Love and Money: A Deeper Connection

Executive Summary 

• Profound Insight: A mentor shared, “Money is love,” highlighting how our financial choices reflect our true values. 

• Values-Driven Decisions: Understanding what matters most to you to align your financial choices with your personal values. 

• The Importance of Purpose: Clarifying the “why” behind your financial goals is essential for creating a solid foundation in financial planning. 

• Daily Reminders: Write down your core values and display them where you’ll see them every day. This will keep your values front and center in all your financial decisions. 

A few years ago, I had a conversation over breakfast with a mentor who is deeply involved in the financial planning field. We discussed how we help clients live their best lives, how financial planning plays a role in that, and what money truly means in our lives. During that conversation, he shared a simple yet profound insight that has stuck with me ever since. He said, “Mark, money is love.” 

At first, this may sound like a cliché. But the deeper meaning behind it isn’t about loving money in the traditional sense. It’s about how the choices we make with our money are a reflection of what we truly value in life. 

Money as a Reflection of Values 

Take a moment to reflect on this: Money amplifies and mirrors who you are at your core. Every financial decision you make—from buying groceries to investing —speaks to your values. So, how do we navigate this complex relationship between love and money? 

It begins by identifying what matters most to you. Is it family? Freedom to travel? The ability to support a cause you believe in? When you understand your values—things like security, adventure, or legacy—money becomes a tool for building a life that aligns with those priorities. 

As Roy Disney wisely said, “When your values are clear, your decisions become easy.” (I’d add a small caveat: easier, because let’s face it, making decisions is often still tough!) But having a clear sense of your values can make those decisions feel more grounded and purposeful. 

Building a Strong Foundation 

Let’s take a moment to imagine something. Picture a beautiful, modern home with all the latest designs and cutting-edge technology. But what if the foundation of that house is shaky or poorly constructed? No matter how stunning the house above ground, it won’t stand strong without a solid foundation. 

The same is true for financial planning. If we rush to set financial goals without understanding the foundation—our core values—then those goals can lack direction or depth. For example, let’s say you want to buy a new car. But if your underlying value is sustainability, does buying a gas-guzzling vehicle truly reflect that? This is why understanding the “why” behind your goals is more important than the goals themselves. 

When we guide clients, we help them through exercises to pinpoint what matters most to them. This isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing process of reflection. I encourage you to embark on this journey as well. Identify your values and let them guide your financial decisions. 

Daily Reminders 

Once you've identified your core values, make a commitment to revisit them daily. One simple yet effective practice is to write them down and place them somewhere you can see them every day. I keep mine visible in my home office, and I reflect on them every evening around 7 PM during my nightly reading. This daily practice keeps me grounded in my “why”—the foundation of all my decisions. 

Your values will evolve over time, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you stay connected to them and allow them to guide your financial journey. 

What’s Next?