As we enter 2025, it’s the perfect time for New Year’s resolutions. Feeling better about your finances may be high on your list, and our CSG Client Discovery – Statement of Purpose and CSG Goals Discovery tools can help. These exercises are designed to clarify your goals and vision, potentially leading to a financial plan more aligned with your aspirations.
Here’s a thought-provoking question to get started: Can money buy happiness?
We believe it can—if money is used as a tool rather than the end goal. Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money, explains that money fosters independence and purpose, key components of psychological well-being. As advisors, we find the greatest fulfillment in helping clients achieve joy and long-term security by aligning their financial decisions with their priorities.
When clients focus on what truly matters, they can confidently say “no” to unnecessary expenses and “yes” to meaningful goals, such as spending quality time with loved ones or creating generational wealth. Every dollar saved from unimportant expenses is a dollar invested in independence and purpose.
The struggle often arises when the goal is simply “more.” If “more” lacks deeper meaning, it’s hard to stay motivated or find fulfillment. However, tying financial goals to a purpose transforms the journey—even during market or life stress—into a rewarding experience. A clear plan reduces anxiety, while the absence of one can increase it, especially as wealth grows and choices multiply.
We can’t define your priorities for you; only you can decide what matters most. As Housel notes, financial plans must align with your unique values to bring true fulfillment. A plan that works for others may not work for you.
So, how do you define a life well-lived? Is your career, spending, and portfolio aligned with that vision? If you’d like to explore these questions and refine your financial plan in 2025, we’d love to help.
