Does this sound familiar to you?
“I hate all this paperwork and transactional details. I wish I thought having money was fun…”
When people think of financial planning, “fun” usually isn’t the first word that comes to mind. And that’s a common misconception: that money and financial management are more tedious than rewarding.
As a financial advisor and someone who deals with paperwork every single day, I can say that paperwork and transactional details are not my fave. But seeing the results of this type of work being done and dealt with, that’s what gets me excited to come to work everyday.
In today’s blog I want to explore how the right mindset – coupled with an advisor’s expert guidance – can help you put the fun and excitement back in finance!
Facing Reality: Money Doesn’t Equal Happiness
The truth is this: Money itself isn’t fun. Will Smith was recent in the news telling the story of when he realized “success and money don’t mean happiness.”
And I often think about when Jim Carrey famously said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
My point is that even some of the richest people in the world get to that point and realize that having money isn’t fun. Often, the work that comes with managing money – paperwork, taxes, etc. – can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that you’re not alone, and those feelings are completely normal! In fact, 90% of Americans say “financial considerations have an impact on their stress levels.”
But that doesn’t mean you have to keep those negative feelings about your money. With a little shift in perspective, there are steps you can take to start truly enjoying your finances.
More Money, More Responsibility
So if I can reposition this for a minute, consider the following statement: “I hate mowing the lawn and vacuuming. I wish I thought owning a house was fun.”
It’s kind of the same idea, right? But if you think about it, the house itself isn’t the fun part – nobody really likes the chores that come along with it. The fun part is what you do with the house. Having friends over, building things in the shed, game night with the family, etc.
It’s the same thing with money. The fun part is what you do with it: getting that dream house, sending your kids to college, cruising around Europe…
Money is a responsibility – and while some parts of managing money are less exciting than others, that work can enable you to live out your dreams and enjoy your life.
Related: What is the Difference Between a Financial Plan and a Financial LIFE Plan?
Using Your Money to Find Joy
Don’t get me wrong: Money does not equal happiness. Wealth is simply a tool that can help you achieve your goals.
But it is possible to approach your financial details with a positive mindset.
Finding happiness in your money begins with your goals. And when I say goals, I don’t mean “have more money.”
Rather, take some time to consider your values – what does your dream lifestyle look like? Do you imagine great vacations, a dream home or endless time to spend on your favorite hobby? At the core of your financial journey, money should enable you to do what you want.
Once you start focusing on the end result, you’ll spend less time worrying about the money and paperwork involved. Remember, it’s easy to get caught up in the details, but when you check your investments or sign the paperwork to open a new account, remind yourself what you’re working toward.The details may be boring, but the big picture is so exciting!
Related: How Investing Can Help You Reach Your Financial Goals
Enlist a financial guide to help you focus on your goals
Our main job as financial advisors is to help you identify your goals and build a saving/investing plan to help you accomplish them. We do more than just manage your assets; we help you build a plan to meet your unique goals.
So while your plan is built with dollars and cents and stocks and bonds, we’re actually working on buying your dream house, sending your kids to college, finally taking that cruise in Europe with your spouse and retiring near your grandkids.
If you’re struggling to find the joy in your money, or aren’t seeing the results you’ve been hoping for, a financial advisor could help you shift your perspective, create a plan and keep you on track for success.
So if you’re getting caught up in the paperwork and transactional details of your finances, it might be time to hit reset, shift your perspective and connect with a qualified professional. With the right mindset and team members by your side, you can find the fun in money once again.
Let’s Talk About Your Financial Goals
Our team of advisors is here to guide you along your financial journey. Click here to learn more or connect with a member of the Clarity team today.
