“We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship.“, Harville Hendrix
We often hear people say they want to achieve financial independence, and at first glance, it sounds like the ultimate goal. To reach a point where you don’t have to rely on anyone, don’t owe anyone anything, and can live entirely on your own terms.
But when you stop and think about it, doesn’t that version of independence sound… a little lonely?
The idea that we can insulate ourselves from others, that money can buy us complete freedom from obligation or connection, is one of the more persistent myths in modern life.
Yes, building enough wealth to support yourself is important. Establishing greater freedom of choice is a worthy goal. But even then, no amount of money can replace the richness of relationships, the comfort of knowing you belong, or the meaning that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself.
Financial independence is not about cutting ties. It’s about creating choices, and the ability to contribute to your own wellbeing and the lives of those you care about.
We see this play out in many ways. Some people reach their financial goals but still feel restless, even isolated, because they’ve pursued security at the expense of connection. Others discover that the real joy of having enough is being able to support family, mentor someone younger, give generously, or create opportunities for others.
The truth is, money and relationships are deeply intertwined. Every financial decision we make, whether it’s about earning, spending, saving, or giving, affects and is affected by the people around us.
When we work with clients, we often explore questions like:
– Who are the people you most want to care for?
– How do you want your wealth to impact your family, community, or future generations?
– Are there relationships you’d like to repair or strengthen, and how might your financial choices support that?
These questions remind us that wealth is not just a number on a balance sheet. It’s a tool to help you live in alignment with your values, and those values almost always involve others.
So perhaps the real goal isn’t independence, but healthy interdependence: the freedom to stand on your own feet while choosing to staying rooted in the relationships that give your life meaning.
If you’d like to reflect on how your financial journey can strengthen, not separate, your most important connections, we’d be honoured to help.
We advise, you thrive.