24 Feb Does your plan support your happiness?

I heard this quote recently and it got me thinking.

We talk a lot about money in the financial industry; how much do you want to earn, how much income will you need, what asset base will be required to support your lifestyle, what are you saving.  Many of these conversations ignore the fundamental question of, how do you want to spend your time? What does your most fabulous life look like?

What does your most fabulous life look like?

It’s an important question because if you have a projected financial goal and you’re going to have to work like a crazy person in a job you hate to get there, well, maybe there is an adjustment required.

Now I’m not saying, don’t do that – because, for some people, it’s going to be worth it. I’m just saying, pause and consider, what will make you happy?  And when you look at the projected rewards of your current path, also consider the costs. Would you like more time with your kids? More time to create? More time outdoors? Are you putting your current life on hold to reach your imagined future life?

Does your plan support your happiness?

Money is a means to an end. Yes, it supports specific financial goals, buying a house, giving to a charity, supporting your family, travel; it should also, in my opinion, support your happiness. More stuff may not bring the same joy as more time and how it supports you to spend that time.

If you have a current financial plan, take a fresh look at it from the perspective of your happiness and how you like to spend your time. If you don’t have a financial plan, create one from this perspective.

Creating an intentional plan for your money

I’ve written about inspired wealth, creating an intentional plan for your money in a recent collaborative book project. As part of my chapter, I offered the readers a simple set of tools to help them get clear on their values and whether their use of money is aligned with those values. The tools are not fancy, but they did create some epiphanies for me when I used them, and I think about this stuff a lot. If this would be helpful to you, you can access those resources here.

If you think it’s time for a new plan for your money, feel free to reach out and connect with me. I’d love to chat with you.

This information is general in nature, is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision, and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investments and strategies mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results.

© Meredith D Sims 2021. Prepared by Heart Strong Wealth Planning.