GRATITUDE’S IMPACT ON YOUR MONEY MINDSET

When we hear the term “gratitude,” most of us think of living a happier and more fulfilling life. We think of slowing down, cherishing small moments with our kids, savoring a cup of coffee, maybe reflections of life or career. How does gratitude shape our perspective on money? Could practicing gratitude be the missing piece for a prosperous retirement?

Let’s explore how embracing gratitude can transform your financial mindset, leading to smarter investment decisions, less stress, and more fulfillment in your golden years.

1. Making Smarter Financial Decisions
Contentment can help reduce the temptation to make impulsive or unnecessary purchases or engage in high-risk investments. It can alleviate the “Fear Of Missing Out” (FOMO), that seems to drive so many financial decisions. The Jones’ aren’t worth keeping up with (and often have less than you!).

Appreciate the wealth and financial security you’ve achieved. Talk to your advisor about your solid retirement plan and the peace of mind it provides. It’s a great start towards feeling more satisfaction in life.

2. Reducing Financial Anxiety
When it comes to money we often fixate on the future or the fancy. What’s our next financial milestone? Is that new purchase the perfect choice? Are we on track to reach our goals? What if you don’t have enough at retirement?

While we’re big proponents of financial planning for the future, it’s also important to stop and smell the roses. Your advisor will help you reach those goals you’re pondering. Taxes are frustrating, home maintenance or remodeling decisions are challenging, replacing the car when your lease is up can be a headache. So often our problems are really “first world problems”. Appreciate what got you here, take pride in all that hard work, spend time with family and friends, think about the ride.

3. Find Financial Fulfillment
It seems that too often money or wealth has too little utility for people in their retirement years. Money certainly makes many things easier or more accessible. It can’t make an unhappy life into a happy one. The years you worked to scrimp and save bore fruit, creating your wealth in retirement. Focus on how that wealth can provide you peace of mind, contentment, and purpose.

You may find a purpose and legacy with your wealth in supporting your family or grandchildren. You can use your wealth towards education, to pass on your financial aptitude to future generations. You may create a legacy via philanthropy, even being directly involved with charities and sharing the skills learned in a long career. You may find peace of mind, knowing you had retirement goals you achieved, and you now enjoy financial freedom after that last paycheck.

How to Practice Gratitude
How does one become more grateful? The short answer – it takes practice. Here are just a few of the many ways to incorporate daily gratitude practices into your life.

• Gratitude Journaling: Develop a routine of recording your thoughts in a journal. Reflect on the blessings and positive aspects present in your life. Do this daily and watch your mindset shift.^[1]
  
• Recall Past Challenges:  Were there times when you were struggling to make ends meet? Reminisce about those difficult periods. By acknowledging the hardships you’ve faced and recognizing your progress, you’re building a rich foundation for being thankful.^[2]
  
• Seek Opportunities to Volunteer: For many, giving back can foster an appreciation for easily overlooked aspects of life. Research also demonstrates that volunteering with the intent of supporting others enhances personal well-being and, consequently, the capacity for gratitude.^[3]

Embracing gratitude can initiate a shift in your financial mindset that can lead to a more fulfilling relationship with money. By incorporating daily gratitude practices, you can shift your focus from worrying about the future to cherishing the present, reducing financial anxiety and promoting contentment.

^[1] Emmons, R. A. (2010, November 17). Ten Ways to Become More Grateful. Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ten_ways_to_become_more_grateful1

^[2] Emmons, R. A. (2010, November 17). Ten Ways to Become More Grateful. Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ten_ways_to_become_more_grateful1

^[3] Goudreau, J. (2016, July 8). 8 Ways To Have More Gratitude Every Day. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2016/07/08/8-ways-to-have-more-gratitude-every-day/?sh=4870d6f31d54