I recently posted on LinkedIn: “Don’t be the richest person in the graveyard!”
There’s no shortage of financial advice online these days.
“Get a side hustle.”
“Invest in five different income streams.”
“Buy more assets, spend less money.”
“Put your money in crypto.”
“Oh — and skip the takeaway coffee, obviously.”
Now, I’m all for building financial independence. It’s wise to earn well, save intentionally, and make informed decisions. But here’s where it can go off track, when that well-meaning advice becomes so rigid that you forget to live your life in the process.
I’ve seen people who’ve become so focused on optimisation, on growing their income, minimising spending, squeezing out every last basis point of performance… that they forget what the money is actually for.
They end up missing out on moments. On holidays. On good coffee, even. And eventually, they wake up financially secure… but emotionally worn out.
That’s not the goal.
The goal isn’t to die with the most money. It’s to live with the most meaning.
And yes, that includes having enough to feel secure, to retire well, to help your kids, and to give generously. But it also means spending where it matters now, on experiences, relationships, hobbies, and the little pleasures that bring joy to your day.
Like the trip you’ve always wanted to take to New Zealand.
Or the latte you actually enjoy.
Or taking the afternoon off to go hiking with your kids.
It’s about life for today, with one eye on the future. Not sacrificing one completely for the other.
Perhaps this is where real financial planning comes in, not just spreadsheets and tax wrappers, but helping you balance what you need, what you want, and what really matters.
It’s about setting goals that reflect your values, not just your net worth. And then building a plan that gives you the freedom to enjoy life today, without putting tomorrow at risk.
So yes, save. Invest wisely, for sure! Build up a safety net and take care of future-you.
But also…
Buy the coffee.
Book the trip.
Live the life you’re building.
Because if your plan doesn’t leave room for joy, you’re not planning for life — you’re just planning for accumulation.
Let’s build a plan that balances both.
