Put Your Money With Your Values
Recently I attended a financial planning presentation and wine tasting at a swanky lounge in Denver. The event was hosted by Cascade Financial Management and presented by the lovely Stephanie Bruno, a Certified Private Wealth Advisor. Targeting women and financial literacy I knew it was something I wanted to attend and let’s be honest, there was wine.
The event was intimate, with no more than 8 women entrepreneurs and young professionals. Stephanie talked about how women relate to money and the importance of financially planning for you future. Her notes were relevant and we talked about credit card debt, loans, savings, investments, budgeting, retirement planning, relocating and how women view their finaces in comparison to men. I loved all the information but the one piece that struck me the most was talking about our financial value proposition.
Stephanie asked each of us to reflect on what we valued, what is important about money to each of us and what would we spend money on, no matter what? I thought about my financial value and realized I was willing to spend and always compromise when it came to: Wellness and Travel/experiences.
I have a gym membership and also a Core Power Yoga package just because it’s my time to check out, stay fit, healthy and happy. I believe in yoga – it has gotten me through tough times and helps me stay centered.
This last year, I have taken almost 10 trips across the country. I like to spread out my PTO with long weekend trips, almost once a month. I have friends and family around the country and I feel alive when I’m traveling. It’s good to get out and move. Experiencing a change of scenery is important, to me at least. For the above mentioned, I don’t cringe when the money is spent. It’s well worth it and that’s where my financial value lies.
Other people love bleeding edge technology, marathons, culinary classes, building and buying gear for your car – you name it, the point is, understanding what it is. Stephanie pointed out that there’s a distinct difference between goals and values. Goals are tangible and values are core to who you are.
These are the (paraphrased) takeaway notes I gathered from Stephanie:
- As long as you understand where your financial value lies, you can set the stage for how you spend and save money. There are certain things you don’t want to compromise and that’s okay.
- Ensure it’s a balance.
- Your values are core to who you are. By understanding your financial values, it’s easier to make decisions.
- Ask yourself, “Does your financial behavior match your values?”
What’s your financial value? Do you focus on your finances and budget? Do you know what’s most important to spend your money on ?
