We often think of finances as a cut-and-dry part of our lives. Left-brained and analytical. Unemotional. The truth is, however, that personal finance is a lot more complicated than just numbers and spreadsheets. Our emotions and mental well-being are directly tied to our financial situation and what we choose to do with that situation. The “personal” side of finance simply can’t be ignored.

As Tim Maurer, Wealth Advisor and personal finance expert said:

“Personal finance is more personal than it is finance.”

We find this statement rings true throughout our financial studio. When working with our clients we spend the bulk of our meetings not discussing the “numbers” but what the numbers, and money they represent, are going to bring you, what they mean to you, and how these feelings fit into your holistic picture. 

Every single person we meet has their own set of priorities and definition of what it means to live a purposeful life. One of our favourite parts of our job is having these vulnerable conversations with clients, hearing what’s important to them, and making it work given their unique situation.

As financial planners, our job isn’t to tell you what to do with your money, but rather to facilitate these open conversations about your financial situation. We get on the same page about where you are at and work to solidify your goals and priorities; eventually turning them into realities, regardless of whether any changes to your finances take place. At the end of the day, our situations, emotions, and finances are complicated and sometimes we just need to have a conversation about it. 

To read more about Tim Maurer and his thoughts on the “personal” of personal finance, read his blog post.