Why the Traditional System Has Let Us Down, And How Real. Clear. Path. Can Help

Let’s face it: our traditional school systems have failed us, and it’s not just me saying that. It’s a fact that the vast majority of people graduate with advanced degrees, yet they still don’t have a clue how to manage their own finances. It’s almost like they were taught everything… except what actually matters in life. They know the Pythagorean theorem but can’t tell the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional one. They’ve mastered calculus but never learned how to create a simple savings plan.

I don’t need to get into the gory details about how students from high school to PhD level are graduating without a basic understanding of personal finance — it’s obvious. It’s almost as if schools are under some kind of conspiracy to make sure we never understand the simple concept of dollar-cost averaging. And don’t even get me started on the number of people who don’t know how to budget without, well, letting their credit cards run wild.

But hey, that’s not just the fault of the education system. If you think the traditional school system has let you down, wait until you meet the financial services industry.

It’s one of the most mistrusted industries out there. And with good reason. Most of us go into a meeting with a financial advisor not knowing what to expect. Often, it’s a friend or family member, and somehow that’s supposed to guarantee we’ll get the unbiased, professional advice we deserve. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. More often than not, that “advisor” is really just a well-dressed salesperson pushing mutual funds and/or a Life Insurance policy. Not exactly the financial clarity we’re hoping for, is it?

That’s why I started Real Clear Path. I’ve been on both sides of this. As a client, I’ve seen how lack of understanding leads to poor financial decisions. As a financial advisor, I’ve seen how the system is set up to confuse clients and how that leads to mistrust. And after decades of working in Canada, the United States, and Brazil, I’ve had the unique privilege of seeing how different cultures and systems handle financial education (spoiler alert: it’s not much better elsewhere).

But here’s the good news: Real Clear Path is not about being like the rest. It’s about offering something different. Something real. Something clear.

Our approach goes way beyond simply giving advice. We’re all about education and clarity. At Real Clear Path, we know that understanding the why behind your financial decisions is just as important as understanding the what. If you don’t know why you’re striving for something — like saving for retirement, paying off debt, or investing — how will you ever know if you’re on the right track?

Here’s the kicker: if you don’t know where you’re headed, we’ll help you figure that out. We’ve got tools in place to help you clarify your financial goals and build a roadmap to achieve them, step by step, no jargon, no fluff. It’s like having a GPS for your financial life, but instead of just telling you “turn left,” it ensures you understand exactly why that turn makes sense.

And for those who don’t yet know what their goals should be, no worries. We’ll work through that together using behavioral finance principles. We’ll help you understand the psychology behind your financial decisions and why you might be drawn to certain financial choices (even if they aren’t the best ones). You’ll not only make smarter decisions, but you’ll also feel more confident doing it.

By the end of your time with Real Clear Path, you’ll have a solid roadmap in hand, filled with actionable steps you can take toward achieving your short-term and long-term financial goals. And because we’re all about empowering our clients, you’ll also have a personal checklist and a downloadable PDF guide to help you stay on track for years to come.

So, let’s stop pretending that the system has it all figured out. It doesn’t. You don’t need to rely on vague, general advice or get lost in a sea of financial jargon. With Real Clear Path, you’ll get the knowledge you need, the trust you deserve, and the clarity you’ve been missing.

If you’re tired of being in the dark when it comes to your finances, we’re here to light the way so that it’s a much clearer path.