of it.

Because saving $18 while losing an hour of sanity is the worst trade you can make.

Convenience isn’t laziness.
It’s clarity: spend where it expands you.

Most people try to save their way into peace.
Believe me, my parents did.

But you'll come to a point where:

Spending intentionally creates more time, more serenity, and more energy for the things that actually matter.

You closed another Enterprise deal that’s gonna pay you $80,000.

But you have no idea how to put it to work.

This is the trap almost every Tech Sales pro falls into.

You grind for weeks...
Push procurement...
Send signature reminders...

And then that commission finally hits.

$48k, $63k, $85k...

For a weekend, you feel unstoppable.
And you think you do all the right things:

→ Pay off the credit cards.
→ Put a chunk towards the mortgage.
→ Budget some for a nice vacation with the spouse.
→ And save the rest because you don't know when the next one's coming.

But now, you're down to $0 and not moving forward financially.

→ Still spending more than you're making.
→ More equity but can't use it for anything.
→ Retirement contributions are stopped for higher base pay.
→ And your CPA forgot to tell you about the tax ramifications.

Here’s the truth:

Making money and multiplying money are two different games.

Without a system:

• Money comes in fast
• Money leaves even faster
• Stress fills the gap

This is the number one problem I fix for Tech Sales reps making $200K–$800K:

→ A % automatically to taxes
→ A % to long-term investments
→ A % to cash reserves
→ A % to guilt-free spending
→ A % to big goals (houses, weddings, vacations)

Once every dollar has a job, the chaos disappears.

Your commission stops evaporating.
Your lifestyle stops controlling you.
Your money finally starts compounding.

Giving you back the freedom you've always wanted.


If you’re tired of watching big checks melt away…

DM me "QUOTA" and I’ll show you how to optimize your checks.

Life is meant to be lived forwards, but only makes sense backwards.

Which is why April 10th, 2023 was actually a blessing in disguise for me.
 
This was my last day in corporate.
I was laid off. 
 
Robbed of a stable income, paid-for benefits, and my dignity. 
And frankly, this is when I decided I'd never go back. 
 
I'm blessed to have realized this at 25. 
I value time > money. 
 
So, I started to use it to my advantage. 
 
-> Time to focus on my services. 
-> Time to create a personal brand. 
-> Time to educate people through content. 
-> Time to scale my business with more advisors. 
-> Time to deliver the best financial strategies to my clients. 
 
This is certainly not an easy path. 
 
• No stable income.
• Imposter Syndrome. 
• Countless rejections. 
• 100+ hour work weeks. 
• Self-doubts and negativity. 
 
But I know, delayed gratification and hard work will pay off. 
 
I asked myself this question in April, 
it's time you answer it for yourself. 
 
"One day or Day one?"

What's stopping you from pursuing your passion?

I met with a 55-year-old couple last week.

They’ve paid off their home and rentals, but have $0 outside of real estate.

And this is exactly why I don’t like real estate.

On the surface, they looked “set.”

→ No mortgage.
→ No rental mortgage.
→ Two properties fully paid off.

But when we talked about retirement, everything changed.

They had no liquidity.

→ $28,000 in Bank of America Savings.
→ $3,600/m in rental income.
→ $17,000 in Crypto.

They went all-in on real estate thinking it was their ticket to freedom.

But even with no debt you still need actual cash flow to retire.

And here’s the part most people never think about:

→ You can’t sell a bedroom to buy groceries.
→ You can’t pay medical bills with home equity.
→ You can’t fund 25 years of retirement with “a house that's paid off.”

Real estate felt safe.
It felt familiar.
It felt like the “smart and traditional” path that everyone online talks about.

But it wasn’t a plan.
It was a bet.

And like most people, they didn’t ask for help until it was almost too late.

Not because they didn’t care but because real estate gives you the illusion of security.

They thought owning two properties meant they’d be fine.
But here’s the truth they learned the hard way:

Real estate may build wealth...
but it doesn’t guarantee retirement.

Not without liquidity.
Not without diversification.
Not without a plan that actually produces income you can live on.

So if you’re banking your entire future on “just owning rentals,” ask yourself:

Will those walls and windows really pay your bills when the paychecks stop?

Just like the 90.5 million Americans, I own a pet. 
 
I've spent 5 figures on Zuko so far, here's how: 
 
I love Zuko. He fulfills his duties as a dog: 
 
→ Constant face licks 
→ Excited when I get home 
→ An energetic ball of love and joy 
 
But don't let his adorable smile betray you. 
Because taking care of a dog isn't cheap. 
 
I've paid for: 
 
→ Food and toys 
→ Doggy Daycare 
→ Two hip surgeries 
→ Constant vet visits 
→ Monthly groomer visits 
 
I've spent 5 figures on him. 
Yet, I have no regrets. 
 
How, you ask? 
Because I had a plan before I got him. 
 
Here's what I did: 
 
1. Due Diligence 
→ Talk to the breeder/adoption agency to understand any history that I need to know. 
 
2. Emergency Fund 
→ Have a separate E-fund for Zuko that is used to pay for his expenses. 
 
3. Budget 
→ $200/month goes towards goes toward Zuko for any of his daily needs. 
 
4. Subscriptions 
→ His meds, grooming appts, vet visits etc. are all subscription-based so I can leverage them whenever instead of a one-time big payment. 
 
You may think I'm crazy for spending that much on a dog, 
But he's a priority I'm willing to spend on. 
 
Here's your takeaway: 
Plan for your priorities, let the rest take a backseat. 
 
Your priorities might be different than Zuko, 
But a plan will always help keep that priority important.

America’s sitting on $1,130,000,000,000 in credit card debt.

If you're the average American, you're carrying about $6,730 of it.

I know you're not dumb.
I know you are responsible.
I know you weren't taught this stuff.

Let bygones be bygones.

But here's what I’ll tell you:

Credit cards aren’t the villain here.
It’s the lack of education that screws people over.

Here’s what I wish everyone knew:

1) You can consolidate.
Just because you got every card for it's promo bonus but forgot to pay it off, doesn't mean you should just keep it.

A single balance transfer to a 0% APR card stops the bleeding immediately.

2) Negotiate like Chris Voss.
Lenders want their money back.
If you’ve been paying on time, they’ll often extend your 0% APR window.

I’ve literally watched someone get an extra year from one phone call.

3) Choose your battle
You can’t keep the same lifestyle and expect your debt to magically disappear.
At some point, you gotta choose:
Comfort today, or freedom tomorrow.

4) Stick with it
This is the part people hate.
Because it’s boring.

Automate payments, throw any extra cash at principal, and just stay consistent.

Could you use more income? Yes.
But that's just a bandaid on a wound that needs stiches.

Bottom line is:
You need more knowledge.

Because the real difference between someone drowning in debt
and someone debt-free?

It’s not luck.
It’s not income.

It’s education.

Master this, and consider yourself graduated :)

Don't think "over night".

Instead, think "over time".

Social media sells you a lie:
→ Flip houses and retire next year.
→ Invest in crypto and quadruple your money.
→ Start a side hustle and become a millionaire.

It’s very intoxicating.
The promise of instant success.

But here’s the truth:

 “Overnight success” is always decades in building.

Here’s what actually works:

→ Playing the long game.
→ Focusing on consistency, not hype.
→ Choosing proven strategies over quick wins.

It’s not glamorous.
But it’s sustainable.
It’s how real wealth is built.

Ask yourself:

Would you rather:
→ Burn out chasing quick gains?
→ Or grow steadily, compounding success over time?

Because one path leads to anxiety.
The other leads to freedom.

The shortcut is a trap.
The real wealth is in the journey.

What’s one long-term goal you’re committing to today?

If your thinking about hiring an Advisor and want to start in January?

Don’t even bother. You’ve already lost time.

Here’s the reality — Q4 is where financial progress actually happens.

Not January. Not “after the holidays.”
Right now.

I work 50–60 hours a week for 8 straight weeks during Q4, because this is when the biggest moves are made.

Take the other 4 off since I've earned them.

Every decision between now and December 31st is crucial.

It determines your tax bill, your investments, and your cash flow for 2025 and 2026.

Here’s what my clients are doing right now:

→ Locking in last-minute tax deductions before the year closes
→ Maxing out 401(k), IRA, and HSA contributions
→ Rebalancing portfolios before bonuses hit
→ Structuring income for better tax treatment
→ Setting up charitable giving strategies that actually save money

And here’s what that means come January:
→ No scrambling to “get organized”
→ A plan that’s already on the move.
→ No missed opportunities or contribution deadlines

Because while most people are waiting for January to “start fresh,” my clients are already three months ahead.

You can’t fix 2025 next year.
But you can still finish it strong now.

The difference between “I’ll start later” and “I started early”?
Tens of thousands in taxes, stress, and missed opportunities.

If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll get your finances in order “after the holidays,” this is your sign.

The window is open — but not for long.

You have maybe 6 weeks.

DM me “Q4” and let’s make sure this year ends on your terms, not the IRS’s.

If you think financial advice is expensive, wait until you see what confusion costs.

When I first started my firm, I was undercharging because I wanted to be affordable. 

So I barely ever made any money.

That's when my mentor sat me down and explained:
"Fees are only an issue in the absence of value."

I’ve never had a client complain about my fee since. 

They experienced the peace of knowing everything in their financial life finally makes sense.

Because people don’t hire me to “beat the market.”
Well, some do.... and I don't really take them on as clients.

They hire me to stop feeling like they’re losing control of what they’ve already built.

Most of my clients aren’t broke — they’re burdened.

→ Making $300K+ a year but feeling like money slips through their fingers.
→ Paying high taxes and still wondering, “Where does it all go?”
→ Sitting on piles of cash but not sure how it all fits together.
→ Doing something but not knowing if it's right for them.

They don’t want a cheaper option.
They want clarity.

Here’s the thing — a 1.1% fee isn’t expensive if it helps you:

→ Reduce a six-figure tax bill.
→ Create predictable cash flow from inconsistent income.
→ Make confident financial decisions without fear or confusion.

That’s not a fee. 
That’s an investment in your peace of mind.

Because what’s the point of wealth if it still keeps you up at night?

If all you care about is “how much it costs,” you’ll keep shopping for the cheapest help and keep getting the cheapest results.

But when you focus on value, you'll actually see measurable results.

Stop asking, “What’s the fee?”
And start asking, “What’s the cost of not having this level of certainty?”

A good advisor doesn’t cost you money,

they save you from wasting it.

The only affirmation that helps me push through the tough times.

"Your mind will take you further than your circumstances ever will."

Most people avoid that truth.
Because it forces you to zoom out... and confront the life you're actually living.

For years, I let my environment shape my mindset.
I let circumstances dictate how far I believed I could go.

I didn’t realize the cage wasn’t around me— it was in me.

Then life hit me with what I now call "my Inner Switch".

An Inner Switch is that moment when:

• You fail at something you thought you were great at
• Someone you trust forces you to rethink your path
• You catch yourself living a life you never consciously chose

And suddenly you realize—
your outer world only changes when your inner world does.

Mindset isn’t motivation.
It’s not clichés.
It’s not the 5am alarms or the inspirational wallpaper on your phone.

It’s the decision to stop living on autopilot.
It’s the intention to build, not just react.
It’s holding the bigger picture when life tries to shrink you.

As Naval Ravikant said:
“The world just reflects your own feelings back at you. Reality is neutral.”

If you see limits, you live within them.
If you see possibility, life expands around you.

So be grateful— not just for what you have,
but for the chance to shape who you’re becoming.

Say the thing you’ve been avoiding.
Start the project you’ve been delaying.

Move toward the person you actually want to be, not the version you’ve settled for.

Your Inner Switch isn’t a feeling. It’s a call to action.

Don’t wait for life to force it.

Flip it yourself—
and watch everything around you rise to meet it.

Exactly 36 days till the last day of 2025.

Time is lost, and if you haven't done anything for your finances this year, do this to get back on track.

Most people don’t realize how much can change in 36 days.
Not everything, but enough to shift the trajectory of your entire 2026.

And yes... even if you’ve ignored your finances all year.
Even if you’ve been “too busy.”
Even if you promised yourself you’d start in January.

So here’s what you can still do before December 31st:

1. Fix your tax bill

• Run your last-minute deductions.
• Max out (or catch up) your 401(k).
• Prep for bonuses + RSUs hitting in Q4.
• Add to your IRA before the window closes.

2. Cash Flow Reset for 2026.

Use AI to evaluate your last 11 months of spending.

• Travel
• Restaurants
• Sneaky subscriptions
• “Treat yourself” purchases

If you don’t patch them now, you’ll repeat them next year.

3. Rebalance your investments

With how wonky the market has been:

Take some wins.
Harvest some losses.
Reposition yourself for 2026.
Switch or implement strategies if needed.

Reach out if you want to get evaluated.

4. Set 2026 goals in 2025.

Most people wait for January to “get organized.”
By the time they do, it’s March.
By the time they act, it’s June.
By the time they feel behind… the year is gone.

Give yourself a real advantage:
Start 2026 on Day 1, not Day 90.

36 days is enough to:

→ Fix your spending habits.
→ Lower your taxable income.
→ Build your investment structure.
→ Walk into 2026 with clarity instead of chaos.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire financial life.
You just need to start now.

Because time isn’t the problem.

Waiting is.

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The Battle

Evan Drury, ChFC®

Omkar Shinde

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The Battle

Evan Drury, ChFC®

Omkar Shinde

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Omkar Shinde's LinkedIn Performance

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