Have you ever watched a hamster running in a wheel? All that running, all that effort, day after day after day … But the poor little critter never really gets anywhere, does it?
Many of us feel the same way about our money.
More specifically, we feel that way about the work we do to get that money. We spend forty hours every week on a wheel, running after a salary. And then, first thing Monday morning, we’re back on the wheel, and the whole thing starts over again.
Many of us just keep repeating this cycle, over and over, until they finally retire. They think that stepping off the wheel just isn’t an option because they have bills to pay, school expenses to save for, and a dream to be “financially set” before retiring from work.
The Hamster Wheel of Financial Stress
For many, the daily grind feels like an endless cycle of running in place. We put in long hours at work, driven by the need to earn and save. Yet, despite all the effort, it often feels like we’re not making any real progress. The concept of having “enough” money becomes an elusive goal, always just out of reach.
This cycle doesn’t necessarily end with retirement. Instead of worrying about earning enough, retirees often find themselves fretting about whether their savings will last. The transition from working life to retirement merely shifts the focus of financial stress rather than eliminating it.
The notion of financial security remains just as fraught in retirement, with many concerned about outliving their resources. This perpetual chase can make it hard to enjoy the fruits of years of labour, keeping the worry wheel spinning even in what should be the golden years.
Shifting the Focus: Values-Driven Financial Planning
To break free from this cycle, it’s essential to shift the focus from merely accumulating wealth to aligning your financial plan with the values necessary for a long, fulfilling life. At Real Life Financial Planning, we believe that money should be seen as a tool to help you achieve your life goals, rather than the ultimate goal itself.
Think of money as the sail of a ship. It’s not the destination, nor the sea you sail on. It’s the tool you use to navigate towards your desired life. And the wind in that sail? That’s your values. Understanding and embracing these values can transform your approach to financial planning.
For a life that could span over a century, it’s crucial to focus on values that sustain long-term happiness and fulfilment. These values include nurturing relationships, maintaining health, pursuing personal growth, contributing to society, and finding joy in meaningful activities. By aligning your financial resources with these values, you can ensure that your money supports a life rich in experiences and satisfaction.
Questions to Reflect On
As you contemplate your financial future, it’s important to ask yourself more profound questions than simply whether you have enough money. Consider these reflective questions to help align your financial decisions with your core values:
- Am I managing my money in a way that’s improving my life?
- Reflect on whether your financial decisions are enhancing your overall well-being and quality of life.
- What values are essential for a fulfilling long life?
- Think about the values that will bring long-term happiness and satisfaction, such as relationships, health, personal growth, contribution, and joy.
- How can my financial plan support these values?
- Evaluate how your current financial plan aligns with these values and what adjustments may be needed to better support them.
At Real Life Financial Planning, we emphasise helping clients understand and embrace these values. This approach ensures that your financial resources are used to support a life that is not just satisfactory but truly fulfilling.
Real Life Financial Planning Approach
At Real Life Financial Planning, our goal is to help you narrate your story and live a fulfilling life, not just a satisfactory one. We achieve this by offering comprehensive wealth management services designed to align your financial resources with the values necessary for a long and meaningful life.
One of our key services is conducting a wealth check, a thorough review of your financial situation to ensure it supports your long-term goals and values. Through our wealth management services, we provide personalised strategies that focus on:
- Nurturing Relationships: Ensuring your financial plan supports and enhances your connections with loved ones.
- Maintaining Health: Allocating resources to preserve and improve your health and well-being.
- Pursuing Personal Growth: Investing in opportunities for learning, self-improvement, and new experiences.
- Contributing to Society: Supporting causes and initiatives that are important to you.
- Finding Joy: Encouraging spending on hobbies and activities that bring you happiness and fulfilment.
Our interactive tools and tailored strategies make it easy to visualise your financial future and make informed decisions that align with your core values. We are committed to helping you stop running on the hamster wheel of financial stress and start steering your financial ship with purpose and clarity.
Fulfilling Life
In conclusion, aligning your financial plan with your core values is crucial for living a fulfilling life, especially as you prepare for a long and meaningful future. By shifting your focus from merely accumulating wealth to understanding and embracing the values that sustain long-term happiness, you can break free from the endless cycle of financial stress.
At Real Life Financial Planning, we are here to guide you on this journey. Our wealth management services and comprehensive wealth check are designed to help you navigate your financial future with confidence and purpose. Stop running on the hamster wheel and start living a life rich in experiences and satisfaction.
General Advice Warning: Any advice on this site is general advice only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. It does not represent legal, tax, or personal advice and should not be relied on as such. You should obtain financial advice relevant to your circumstances before making any decisions.