What does being “bold in life” really mean? And, what is the impact of bold decision-making? We took a look at the definition of the word bold and, more interestingly, we spoke to members of the Boldin team to learn more about their boldest choices and how those decisions have impacted their lives.
What Does Being Bold Mean?
Boldness isn’t about taking risks or being reckless. It is about making confident decisions to put your plans into action so that you can live the life you truly want to live.
The dictionary definition of “bold” is: adjective 1. (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to be confident and courageous.”a bold attempt to solve the crisis.”
Bold decisions are worthwhile because they push boundaries, lead to personal and professional growth, and often result in extraordinary opportunities and outcomes. While a bold choice can be intimidating, the potential for meaningful change, development, and fulfillment makes bold decisions a powerful driver of progress and success.
Meet Members of the Boldin Team and Learn About their Boldest Life Decisions
We asked some of the people behind Boldin, formerly NewRetirement, to share what they define as their boldest move and how that has impacted their life trajectory.
Bold Moves: Relocation!
Many members of our team related stories about relocation as their boldest life move. Where you live has a huge impact on your life – both financially and in terms of your social, emotional, lifestyle, time use, and more. (Learn more about the benefits of moving.
Mary, design: Architectural history in a new city
“My partner and I took a bold step when we decided to sell our condo in DC and purchase our dream home in the Philadelphia suburbs. Leaving a city we cherished, where we had built our careers and friendships, was bittersweet. However, the allure of a larger space and the chance to own a piece of architectural history excited us. Despite never having owned a single-family home, we were captivated by the house we saw on a rainy May day, and we made an offer the very next day.
Moving in on August 1st marked a new chapter, and looking back, we are grateful every day for that decision. Five years later, it still feels like we’re living on vacation!”
Dani, finance and HR: Greyhound bus to California
“My boldest move? I don’t know – maybe it was just dumb youth. However, I moved to California from the East Coast at 18 with $200 in my shoe on a Greyhound bus.
However, reflecting on it now, this move changed my life. I was set to go to the University of Maryland, College Park but the laws were different back then for military kids and I could not get in-state tuition anywhere. It was a huge obstacle to education.
Getting on the bus was hard, but California was easy. I could afford to attend junior college and supported myself just by waiting tables. I eventually transferred from the junior college and graduated from Berkeley. I have zero regrets and it set me up for a life I love.”
Kelly, sales: Bonjour Provence!
“I picked up and moved my family from Southern California to Southern France at the age of 49. I exited my full-time fintech job and opened a consulting practice so I could live my life and career on my own terms. I now can swill wine under the amazing sunshine that lured masters like Cezanne and Picasso to live and paint here.
There is really nothing like it. So far, so good. Sante!”
Learn more about starting your own business in mid life or beyond and how to retire abroad.
Allie, marketing: Crossing the ocean
“At the age of 12, my family and I uprooted ourselves from Vietnam, immigrated across the Pacific Ocean, and settled in California. At the time it felt scary, disorienting, and a very bold move.
Now I so am grateful for the opportunities here in the United States and also very happy that I can return to Vietnam to enjoy the fantastic food and beauty of the place I was born.”
Love
Making choices for love was another theme of our team’s boldest decisions.
Kathleen, consumer business: Having children
“I was going to say that the boldest thing I’ve done was around starting our first company, but I grew up with entrepreneurs so that actually felt normal and natural.
The more I think about it, the boldest move I’ve made was the decision to have kids – three times.
It is, without a doubt, the decision that has had the most profound impact on my life. There has been nothing more life-changing than being a mother. It isn’t always easy. There is a book by Jennifer Senior about parenthood titled, “All Joy and No Fun” and the title sums up the highs and lows.
Parenthood isn’t for everyone, and the time, emotional, physical, and financial investment is huge. However, it is by far the best decision I have ever made – by far! I have learned so much from them. I love them so much and to feel that is what is most important in life.”
Robbie, customer support: Getting married
“My boldest move was asking my wife to marry me. Well, check that. My boldest move was asking my now father in law for permission to ask his daughter to marry me.
One kid and a home later, it was the best decision I could have ever made.”
Exploration
Exploring and adventure is often the first thought when you talk about being bold. However, what comes out in the stories below are what you learn from, feel, and how you pivot as a result of your experiences.
Dave, financial engineering: From war zone adventure to family
“My boldest life move was buying a one-way ticket to Europe soon after the break up of Yugoslavia and making my way by train to Croatia. I created fake press credentials to be able to obtain a legitimate United Nations press pass within 48 hours of getting there.
My original plan was to hike solo from Zagreb to Sarajevo in the winter of 1993, with the goal of becoming an award-winning photojournalist (and not getting killed). However, once on the ground, I opted to volunteer as a Logistics Officer for the International Rescue Committee.
This choice resulted in 3 years of non-government relief work helping one million displaced persons in Central Bosnia, as well as establishing a family and home there.
I couldn’t have predicted where I would end up, but I am grateful for the life that I created out of my bold decisions.”
Bruce, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
“A few years ago I decided to hike into and out of the Grand Canyon – rim to rim – in one day. Extreme heat (105 degrees plus), distance (24 miles), and elevation (10,000 feet down and 10,000 feet back up) make this a difficult if not impossible endeavor.
However, I did it. And, to this day I think back proudly of my accomplishment. It is an achievement that continues to boost my confidence to make other big bold decisions.”
Financial Decisions
Every financial decision is bold. Money causes us to stretch intellectually and emotionally every day. Here are a couple of examples from our team:
Amanda, marketing: A big purchase
“My husband and I were newly married and it was 2008 and the bubble had just burst on subprime lending and the housing market. Nonetheless, we stretched and bought more house than we should have given ordinary rules of thumb. It was terrifying, absolutely terrifying. However, we made it work through sacrifices in other areas of our life to pay for it.
And, how did it turn out? I am so proud that I am able to own my own home and that it is a place where I can raise my family and get out in the garden. It is a bonus that the investment has significantly increased. Let’s hear it for home equity.”
Why buying a home is a smart financial decision.
Glen, Sales: Saving a Lot Now
“I am still relatively young and will still be making bold moves in the future, but the boldest move I have made to date is to invest as much of my money as possible. I live frugally and save. This isn’t how most of my peers are living, but it feels right to me.”
The work you choose has a huge impact on your life. Bold career decisions can be worthwhile.
Nancy, Coaching Support and Classes
“The first thing that came to mind was an experience in Cambodia that involved motor scooters and possible land mine exposure. But, that was actually more of an adventure, not boldness.
My boldest life move was transitioning from a 30 year career as a Spanish teacher and high school department leader to being a part of the Boldin team where we work together to empower others to meet their personal and financial goals.
I’m grateful to be on an incredible team that values and respects each and every individual’s contribution while working synergistically toward our lofty goals. This is the first job I’ve ever had where I am not afraid to just be me and share my thoughts while equally respecting those of others.”
Mike, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
“My boldest move was resigning from my first job out of college after 6 years with the firm to start my own fee-only, advice-only, remote financial planning firm working with individuals and families primarily in their 20s and 30s. Although I had to close it down after a couple of years, I learned a ton about running a business. I enjoyed wearing the many different hats and have no regrets!
It allowed me to realize going forward in life that as long as you have a plan, you’re going to be just fine taking risks (personally and professionally!)”
Relocation, Work, Exploration, Love, and Purpose
Steve, Founder and CEO
“My boldest move was probably moving to San Francisco at age 23 and then essentially quitting my first consulting job because I refused to leave this city for career advancement, and a bigger salary in Southern California. I wanted to stay here and start a company. I loved the overall vibe of this city and access to the outdoors, windsurfing, mountain, biking, surfing, and more. The energy, nature, and cultural pull was strong… plus my wife to be was here.
There have been multiple times I’ve taken the riskier and lower compensation path over my life, because it felt like the more aligned way forward. I want to make a difference in the world and I think that takes bold decisions.
It has worked out so far. I have built companies,made friends, raised a family and am living a full life out here. I am also hoping to make lives better by developing tools and services that deliver financial confidence to thousands and hopefully millions in the future.
No regrets.”
Explore the no regret retirement.
About Boldin and the Boldin Retirement Planner
The Boldin Retirement Planner is financial software that puts you in the driver’s seat of your life so that you can make big bold decisions – or not.
No matter what choices you make, we are here to help you be informed and confident that the path you are on will lead you to your goals.
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