As America celebrates 250 years of independence, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the ideals that shaped our nation. The Declaration of Independence boldly proclaims that “all men are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights… among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” That pursuit—far from a single moment—is a lifelong journey. The Founders understood that happiness, freedom, and prosperity were not guaranteed but earned through perseverance, sacrifice, and wise decision-making. Thomas Paine captured this truth when he wrote, “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” His words remind us that meaningful progress often comes through challenges, not ease.

The Founders also believed that liberty required responsibility. John Adams warned that “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” In other words, freedom thrives when individuals are informed, intentional, and proactive. This principle applies not only to civic life but also to our personal lives—especially our financial lives. Just as the early Americans sought the freedom to build secure homes, provide for their families, and create thriving communities, we too strive for a form of independence: financial freedom.

The pursuit of financial freedom mirrors the pursuit of happiness itself. It is a journey marked by steps forward and occasional setbacks, by discipline, learning, and resilience. From a young age, we’re told we can achieve great things if we work hard and stay committed. Yet the real world quickly teaches us that financial independence requires more than optimism—it requires planning, knowledge, and the courage to make wise decisions even when the path is uncertain. Like the Founders, we aim to be free: free from debt, free from fear about the next paycheck, free from the anxiety of not knowing whether we can keep a roof over our heads or food on the table.

At Pence Financial Group, we believe that the pursuit of financial freedom is not only possible—it’s deeply aligned with the American spirit. Our role is to help individuals and families build confidence in their financial decisions so they can move forward with clarity and purpose. We work to provide the guidance, structure, and trusted partnership that empowers people to create their own version of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” As the Founders envisioned a nation where people could build a better future, we strive to help our clients build a financial future grounded in independence, security, and financial confidence.

 

Sincerely,

Jacob Bierstedt
LPL Financial Advisor
Pence Financial Group (Las Vegas, NV)

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The Declaration of Independence (1776) – “We hold these truths to be self‑evident…” National Archives. The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription.
Thomas Paine – “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” Paine, Thomas. The American Crisis (1776).
John Adams – “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” Adams, John. A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law (1765).