This is a guest post from Evan, who writes over at My Journey to Millions. Be sure to pop over to his site and subscribe to his feed!

The Temple of Apollo at Delphi has a phrase carved into it.  Its translation? Know Thyself.  The Greeks knew it over 2,000 years ago!  While I don’t think there is one way to achieve financial independence and wealth (regardless of what those terms mean to you), I do believe there is one common denominator of those that actually meet their goals.  It is all about knowing yourself and either protecting yourself from…yourself, or, alternatively, encouraging those good qualities you may have.

The world is what it is, and there are very few people that will be able to change the world, so most people have to adapt.

How does this Apply to Personal Finance?

For example there are 2 camps when it comes to using cash only vs. using cards.  I know I can’t carry cash on me, if there is cash on me it is gone, and I am not one of those people that spend more when using a credit card. Failing to understanding where you land could be a crazy money vacuum.

I know I need automation in my life, and what is more automated than a 401(k)?  Even if there is no match sometimes a 401(k)s are better than IRAs based on many factors, but the biggest one for me is that the paycheck comes in net of that contribution.  Further, I have to go talk to my HR person to tell them that I need to stop my retirement savings.

The HR discussion that I want to avoid, is an example of a Personal Finance roadblock that I know I need.  Specifically, one of the biggest benefits of using ING for me, at least, is the fact that to get to the money I have to sign online and make moves.  For big purchases, I get a cool down period for the money to hit my main account.

Do you know yourself when it comes to running your money life?

Ever since the bank I work for was bought out by another bank, there have been changes occurring. I knew that there would be, as change is inevitable. Some of the changes have been small, and some have been huge. I’ve taken it all in stride, and rolled with the punches. There’s not much more I can do besides that.

This morning we had a meeting on some of the changes to our benefits plan.  The first thing we went over was health insurance plans.  The old bank offered a high deductible health plan, and now the new bank is going to follow suit.  We’ll still have other options like PPOs and HMOs, so I’m not freaking out about that too much.  I can pick health insurance pretty easily now.

The next topic we touched on was retirement accounts and pension plans.  As it is currently, my company matches $1.15 per every dollar I put into my 401k, up to 6%.  I also have a pension plan I was grandfathered into that they put money into each month.  Very nice!  The new bank is going to be matching dollar per dollar up to 4%. Ouch.  That totally bites.  But, they are going to offer everyone a pension plan.  So, essentially I am going to be losing out.  Not only are they matching less money, but they’re matching 2% less than the old bank! Bummer.

Seeing as this is our only retirement account we actively contribute to, I think I’m just going to keep contributing at 6% and leave it alone.  I am truly disappointed that it’s occurring, but I am also happy they will be matching something.  I don’t know if their reasoning is due to the merger or the economy, but whatever the reason, I’m not pleased.

Has your employer changed your retirement plan due to the economy?