Would you take financial advice from your spouse?

I do—every day. And not just because he’s ridiculously smart (and yes, charming). My husband, Dan, is a Certified Financial Planner, and in this episode of the SmarterWellth podcast, we sat down to talk about something that goes way deeper than budgeting or 401(k)s: financial purpose.

It’s a topic we don’t hear enough about. Because most of the time, money conversations revolve around “how much”—how much we have, how much we need, how much we can spend. But I want to invite you into a different kind of conversation—one that asks:
 

Because at the end of the day, financial well-being isn’t just about numbers. It’s about direction.

Let’s Talk About Financial Purpose

Dan describes financial purpose as “the underlying reason or goal behind managing money.” And once we start thinking that way, the whole game changes.

This isn’t about whether you have the perfect retirement plan or a six-figure income. It’s about getting honest with yourself:

• What does financial freedom look like in your life right now?
  
• Are your money habits aligned with your core values?
  
• What kind of life are you trying to build—and are you building it with intention?
  

If you’ve never thought about crafting a financial purpose statement, you’re not alone. But I’ll tell you this—it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your future self.

Financial Security vs. Financial Freedom

One of my favorite parts of this episode is when Dan and I dive into the difference between financial security and financial freedom—and how often we confuse the two.

Here’s how we broke it down:

• Security is feeling like you’ve got a safety net. It’s the emergency fund, the ability to pay your bills, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not one flat tire away from crisis.
  
• Freedom is knowing your money is working for you—so you can live, serve, rest, or dream without being chained to a paycheck.
  

And spoiler alert: more money doesn’t automatically mean more peace. In fact, without a purpose, even a big bank account can feel empty.

Start Small, Think Big: Habits That Actually Work

You don’t have to have it all figured out to start building a life aligned with your financial purpose. Dan shared some simple, powerful habits anyone can begin today:

1. Take a “financial blood test”
   Just like a doctor checks your vitals, assess your current financial state. List your income, expenses, debts, assets, and savings.
   
2. Build your emergency fund
   Three months of expenses if you’re in a dual-income household, six months if you’re flying solo. It’s not sexy—but it’s stability.
   
3. Write your purpose statement
   Put your financial “why” on paper. Even if it’s messy or evolves over time, it gives your money a direction.
   
4. Save as a percentage of income—not a set number
   Maxing out a 401(k) is great, but don’t stop there. Saving more than what’s “required” is how you get from surviving to thriving.
   
5. Get help, not guilt
   Working with a financial advisor isn’t about judgment—it’s about partnership. And the good ones? They’ll walk with you, not talk down to you.
   

Especially for Women: Let’s Get Real

Look, as women, we carry a different kind of weight when it comes to money—especially as we age. 1 in 8 of us will face breast cancer. We live longer. We often earn less, but stretch it further. And still, we tend to put ourselves last.

That has to change.

Financial freedom for women isn’t about becoming millionaires. It’s about having options. It’s about being able to rest when we need to, take care of our people, and live with joy and agency—even when life throws curveballs.

One of the things I loved most from the Blue Zones documentary we mentioned on the episode is how women in Japan live in community, pulling resources together well into their 90s. They live long, joyful, purpose-filled lives—and it has very little to do with money and everything to do with alignment.

That’s what we’re saving for.

Final Thought from Me

There is no shame in starting small, starting late, or starting over. The magic happens when you start with purpose.

So take a deep breath. Ask yourself what you want your money to do for you—and begin building a financial life that reflects your values, your story, and the kind of well-being that actually lasts.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here.