Align Your Money with What Matters Most to You

Do you ever feel like you're spending, saving, and investing without a real purpose?

All this money, yet the life you have isn't the life you want? A value-based financial plan can change that. This approach ensures every dollar you use goes toward something that matters to you—whether it's family, personal goals, or future plans. It's also not about cutting out things you love; it's about making your money work for the things that matter most.

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Uncover Your Core Values

First, you need to know what your core values are.

Ask yourself, "What's important about money to me?" or "What do I want my money to help me achieve?" You have to dig deeper into your answers to get to the core. For example, if you say, "Money gives me freedom," ask yourself, "Why is freedom important to me?" Repeat this process several times to get to the root of your motivations.

Another way is using a framework called PERMA-V (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Vitality) to help identify what makes life fulfilling.

Aligning your goals with these areas might help you uncover what matters most to you, making what you need to do with your finances much more meaningful.

1. Set Goals That Reflect Your Values

Now, it's time to set goals that connect directly to what you care about most.

When your goals reflect your core values, they become meaningful—and that makes it easier to stay committed. For example, if family is a top priority, you might set a goal to build a family emergency fund or save for your child's education. Be as specific as possible, like "Save $10,000 for a family vacation in two years." When you know your goal supports something you truly value, you'll be more motivated to reach it.

One of the strongest motivations we can have is the drive to make sacrifices for the people we love.

With goals that support your loved ones and your values, every dollar saved is something truly meaningful.

2. Create a Budget that Honors Your Values

Budgeting is essential to any financial plan.

Start with your income, then cover your essentials—housing, food, bills. After that, direct funds toward your goals. If family travel is a value, make sure some money goes toward it. If health is a core value, budget for good food and exercise over other unnecessary things.

Understanding what matters is the first step; the next step is to take action.

3. Check and Adjust Regularly

Life changes, and so might your values.

Review your plan and values regularly—for example, every quarter or semi-annually. Are you still working towards what you've initially identified as important? If not, adjust as needed to align with your core values.

The last thing we want is years down the road, and we find out we’ve been working towards something we no longer value.

Stay True to What Matters Most

Creating a financial plan based on your values will lead to you being less likely to regret your choices down the road.

By following these steps, you can build a financially strong future aligned with what truly matters to you.

You can do it!