Here's a question I ask almost everyone I meet: when you think about your money, what do you feel?
Not what do you think. What do you feel.
The answers tell me a lot. Some people say relief. Some say pride. Far too many describe a low, constant hum of worry, even people who have done everything right and built more than they ever thought they would.
That bothers me, because money is supposed to do the opposite. It's meant to give you a sense of security, the freedom to spend a Tuesday afternoon however you want, and the joy of being generous with the people you love. If it isn't doing that, something has gone sideways, and usually it isn't the money.
Why So Many People Feel Afraid
There's something about the financial services industry that doesn't get said out loud very often… fear is good for business. Think about how advisors sometimes talk to people. Are you saving enough? Is the market about to turn? Will you outlive your money? Almost every message is built to leave you feeling a little less safe than you did before you were asked it.
I understand why it works. If you have something to worry about, then something probably needs to change, and a change needs someone to guide you through it, which makes the advisor an essential piece. I don't think most advisors set out to do this purposefully, including plenty of good people at the big firms. In my view, it's what happens when a whole industry is organized around activity and urgency. It's a bit like a smoke detector that goes off every morning. A smoke detector is a good thing to have, but one that beeps every morning stops protecting you and just keeps you up at night.
What I Do Differently
The advisors I admire most don't create calm with a market outlook or a new investment product, and I try to work the same way. I'd rather spend our time on you than on the market...
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Insights, advice, and comments provided by RJ Finley and members of the Decidedly Wealth Management team should not be considered personalized financial advice or recommendations. This content is produced solely for informational and educational purposes. For personalized guidance, book a free conversation.
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