Does your money reflect what’s important to you?
Many people have an uncomfortable relationship with money because their money is not aligned with what they value. Our clients are looking for ways to use their money so they can live a meaningful life and perhaps leave a lasting legacy. When your money reflects what is most important to you it can provide you with a tremendous level of confidence and comfort.
At Spark Financial Advisors we like to view money through a pyramid-shaped lens. The base of the pyramid is cash flow. Cash flow is the foundation of any financial plan. If we want to build something that can withstand a few storms we need a strong foundation. The way we spend our money also gives us tremendous insight into how aligned our money is with our values. Other layers of the pyramid include taxes, insurance, investing, and your legacy.
Within the investing layer of the pyramid we get an opportunity to consider how we want our investments to reflect our values. While Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing is one way to reflecting our values it’s not the only way and it’s not the right way for every investor. Some investors prefer a conservative approach and are focused on protecting what they have accumulated. Other investors want their money to “work as hard as I do” and focus on efficient growth.
Many of us want a little bit of all of these. The important point to note is that what might be right for one investor may not be a good fit for another investor and that’s OK.
At Spark Financial Advisors our goal is for your money to reflect your values.
At the top of the pyramid we have your legacy. Your legacy is not something that only exists after you cease to exist. It’s the way you prepare your family with thoughtful estate planning, it’s charitable endeavors (time and/or money), and it’s the way you communicate your values to your friends and family.
At each level of the pyramid we help our clients reflect on their values to determine the best way to use their money. Sometimes this leads to surprising outcomes, but it often leads to significantly greater clarity and confidence.
If you’re looking for a creative, custom financial planning partner to help you move your money forward you’ve come to the right place. Let’s hop on a call and find out how Spark Financial Advisors can help you.
Questions for Lauren?
Financial planner and advisor, Lauren Zangardi Haynes, CIMA®, CFP®, CEPA works with business owners and leaders in Richmond and Williamsburg, VA. She also works virtually with clients nationwide.
As a fiduciary, she offers comprehensive Fee-Only financial planning and investment advisory services so you can live your dreams with confidence.