Introducing: (Less) Lonely Money and Some Thoughts on Love

Over the years, I’ve explored the intersection of money, psychology, philosophy, conversation, and connection in research and on other platforms. A recurring theme: Many of us feel profoundly lonely when it comes to our money. But what if we could transform that loneliness—both with our money and in our relationships—into something more meaningful?

I have started a monthly substack, (Less) Lonely Money, that delves into that very question. So keep reading for a snippet of what you will find on substack. And better, subscribe today because if you like this article, the next one will be out later this week.

Here is a snippet of: What Nietzsche Teaches Us About Relationship Building

I recently read Simon May’s Love – A History—a book that weaves together insights from Nietzsche and other philosophers on love and relationships. One idea resonated deeply: “One must learn to love.” For Nietzsche, as expressed in that quote, the best love isn’t an instant spark—it’s an art that requires effort, exposure, and practice.

The Art of Cultivating Relationships (in Life and in Money)

We’re naturally inclined to form relationships. Yet, as research shows, whether in the workplace, at home, or with our financial advisors, many of us are not as skilled at building fulfilling relationships as we’d like to be:

• Work: Gallup’s 2022 report found that only 23% of the global workforce feels engaged. Poor relationships with colleagues and managers contribute to disengagement and even burnout.
• Intimate & Social Relationships: With divorce rates around 40–50% and studies showing growing loneliness among friends, it’s clear that even our closest bonds are under strain.
• Financial Planning Relationships: While satisfaction scores have improved, many clients—especially younger ones—feel neglected or misunderstood by advisors focused solely on investments rather than holistic, value-driven guidance.

Good relationships aren’t innate; they’re a skill to be cultivated. As Nietzsche reminds us, learning to love requires intentionality. And that applies to all relationships—even those surrounding money.

Money and Relationships: A Dual Challenge

In my recent Substack article (published about a month ago on (Less) Lonely Money), I dive deep into this challenge - go check out the full article. I explore how our approach to relationships—be they personal, professional, or financial—can make all the difference in how we navigate life’s complexities. I cover topics such as:

• Emotional Intelligence in Financial Decisions: How understanding and regulating our emotions can lead to better financial choices.
• Gratitude and Generosity: The role of appreciation and giving time in nurturing more fulfilling financial advisor-client relationships.
• Growth Mindset and Communication: Why fostering curiosity and open dialogue can transform financial planning from a transactional experience into a genuine partnership.

Using insights from relationship research and philosophical musings—from Nietzsche’s call to learn to love to modern data on loneliness—I argue that the future of financial planning isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about cultivating trust, transparency, and genuine connection. Ultimately, when we learn the art of great relationships, we empower ourselves to have a richer, more rewarding relationship with our money.

Why It Matters

Our work as financial advisors is more than just managing assets—it’s about helping people feel less alone in their financial lives. In a world where isolation is increasingly common, fostering deeper, more empathetic relationships isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for well-being and success.

Imagine transforming every financial conversation into an opportunity for connection—a chance to not only guide someone toward financial security but also to help them feel understood and supported. That’s the vision behind (Less) Lonely Money. It’s a space where I share insights, ideas, and practical advice to help both advisors and their clients navigate the emotional side of money.

A Sneak Peek & Invitation

This post is just a teaser—a glimpse into the larger conversation I’m having over on my Substack - (Less) Lonely Money. If you’re interested in:

• Building better, more authentic relationships with your clients
• Understanding the deeper, emotional aspects of financial decision-making
• Exploring the philosophical, psychological and sociological underpinnings of how we relate to money

…then I invite you to join me on (Less) Lonely Money. I publish new, in-depth articles every month that peel back the layers on these topics, offering both fresh insights and practical tips you can apply immediately.

?? Subscribe to (Less) Lonely Money for the full article connecting Nietzsche and relationship building. New insights on money and connection will drop on Thursday - Agreement is for Quitters.

Join the conversation and let's all start to feel a little less lonely when it comes to money.