Author Archive: anthonyb@timslatter.com

Curious, not critical

When was the last time you gave yourself the grace to be curious? To pause and ask why, instead of immediately leaping to judgment? In a world that moves fast—where we’re bombarded by expectations, comparisons, and decisions—curiosity is often overshadowed by criticism. 

But what if we could flip the script? What if curiosity became our default setting, especially when it comes to our relationship with money and life?

Here’s the problem with criticism: criticism is quick. 

It jumps to conclusions. It sees what’s wrong and amplifies it. Whether we’re criticising ourselves for not saving enough, not being a better parent, or not understanding things as well as we think we should, that voice in our head can be harsh. It points out every misstep, every perceived failure, and every gap in our financial knowledge.

And it’s not just self-criticism. We can be quick to criticise others, too. Perhaps you’ve judged a partner for overspending, a friend for being overly frugal, or a colleague for their seemingly extravagant lifestyle. Criticism creates distance—it builds walls instead of bridges.

But here’s the thing: criticism doesn’t fix anything. It keeps us stuck in a cycle of blame and shame, making it nearly impossible to move forward with clarity or purpose.

Curiosity, on the other hand, invites understanding. It pauses, leans in, and asks: Why? Why did I make that decision? Why does my partner approach money this way? Why does this particular financial situation make me feel uneasy?

When we approach life—and money—from a place of curiosity, we shift from judgment to exploration. Instead of berating yourself for overspending last month, you might ask: What was going on for me emotionally? Was I stressed, celebrating, or seeking comfort? Instead of criticising a loved one for their financial choices, you might ask: What values or experiences might be influencing their behaviour?

This shift isn’t about excusing poor decisions or ignoring hard truths. It’s about creating the space to understand those decisions and truths on a deeper level. And when we understand, we can make changes—thoughtful, intentional changes that align with our values and goals.

Curiosity in action

Curiosity can transform how we approach financial planning. For example:

  • Instead of saying, “I’m terrible with money,” try asking, “What’s one small thing I can learn or improve today?”
  • Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get out of debt,” ask, “What’s the first step I can take to change this?”
  • Instead of assuming, “My partner just doesn’t care about saving,” consider asking, “What does financial security mean to them?”

This mindset shift can also extend to our conversations with advisors, mentors, and even our families. A curious approach fosters collaboration and openness, paving the way for better communication and more effective problem-solving.

From criticism to connection

Choosing curiosity over criticism isn’t always easy—it requires slowing down, being present, and letting go of the need to be right. But the rewards are profound. Curiosity doesn’t just improve our financial habits; it strengthens our relationships, builds self-compassion, and helps us navigate life’s challenges with grace.

So the next time you find yourself in a critical spiral—whether it’s about money, work, or life in general—pause. Take a breath. And ask a simple, powerful question: Why? You might be surprised by the answers that follow.

In the end, creating space to be curious isn’t just about improving our financial well-being; it’s about nurturing a mindset that sees opportunities for growth and connection in every moment.

And that, perhaps, is the most valuable investment of all.

The value of your time

When we think about building wealth, running a business, or creating income opportunities, the question of pricing is one we all face. And while it might sound straightforward at first, it’s actually a deeply personal and complex challenge because no two people’s financial situations are exactly alike.

Some professionals lean on qualifications and experience to determine how much they charge for their time. Others may focus on the value they provide to their clients or customers, setting their rates based on the outcomes their work creates rather than the hours they put in. Still, others base their pricing on the minimum they need to earn to meet their personal or family responsibilities each month.

Regardless of the approach, most of these methods anchor themselves to a fundamental equation: time equals money. If you want to earn more, you either charge more per hour or work more hours. But does this equation always serve us well?

The limitations of tying money to time

When you set your income goals based solely on a finite number of hours in the day, you may inadvertently trap yourself. For instance, if you calculate that you need to earn a specific amount per hour to meet your financial goals, you might feel pressure to book more and more hours to increase your income. This might work in the short term, but over time, it can lead to burnout and an unbalanced life.

On the flip side, you could choose to charge more for your time, which could bring in higher earnings without increasing your workload. But even then, there’s only so far you can stretch the “hourly rate” model before you hit another limitation: there are still only 24 hours in a day.

So, maybe the real question isn’t about how much time you have or how much money you need. Instead, it’s about how much value you assign to your time.

A shift in perspective: Valuing time over money

When you start asking yourself, “What is my time worth to me?” rather than “How much money can I earn per hour?” something remarkable happens. You begin to think less about spreadsheets and hourly rates and more about the bigger picture of your life. Your time stops being a currency to trade for money and starts being a resource to invest in your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual well-being.

This shift in perspective allows you to reframe the way you work. Instead of packing your schedule with billable hours, you might choose to focus on activities that bring you fulfillment and long-term benefits. This could mean spending more time with loved ones, nurturing hobbies, or simply resting. It could also mean finding creative ways to increase your income without increasing your working hours, like exploring passive income streams or value-based pricing models.

By taking a step back and reassessing how you value your time, you can build a life and financial plan that feels both meaningful and sustainable. This plan isn’t just about achieving financial success—it’s about creating a balanced and fulfilling life. You can set goals and benchmarks that aren’t tied to market performance or hourly rates but are aligned with your personal values and long-term aspirations.

So, as you consider your own financial journey, ask yourself: How much is your time worth to you? And are you spending it in a way that aligns with the life you want to live? Sometimes, the most valuable investments aren’t financial—they’re the ones we make in ourselves, our relationships, and our well-being.

Authenticity or attachment

Why do we say yes when we mean no? Why do we say no when deep down we wish we could say yes? These are questions that dig beneath the surface of our everyday choices, revealing the deeper, often hidden stories we tell ourselves.

In his insightful discussions, Dr. Gabor Maté highlights a core conflict many of us experience: we prioritise attachment over authenticity. Whether it’s in our relationships, careers, or even financial decisions, we often avoid being true to ourselves out of fear—fear of rejection, fear of judgment, or fear of losing connection. But at what cost?

Why we struggle with authenticity

At its heart, the struggle between authenticity and attachment is a universal human dilemma. From an early age, we’re conditioned to seek approval and fit in. This often leads to patterns of saying yes to things that don’t serve us, or no to opportunities that could bring growth, all in an effort to maintain connection or avoid conflict.

For example, imagine a friend asking you to lend them money. Deep down, you may feel uncomfortable—perhaps you’ve been burned in the past, or maybe you simply can’t afford to say yes right now. Yet, instead of honouring your boundaries, you agree, worried that saying no might damage the relationship. In that moment, attachment wins over authenticity, and while the relationship might seem intact on the surface, resentment can quietly take root.

The financial stories we tell ourselves

This internal tug-of-war isn’t limited to our personal relationships; it shows up in our financial lives, too. Think about the stories you tell yourself when making spending decisions. Are you buying the luxury car because it aligns with your values, or because you feel pressured to keep up with those around you? Are you saying yes to another family vacation because you truly want to go, or because you fear disappointing your loved ones?

Our financial behaviours often reflect deeper emotional needs—needs for acceptance, security, or self-worth. But when we act out of alignment with our true values, we not only jeopardise our financial goals but also lose sight of what truly matters to us.

The courage to choose authenticity

Choosing authenticity over attachment doesn’t mean abandoning connection or becoming rigid in your boundaries. It means finding a balance where your yes and no come from a place of honesty and alignment with your values. This shift requires self-awareness and the courage to confront the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who you need to be to belong.

Financially, this could look like rethinking your spending habits and asking, “Does this purchase align with my long-term goals, or am I trying to impress others?” It might involve having honest conversations with family members about holiday spending, choosing to prioritise savings over gifts, or setting boundaries when loved ones ask for financial support.

Living the truth of both yes and no

Authenticity doesn’t mean always saying no, just as attachment doesn’t always mean saying yes. It’s about being deliberate with your decisions and understanding the underlying motivations driving them. This practice can create a sense of empowerment—not just in your financial life but in every aspect of your well-being.

Dr. Maté reminds us that authenticity is not about isolating ourselves; it’s about showing up as we truly are, without fear or apology. When we let go of the need for constant approval, we open the door to deeper, more meaningful relationships and a financial life that reflects our true values.

Healthier benchmarks

WHERE DO YOU ‘THINK’ YOU SHOULD BE?

Reflecting on our progress is something we all do, but often without knowing it. Whether we’re aware of it or not, several times a day, we measure ourselves against something or someone—be it our past self, others, or some societal ideal. Whether it’s consciously deciding to check in on our progress, or doing so unconsciously, benchmarks are always being set. 

These benchmarks could be internal or external, and they serve as a gauge of how well we’re doing. And while there’s a place for both, it’s important to consider where we are dropping our anchor.

Think of yourself as a boat on the open water. You can’t always stay anchored in one spot, but sometimes it’s important to drop anchor for stability. It’s the same with how we measure our progress. We need to set benchmarks that reflect where we’re at in the present, but also allow space for growth and movement. Just like the tide, our progress should be flexible and responsive, not static.

When it comes to growth—whether in your finances, personal life, or career—it’s often healthier to focus on internal benchmarks. Internal benchmarks are the personal standards you set for yourself based on your own values, goals, and aspirations. It’s not about comparing yourself to others, but recognising how far you’ve come. External benchmarks, such as comparing your progress to others, can be helpful for some light perspective, but they can also leave us feeling frustrated or discouraged if we’re not where we “think” we should be.

Take the world of finance as an example. Let’s say you compare the performance of your portfolio against a stock market index or the success of a financial influencer. These external benchmarks are fine for reference, but if you base your sense of success solely on these metrics, it can lead to disheartenment. For someone like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, billions in earnings or the sale of a company might be just another day at the office, but for most people, such achievements would be life-changing. If you measure your progress against others’ success, you’re missing the bigger picture of your own journey and unique goals.

Now, think back to the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. If we had only relied on our internal benchmarks, we might have felt overwhelmed by the sudden shift in our lives, believing we weren’t “performing” as expected. But by considering the external context—the worldwide crisis that affected nearly everyone—we were able to adjust our expectations and take stock of how far we’d come despite the challenges.

And let’s not forget how easy it is to be swayed by the success stories we see around us. Social media, news, and even friends and family can present a curated view of success, leaving out the behind-the-scenes struggles, setbacks, and failures. We tend to see the final achievements, not the daily grind it took to get there, which can distort our own sense of progress. It’s important to remember that behind every success story, there’s usually a lot of hard work and resilience that goes unseen.

So, when it comes to measuring your growth, take a step back and remember that a balanced approach is key. Internal benchmarks—those tied to your own personal goals and values—should be your primary reference point. Use external benchmarks as a lighter guide, but don’t let them define your progress. With this approach, you’ll gain a more grounded and fulfilling perspective on how far you’ve come, and more importantly, how far you’re capable of going.

Roadblocks and reflections

Life is full of roadblocks. They come in many forms: an unexpected expense, a career setback, a strained relationship, or even just a sense of stagnation. At first glance, these challenges can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even unfair. But what if we stopped seeing roadblocks as something meant to halt our progress and instead viewed them as opportunities to pause, reflect, and redirect?

Every obstacle we encounter forces us to ask important questions: Am I on the right path? Am I pursuing what truly matters? What is this roadblock trying to teach me? Often, the roadblocks that seem to hold us back are the very catalysts for growth we need to move forward—but only if we’re willing to reflect on them with an open mind.

Are You Reacting or Reflecting?

When we hit a roadblock, our first instinct is often to react. We rush to fix the problem or find a way around it as quickly as possible. But reacting without reflection can lead us down the same unproductive path, over and over again. Albert Einstein famously said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” To truly overcome challenges, we need to step back, gain perspective, and reconsider our approach.

Financially, this might look like an unexpected expense throwing your budget into chaos. Do you simply patch the hole with a quick fix, like taking on high-interest debt? Or do you use the moment as a chance to evaluate your spending habits and build an emergency fund? 

Reflection transforms a short-term inconvenience into a long-term improvement.

The Gift of Perspective

Roadblocks often highlight areas of our lives that need attention. Maybe a career setback reveals that we’ve been ignoring our true passions. Or perhaps an unexpected financial hurdle reminds us of the importance of saving and planning for the future. These challenges, while uncomfortable, offer valuable perspective. They encourage us to focus not just on where we are, but on where we truly want to go.

Take a moment to think about the last time you faced a roadblock. How did it make you feel? More importantly, what did it teach you? Reflection doesn’t just help us solve problems; it helps us understand ourselves better. 

It helps us identify patterns in our behaviour and make intentional choices to break free from them.

Turning Roadblocks into Stepping Stones

The key to turning a roadblock into a stepping stone lies in our mindset. It’s about seeing challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. This doesn’t mean the process will be easy—growth rarely is. But by embracing roadblocks as part of our journey, rather than interruptions to it, we allow ourselves to keep moving forward with purpose.

In financial planning, this mindset shift is particularly powerful. A bad investment, an unexpected job loss, or a period of market volatility can feel like insurmountable obstacles. But each of these moments offers a chance to reassess, realign, and rebuild. Maybe it’s time to revisit your budget, diversify your investments, or reevaluate your long-term goals. Reflection doesn’t just help you navigate challenges—it helps you emerge from them stronger and more focused than before.

Roadblocks will always be part of life, but they don’t have to define it. With reflection, they can become the stepping stones that lead you toward a more intentional, purpose-driven future. The road ahead may not always be smooth, but with the right mindset, it will always be worth travelling.

Sign that Will!

A will might not seem like the most exciting thing on your pre-vacation checklist, but it’s arguably one of the most important.

Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” It’s a confronting, yet profound reminder that planning for the inevitable is just part of living a well-considered life. And yet, when it comes to writing and signing a will, many of us are guilty of procrastination, perhaps hoping that avoiding the topic will delay its necessity.

But here’s a thought: imagine heading off on a long-awaited holiday without having secured one of the most crucial documents of your life. You’ve packed the sunscreen, booked the rental car, and double-checked your hotel reservations—but have you ensured your financial and personal affairs are in order? 

Holidays are a time of joy, relaxation, and adventure. But let’s face it, travel—whether it’s by car, plane, or camel—comes with risks. While the odds of anything going wrong are incredibly slim, life’s unpredictability is the very reason why having a will is a cornerstone of responsible planning. A will is your way of saying, “I’ve thought about this. I care about the people I love, and I’ve taken steps to make things easier for them.”

Yet, so many people avoid the process entirely. In fact, studies show that more than half of adults globally don’t have a valid will. Why? For some, it’s the discomfort of confronting mortality. For others, it’s the misconception that estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. 

But here’s the truth: having a will isn’t about wealth; it’s about clarity, fairness, and ensuring that your wishes are respected, no matter what.

Think of it as a gift

Writing a will isn’t morbid—it’s practical. In many ways, it’s a gift to your loved ones. Without a will, decisions about your estate could be left to courts or legal systems, creating unnecessary stress and potential conflict among your family and friends. Having a will ensures that your assets, responsibilities, and even sentimental belongings are distributed according to your intentions.

But let’s not stop there. A comprehensive will can also outline guardianship for children, instructions for pets, and preferences for medical care or funeral arrangements. It’s a roadmap for your loved ones, giving them peace of mind during what would undoubtedly be a challenging time.

Mark Twain also said, “Plan for the future because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” Having a will in place isn’t just about being prepared for the unexpected—it’s about lightening the mental load so you can truly enjoy the life you’re living right now, including those well-earned holidays.

So, as you prepare for your next adventure, remember that planning for life’s uncertainties is the ultimate act of responsibility—and love. By ensuring your will is signed before you go, you’re not just protecting your assets; you’re giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind.

Now, go enjoy that holiday—knowing you’ve already taken care of one of life’s most important to-dos. Safe travels!

Spending with intention

In her thought-provoking book “The Year of Less,” Cait Flanders shares a powerful insight: “Every time you make a purchase, you’re voting with your dollar for the kind of world you want to live in.” This simple yet profound statement invites us to reconsider our relationship with consumption and its impact on our financial well-being.

Mindful consumption isn’t just about spending less; it’s about spending with intention. It’s about understanding that each purchase we make is a choice that shapes not only our personal finances but also the world around us. When we buy something, we’re not just exchanging money for goods or services; we’re making a statement about what we value and what kind of future we want to create.

Consider your last few purchases. Were they driven by genuine need or desire? Did they align with your values and long-term goals? Or were they impulse buys, motivated by fleeting emotions or external pressures? By pausing to reflect on these questions, we begin to unravel the complex web of motivations behind our spending habits.

Often, we find ourselves buying things to fill emotional voids, impress others, or simply because clever marketing has convinced us we need them. But when we step back and examine these motivations, we often unveil that many of our purchases don’t truly align with what matters most to us. They may provide a momentary thrill, but they rarely contribute to lasting happiness or financial security.

Embracing mindful consumption means becoming more aware of these patterns and making conscious choices to break them. It means taking a moment before each purchase to ask ourselves: Does this align with my values? Will it contribute to the kind of life and world I want to create? Is this the best use of my financial resources?

This shift in perspective can be transformative. When we start viewing our purchases as “votes” for the future we want, we become more discerning consumers. We might choose to support local businesses over large corporations, opt for eco-friendly products, or invest in experiences that enrich our lives rather than accumulate more stuff.

Moreover, mindful consumption often leads to improved financial health. By focusing our spending on what truly matters to us, we naturally cut back on unnecessary expenses. This frees up resources for saving, investing, and pursuing our long-term financial goals. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about aligning our spending with our values and priorities.

Cait Flanders’ year-long shopping ban, which she documents in her book, is an extreme example of mindful consumption. While most of us may not choose to go that far, her experience offers valuable lessons. She found that by stepping back from mindless consumption, she gained clarity about what truly mattered to her. She discovered that many of her previous purchases were driven by habit or emotional needs rather than genuine desire or necessity.

As we navigate our own financial journeys, we can take inspiration from Flanders’ experience. We can start small, perhaps by implementing a 24-hour rule before making non-essential purchases, or by keeping a spending journal to track not just what we buy, but why we buy it. These simple practices can help us become more aware of our consumption habits and make more intentional choices.

Remember, every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. By embracing mindful consumption, you’re not just improving your financial health; you’re also contributing to a more conscious, sustainable economy. You’re creating a life that’s rich not in possessions, but in meaning and purpose.

Ten Rules – Part 1

Whilst it’s easy to get lost in a sea of jargon, investment options, and conflicting advice, financial success doesn’t require a degree in economics or hours spent poring over market trends. In fact, according to Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack in their book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated, everything you need to know about managing your money can fit on a single index card. 

Yes, you read that right—just ten simple rules are all you need to master your financial life.

In this first blog, of a two-part series, we’ll explore five rules will help most people cut through the noise and provide a clear, straightforward path to financial stability and success.

Rule 1: Spend less than you earn

At the heart of financial security lies this golden rule: spend less than you earn. It’s simple in theory but challenging in practice, especially in a world where consumer culture encourages constant spending (AKA: lifestyle creep!). By living within your means, you create the financial flexibility to save, invest, and plan for the future without the looming threat of debt.

Rule 2: Try to pay off your credit card balance in full every month

Credit card debt is one of the most common financial pitfalls. The interest rates are notoriously high, and carrying a balance from month to month can quickly spiral out of control. Olen and Pollack stress the importance of paying off your credit card balance in full each month. This not only saves you from paying unnecessary interest but also instils discipline in your spending habits.

Rule 3: Save 10-20% of Your Income

Saving regularly is key to building wealth over time. The authors suggest setting aside 20% of your income for savings. This may seem ambitious, but starting with any amount and gradually increasing your savings rate can make a significant difference in your financial future. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from the power of compound interest, allowing your savings to grow exponentially over time.

Rule 4: Maximise contributions to retirement accounts

Retirement may seem far away, but it’s crucial to start planning for it as early as possible. Olen and Pollack recommend using the full allowance for contributions to retirement accounts. These accounts often come with tax advantages, and the sooner you contribute, the more time your investments have to grow. It’s about ensuring that your future self has the financial resources to enjoy life after work.

Rule 5: Create an emergency fund

Life is full of unexpected surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. That’s why having an emergency fund is essential. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a readily accessible account. This fund serves as a financial safety net, protecting you from the need to rely on high-interest debt when unexpected expenses arise.

By following these first five rules from, you’re already well on your way to mastering the basics of personal finance. The beauty of these guidelines lies in their simplicity—they are straightforward, actionable, and effective. In our next blog, we’ll explore five more rules, which will further solidify your financial foundation. 

Remember, financial success doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on the essentials, you can achieve your goals with confidence and ease.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the final five rules and continue our journey toward financial mastery.

A missing link between money and happiness

What if you found out that your current financial plan might be working against you, not for you? That despite all your careful budgeting and saving, you’re missing a crucial element that could make or break your financial well-being? 

It might be time to talk about values-based financial planning – the missing link between your money and your happiness.

Life is a precious gift, and it’s too short to spend our time and resources on things that don’t truly matter to us. As Michelle Obama wisely said, “I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own.” This philosophy applies just as much to our financial lives as it does to our personal ones.

When making financial decisions, we often ask ourselves practical questions like “Can I afford this?” or “Will this be a good investment?” While these are important considerations, there’s a more fundamental question we should be asking first: “Does this align with my values?”

Values-based financial planning is about creating a financial strategy that not only helps you reach your monetary goals but also supports and enhances the life you want to live. It’s about ensuring that every dollar you earn, spend, save, or invest, is in harmony with what matters most to you.

So, how do we put this into practice? Here are a few steps to get you started:

  1. Identify Your Core Values: 

Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Is it family, community, personal growth, environmental sustainability, or something else? There are no right or wrong answers – your values are uniquely yours.

  1. Align Your Financial Goals with Your Values: 

Once you’ve identified your core values, look at your financial goals through this lens. Does your current financial plan support these values? If not, what changes can you make?

  1. Make Values-Based Decisions: 

When faced with financial choices, big or small, ask yourself, “Which of my values does this align with?” If the answer is none, it might be time to reconsider.

  1. Create a Values-Based Budget: 

Allocate your resources in a way that reflects your priorities. If family is a core value, perhaps you’ll allocate more for family vacations or education funds. If environmental sustainability is important to you, you might budget for energy-efficient home improvements or choose eco-friendly investment options.

  1. Invest with Purpose: 

Look for investment opportunities that align with your values. This could mean choosing socially responsible investment funds or supporting businesses that share your principles.

Remember, the goal isn’t to restrict your choices, but to free yourself to say “heck, yeah!” to the things that truly matter to you. By aligning your finances with your values, you’re not just managing money – you’re crafting a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Values-based financial planning isn’t always easy. It may require some tough choices and trade-offs. But the reward is a financial life that feels meaningful and purposeful, rather than just a series of transactions and accumulations.

In the end, financial planning isn’t only about reaching a certain number in your bank account. It’s about creating a life that reflects who you are and what you stand for. When your financial decisions are in harmony with your values, you’re not just building wealth – you’re building a life rich in purpose and satisfaction.

So, the next time you’re faced with a financial decision, big or small, take a moment to consult your inner compass. Ask yourself not just “Can I afford this?” but “Does this fit with who I am and who I want to be?” Your values are your most reliable guide to a truly wealthy life – in all senses of the word.

The freedom to live life on your terms

Here’s one of the hardest (or least asked…) questions when it comes to financial planning:  “How much is enough?”

It’s a simple question, but one that most people never stop to consider. We’re so caught up in the race for ‘more’ that we forget to ask ourselves why we’re running in the first place. It’s a vital question that we need to ask, so much so that Paul Armson wrote a book about it –  “Enough? How much money do you need for the rest of your life?”.

It challenges us to rethink the very essence of financial planning. It’s not about amassing the biggest fortune; it’s about funding a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.

Imagine for a moment that money wasn’t a concern. How would you spend your days? What experiences would you seek? What impact would you want to make? These are the questions that lie at the heart of Lifestyle Financial Planning.

Traditional financial planning often feels like a never-ending pursuit of more. More savings, more returns, more assets. However, Armson argues that this approach misses the point entirely. After all, what good is a hefty bank balance if it doesn’t translate into a life well-lived?

Lifestyle Financial Planning flips the script. Instead of starting with products and strategies, it begins with you – your dreams, your values, your ideal lifestyle. It asks, “What does your best life look like?” and then builds a financial strategy to support that vision.

This approach suggests that true wealth isn’t just about money in the bank. It’s about having the freedom to live life on your terms. It’s about achieving ‘financial independence’ – that magical point where work becomes a choice, not a necessity.

But how do we determine what ‘enough’ looks like? It’s a deeply personal question, and the answer will be different for everyone. For some, it might mean having the resources to travel the world. For others, it could be the ability to start a passion project or spend more time with family.

The key is to dig deep and get clear about what truly matters to you. What experiences bring you joy? What achievements would give you a sense of meaning and value? What legacy do you want to leave? Once you have a clear picture of your ideal lifestyle, you can work backwards to figure out the financial resources needed to support it.

This shift in focus from accumulation to lifestyle has profound implications. It frees us from the endless treadmill of always needing more. It allows us to make more intentional choices about how we earn, spend, and invest our money. And perhaps most importantly, it aligns our financial decisions with our personal values and life goals.

Adopting a Lifestyle Financial Planning approach doesn’t mean abandoning sound financial principles. It still involves budgeting, saving, investing, and managing risk. But these tools become means to an end, rather than ends in themselves. They’re employed in service of funding your ideal lifestyle, not just growing a bigger pile of money.

Lifestyle Financial Planning offers a more holistic and fulfilling approach to managing money. It encourages us to think deeply about what we truly want from life and to align our financial decisions with those aspirations. It replaces the anxiety of “never enough” with the confidence of knowing exactly what “enough” looks like for us.

It’s a tool to help you live the life you desire. So, what does “enough” look like? That’s perhaps where the true financial journey begins.