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The Never-Ending Pursuit of Money

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The Never-Ending Pursuit of Money

What would it be like to be ultra-wealthy? Would it mean homes in Hawaii and Paris? Do you envision sailing a luxury yacht across the Mediterranean? What about chartering a trip to space? While it’s fun to imagine, this isn’t the reality for most of us. 

You might have heard the term “Ultra High Net Worth” (UHNW) before. It’s a term for those who have north of $30 million in net worth. There are currently 142,990 UHNW individuals in North America1 out of 369 million in total2. That’s less than one-tenth of 1% (.03% to be exact). 

There simply aren’t that many people flying private, sitting front row at sporting events, or buying private islands…contrary to what we see on TV or in social media. So why do we sometimes feel the desire for more, even though we’re doing just fine financially?

The mindset of accumulating wealth is deeply ingrained in most of our psyches. It’s important in the sense that we all have goals and want to retire comfortably, but it can be dangerous in its extremes. Let’s take a moment to understand some of the psychology behind why this happens:

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Defining Your Money Values

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Defining Your Money Values

Understanding your money values helps to ensure that your financial decisions align with what matters most to you and your family. These values serve as a foundation for making consistent, purpose-driven choices, while reducing financial stress and potential arguments. 

For instance, prioritizing education might mean setting aside funds for college rather than opting for an extravagant vacation. It’s not that you wouldn’t vacation, family memories are important too, but opting for something in-state may align better with your family’s goals than taking three weeks in Bali.

Let’s get practical and discuss some steps to help arrive at meaningful goals as a family. We think you’ll find the exercise itself to be rewarding and insightful.

Get Artsy in Retirement

Get Artsy in Retirement

Retirement marks a new chapter, offering the perfect opportunity to explore passions that may have been set aside during earlier life stages. Engaging in the arts is more than just a way to fill your schedule–it provides a wide variety of benefits that are important as we age. 

Creativity challenges the brain, enhancing memory and problem-solving abilities. It also provides an emotional outlet, helping to manage stress and create meaning. What’s more, art can open doors to the community. Joining a class or group connects you with other artists, fostering friendships and combating loneliness.

Whether you’re trying something new or rekindling a lost passion, the arts offer a world of possibilities. Here are 10 activities to consider: 

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Bracket Busting: Coping with Life’s Unexpected "Upset" Wins and Losses

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Bracket Busting: Coping with Life’s Unexpected "Upset" Wins and Losses

Out of 36 million brackets submitted to major online games for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, only four perfect brackets remained heading into the final day of the second round.

And none of those brackets stayed perfect heading into the Sweet 16.

Still, even though "perfect" is no longer possible, the tournament will go on. There will be more upsets, more blow-outs, and more brackets busted. And fans all over the country will cheer some wins, cope with some disappointments, and find new teams, players, and storylines to root for if their favorites don't make it all the way.

Throughout the course of your financial plan, you'll often have to let go of "perfect" and adjust to the ups and downs that life throws at you. These three strategies can help you stay in the game and win round by round all the way to retirement.

How a Financial Advisor Can Help Lower Your Tax Bill

How a Financial Advisor Can Help Lower Your Tax Bill

Tax planning is a vital part of any wealth management strategy, but reducing your tax burden isn’t always a straightforward process, especially for individuals with more complicated returns. Careful planning can help minimize your tax liability leaving you with more money to further your financial goals. 

Tax planning isn’t just something you think about when filing, it requires year-round attention if done properly. Surely, your accountant should play a large role in this, but consider working with a financial advisor who can recommend tax-efficient investment strategies as well.

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How to Maximize Your Credit Score

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How to Maximize Your Credit Score

For the wealthy, credit scores can feel like a formality. After all, when you have ample liquidity, who’s really checking your credit? 

Turns out, plenty of people are. Lenders, underwriters, insurers, and even business partners may review your credit as a measure of trustworthiness and financial discipline. And while a high-net-worth can open doors, a poor credit score can close a few behind the scenes.

Whether you're acquiring property, investing in new ventures, or simply maintaining your financial reputation, your credit score matters. These strategies can help you protect and elevate it.

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How to Fire Old Financial Habits

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How to Fire Old Financial Habits

You’ve advanced in your career. You’re earning more and managing the responsibilities that come with success. Yet maybe you’ve maintained some financial habits that you should have left behind.

These habits are often rooted in past visions of security or achievement. But if the conditions have changed, it’s worth asking whether the behavior still fits. You might recognize some of these signals:

Develop Healthy Hobbies as a Family

Develop Healthy Hobbies as a Family

We may feel like we spend lots of time with our family members. But squeezing in a few hugs and meals on our way to and from work, school, and soccer practice isn't really the same as scheduling meaningful family time. Developing family hobbies can help you all spend more purposeful time together, improve your family's wellbeing, and find new ways to connect. 

Mix and match a few of these ideas to find some go-to family hobbies, rain or shine.