Grow | Witten Financial

CHAPTER ONE
You dock your boat in a small natural bay and walk along the rocky beach until you find the well-worn path to the library. Each step brings back memories of your shipwreck and the time you spent here learning the secrets of the universe. Soon you are back in the grand library. Pillars hold up a vaulted ceiling that covers hundreds of thousands of books, scrolls, and papers discussing and dissecting every aspect of magic. What area of magic do you want to study in your first week here?
- You seek to learn more about transmutation magic – the art of turning one thing into another.
- You seek to learn more about conjuration magic – the art of producing things out of thin air.
You dive into theorems and research into transmutation. Though you have previously learned rudimentary spells in this school, such as armor or ability augmentation, you have never tapped into the raw potential of this type of magic.

In less than a week, you are turning inanimate objects into useful tools and weapons, and have even found a master level spell to forever alter your abilities. You discover how to turn yourself into an animal at will.

By the end of the week, you are able to will yourself into the shape of an eagle and take flight, soaring over the skies of the Isle of Glass.
Conjuration magic is one of the hardest schools of magic to learn – summoning objects and creatures from the ether requires complete focus and an iron will. You begin by opening portals to other dimensions, a skill you have previously learned but never mastered. A few of the portals allow minor demons into your plane of existence, but you quickly banish them back to their realm. With your portal exercises, you gain an understanding of the rigors of conjuration.

Over the next week, you transition to the creation of objects, starting with the food and water you need to survive on the island. Your conjurations get larger over time. First a chair, then a table. By the end of the week, you are able to conjure an entire mansion, hidden in an extradimensional space and accessible only from a portal that you can open and close. This hidden fortress will be extremely useful in your future adventures.
CHAPTER TWO
With a new skill mastered, you continue perusing the library and come across a map of the island unlike any that you’ve seen previously. It divides the island in half and at either end a picture of an amulet is highlighted. Intrigued, you turn the map over to the following text:

The Imperiax Amulets are too much for any one person. Independently, they have their uses, but combined their destructive power corrupts the user. I have hidden them away and transcribed their location on this map. Their locations are linked so that if one amulet is taken, the other will be destroyed. It is the only way I can protect this world from their power.

You quickly find another book that tells you more of the amulets. One gives the user a measure of control over water. The other over fire. Which one do you search for?
- You head east toward the fire amulet. Though you already have experience with fire magic, you hope that the amulet will give you a powerful advantage in many situations.
- You head west toward the water amulet. With its power, any stream, lake, or ocean will give you a strategic edge in both combat and utility.
The surface of the island is dominated by the volcano in the center. Your path has you skirt around the base, crossing over a mile of ashen soil before arriving at a ruined temple. Peering inside, you see a chest with a fire emblem etched onto the lid. You approach and slowly raise the lid. Inside sits a small amulet glowing red and threaded through a thin strip of leather. You take the amulet and put it over your head. As you do, braziers along the temple’s edge burst into flame for the first time in centuries. The amulet glows brighter against your skin as you call the fire to you. It condenses into a ball within your outstretched hand; you then release the fireball and it bursts against a wall, leaving a scorch mark.

Leaving the temple with your new possession, you look to the west and see a giant plume of smoke. By taking the fire amulet, you must have set ablaze its watery counterpart.
The surface of the island is dominated by the volcano in the center. Your path has you skirt around the base of the volcano before arriving at a sunken temple. You step into the cool water and a chill runs through your body. Striding through the waist-deep liquid, you come to a table atop which sits a chest adorned with a watery emblem. You gingerly open the chest and inside is a small amulet basking in a sea green glow. You lift the amulet by its thin leather strap and place it on your head. As you do, the water around you swirls into a whirlpool. You slowly descend to the now dry floor of the temple. The walls of the pool are 10 feet above your head. You outstretch your hand, and the walls come crashing down to your feet, sliding underneath your boots. But you do not sink in the waves. Instead, you stand on a liquid platform and the water raises you up. Creating a path with the power of the amulet, you walk out of the template and onto dry land.

In the distance, you hear what sounds like a powerful typhoon on the eastern bank of the island. By choosing the water amulet, you have sent its fiery counterpart to a wet and cold grave.
CHAPTER THREE
After retrieving the amulet, you sleep soundly and awaken at dawn. You open your eyes and before you sits a spectral figure. With a snap of its fingers, ghostly ropes bind your hands and feet. The presence levitates you from your bedroll to a nearby chair. It says, “Scarathorn the Recluse. For years you have burrowed through our archives, taking what you what without a second thought. But did you ever think who you were taking from?”

The figure waves his hand and the area in front of you transforms from the dilapidated structure you know to an extravagant, newly constructed library. The ghost continues, “Hundreds of years ago, my people came to the Isle of Glass to start a new citadel of learning. We only took the best and brightest pupils – individuals pure of heart. If you exemplify these qualities, you are welcome to continue your studies here and we will aid you in your endeavors. But should you fail to show us what we desire…”

A dozen ghosts rise up behind your captor and look menacingly at you. What do you say to prove your worth to these spectres?
- You speak of your previous triumphs and the loss the world would face if you were not a part of it.
- You speak of your earnest desire to learn and grow through the rest of your days, seeking knowledge not for power but because it is a reward unto itself.
You clear your throat and say the following:

“You may know my name – but do you know who I am? I’m the man who has quelled bloodshed with a single word. I’m the man who brokered peace between entire dimensions. I’m the one who stopped a literal god from unleashing havoc on the mortal plane. And that’s just the last 10 years. People across the realm seek my aid.

I’ve learned much from your scrolls. But my actions are my own. And I request that you continue to allow me to do as I please and help those in need. If you strike me down, rest assured that millions more will die because I wasn’t there to save them.”

You cast a counterspell to unravel the ethereal bonds binding you together and rise from the chair, arms relaxed but ready to fight against a ghostly opposition. But their leader raises a hand in acceptance and says, “You have clearly accomplished great things in your life. May you continue to learn and grow with the knowledge kept in this hall of learning.”

The ghosts dissipate and you nod your head. It’s certainly been another eventful visit to the Isle of Glass.
You clear your throat and say the following:

“You must have been watching me for years. Have I done anything other than study and learn? Your library is a trove of knowledge the likes of which doesn’t exist in the modern world. I come here each year to learn from your teachings and use your knowledge to help those I come across. Nothing more.

I continue to learn and hone my skills because that simple act brings me joy. And I request that you continue to allow me to do so, as I have done nothing with your knowledge that would make you doubt my character.”

The ghosts observe you in silence for a minute, and groaning their leader says, “We have determined your intentions are true. You may study here in peace.”

The ghosts dissipate and the ropes that ensnare you evaporate. It’s certainly been another eventful visit to the Isle of Glass.

Chapter One: From the Advisor's Perspective

Learning a new skill is always an improvement on oneself, and in our eyes, a good investment. It can help you find a new job, get promoted, start your own side business, and ultimately lead to financial freedom.

However, expecting to wave your proverbial magic wand and have your collection of Pogs or lifetime supply of Sim City: The Card Game turn into your retirement savings is a fool’s fallacy.

Growing yourself or your business takes dedication, concentration, and determination. In many cases, it can be extremely beneficial to have a financial professional on your side to provide advice and coaching.
Knowledge is an investment worth making. Just make sure you are putting your time and treasure into something that can improve your situation overall instead of things that will only be temporary.
Chapter One: From the Advisor's Perspective

Wouldn’t it be nice if this skill could be learned in real life? Unfortunately, it just doesn’t happen, no matter how much you want it to.

Trying to create something from nothing is often a symptom of not accepting the reality of your situation.

A wise man once said, “Insanity, by definition, is doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting different results.”

If you find yourself caught in this mentality, talk to us. We can help bring a dose of reality to your situation and help find a way back on the path to prosperity.
Chapter Two: From the Advisor's Perspective

Whoa… instant fireball amulet, how cool?!?

Congratulations on your reward!

This scenario reminds me of when clients come into my practice, excited about an above average market year and how well their investments are doing.

I always temper that enthusiasm and explain that although the markets have been good this year, that it doesn't necessarily signify a long-term trend.

Same goes with unexpected windfalls or inheritances – don’t let sudden wealth change your lifestyle or risk tolerance. Be grateful for the windfall, but keep adhering to your existing plan to help achieve your long term goal.
Chapter Two: From the Advisor's Perspective

The water amulet seems like a great choice, which can have many useful applications down the road.
Congratulations on your reward!

Unexpected windfalls or sharp growth periods in markets can greatly improve your chances at reaching your long-term goals, if you know how to invest properly for the risk you’re willing to assume.

Give us a call if you receive good fortune and we’ll be glad to teach you how to put it to good use!
Chapter Three: From the Advisor's Perspective

In character, your wizard may have been the only character to have been as bold in his statements and continue in peace, as the elders would have certainly had a fight on their hands!

But, be sure to not let overconfidence cause you to forget how you got there.

In financial planning terms, we see this most in recent retirees and their spending patterns. This scenario reminds of me of retirees that take the approach of “Well, I worked for it. Now, I’m going to spend it!”.

And while larger initial purchases are okay on a limited basis as you transition into that phase of your life, it’s a pattern you want to quickly break as your retirement savings will need to support you for the rest of your life.

Determining a retirement income planning strategy is one of our many specialties at Witten Financial. We can not only set up a plan to help you have your dream retirement celebration, but also generate income for a lifetime.

Give us a call if you would like a no-obligation consultation to help you figure out your income path into your retirement years.
Chapter Three: From the Advisor's Perspective

The ideal retirement scenario for wizards and real-world participants alike is not changing your standard of living at all, but continuing to do what you love through your end of days.

This concept is the core of what we do at Witten Financial. In an ideal situation, your income in retirement should be an afterthought when we lead you through our core steps and help coach you along your holistic financial plan.
If you don’t envision a retirement this easy, give us a call. With our team of professionals, we will do our best to ensure a smoother path into retirement and through your golden years.
Growing your wealth doesn't happen overnight. We create long-term strategies for our clients that encompass all of their investment management and financial planning goals. Contact us today to begin your wealth journey.

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Chapter One: From the Advisor's Perspective

Chapter One: From the Advisor's Perspective

Chapter Two: From the Advisor's Perspective

Chapter Two: From the Advisor's Perspective

Chapter Three: From the Advisor's Perspective

Chapter Three: From the Advisor's Perspective

Contact Aaron Today