Lately, the word INTENTIONAL has been showing up a lot for me in various aspects of my life.   Whether it’s managing relationships, daily life choices, time management or more, living and being INTENTIONAL is a super-power.    The problem for most people (including myself at times) is we don’t live intentionally.  We allow outside forces (marketing, cultural norms or expectations, peer pressure and more) to shape our decisions and we fall into auto-pilot  mode.

I’m in the midst of reading a book as part of a Couples Small Group through our church.  The book is called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (by John Mark Cromer).  It’s no surprise that we live in a “hurried” society and the speed of technology and information flow seems to only get faster.   Inevitably, we all feel rushed as more information comes our way and more demands on our time.  I’m not bemoaning the technological advancements of the past century.  Let’s face it central heat and air conditioning is much better in many respects than having to go cut firewood and huddle around the fireplace at night for warmth.  But, with this new advancement, we unknowingly gave up something:  the emotional connection of all being huddled around the fireplace at night and talking.   Living intentionally requires evaluating choices for the cost/benefit.  This is true in building wealth too.

When it comes to building financial independence (i.e., wealth) it is easy to go on autopilot and simply follow what seems to be popular opinion or what the latest Tik Tok video shares.  There are many experts, however, that all share some common attributes in their education about what it takes to create wealth.  Several examples include:

• Spend less than you make (i.e. live below your means).
• Invest.
• Track and manage expenses.  (i.e.., budgeting/spending plan)
• Look for ways to increase your income to have more excess.
• Reduce/stay out of debt, especially “bad” debt.

All of these are great, and all require discipline.  But being INTENTIONAL in each of these areas is an important aspect as well.  For example, when it comes to spending less than you make or even investing, are you intentional?  Do you ask yourself questions like “do I really need this, or do I simply WANT this?”   “Will this make my life better long term or just for today or the here and now?”   “Is this investment (asset class) something I am comfortable with and feel confident, based on research, that it is right for me?”   Being intentional requires you to “know thyself” and to “know your risk tolerance”.  It also requires you to get educated on certain topics.  I’m not sure who coined this phrase (see the pun there…”coined”) but I once heard, “no one will and should care about your money as much as you”.   So, even if working with an advisor or investor, you should be asking questions and educating yourself on your investments.   Kenney Chesney has a song with a line that goes like this:  “Better get to living cause all we got is HERE and NOW”.   I like a good song and a good lyric and while the lyric is a fun lyric, it’s far from true.   I see this “here and now” or “YOLO – You Only Live Once” philosophy is so prevalent and yet a false reality.  There is a tomorrow and a future for your wise wealth building.   (And on a spiritual level, there is also a tomorrow and the choices we make today may determine where we spend that eternal life.)

The point here is that on your journey to creating and maintaining wealth, be intentional.  The next time you are making a purchase or a decision regarding money, pause and be intentional.  Ask yourself if the choice you are making aligns with your long-term goals.  Ask yourself if this is truly a need or a want.  (Not all “wants” are bad either but be intentional in knowing which you are choosing).  

Being INTENTIONAL is a super-power and I find it works in other areas of my life as well….in how I manage relationships, how I spend my time, as well as how I spend money.