Do Your Values and Finances Align?
One key to a successful financial plan is to align your values and your finances. When your money goes places that are not in alignment with what you value, it may make it harder to reach your goals.
Values at its core is what drives your decision making. It’s why you do what you do, in all areas of your life.
If you haven’t determined what your values are, then it’s easy to make financial decisions that may be haphazard or unintentional. And many values play a role in our financial decisions.
Consider values such as:
- Integrity
- Moderation
- Health
- Compassion
- Wealth
- Generosity
- Gratitude
- Independence
- Family
How would each of these play a role in finances?
Values are instilled at an early age and may change as we go through life experiences. Even unexpected news or a major life change may cause a shift in what we value most.
If you are uncertain what your core values are, think about what you are passionate about, and ask yourself why. When a financial decision must be made, consider how it may or may not align with your values. Values come into play even with the small decisions we make throughout the day. For example, when we stop and ask someone how their day is going, it shows we value relationships. When we stop to admire a beautiful sunset, it shows gratitude and mindfulness.
We are bombarded by outside influences constantly, many times we are tempted to take actions that do not align with what we value most.
I encourage you to take some time to think about how your values influence your financial decisions.
- Define your values
- Set goals that align with those values
- Create a budget that reflects your priorities
- Make informed spending decisions
- Evaluate purchases to make sure they align with your values
- Even when investing you can research and align your values
I value experiences, nature, and helping others. After doing some research on this subject for a learning session for employees, I see my values reflected in my thoughts, actions and finances.
When meeting with members for coaching sessions, I can see how more focus in this area helps people make different decisions. I’d welcome the opportunity to meet with you and perhaps you will find some new ways to look at your finances and create a new plan forward.
CLICK HERE to schedule your Personal Financial Coaching session.
Lisa Atkinson
TFCU | Personal Financial Coach
latkinson@tucsonfcu.com
As a Personal Financial Coach, I do not provide legal or tax advice. Tucson Federal Credit Union does not guarantee that this service will achieve any particular objective or outcome. For any legal advice, please seek the advice of an attorney or tax professional.
