What is Financial Abundance?

Financial abundance isn’t just for “rich people.” Anyone who is financially independent and still has assets beyond their current needs and what they’re likely to need in the future, is in a state of financial abundance. Abundance is the final stage of financial maturity.

In this stage, your money mindset should focus on:

• Appreciating your relative wealth
• Considering your values and leveraging your wealth to express them
• Considering your legacy

Getting to Gratitude

In a world where social media shows idealized versions of people’s lives, and where the range of wealth even within “Financial Abundance” can still be staggering, it’s easy to forget what it means to be wealthy, and to be grateful for what we have.

In his book, The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel writes, “Wealth is financial assets that haven’t yet been converted into the stuff you see.” We agree. In fact, we believe that true wealth is about security, freedom, and happiness. And while money plays its part, by no means is it the full picture. Additionally, while achieving financial abundance is a straightforward math equation, experiencing lasting happiness is a lifelong practice. 

And this begs the question: How can we leverage a state of financial abundance to increase our happiness? We believe it starts with gratitude.

Financial abundance typically arrives after a healthy dose of hard work and good financial habits. But it’s highly likely that good fortune played a significant role as well. Regardless of how you see this balance in your own story, a mindset underpinned with gratitude is likely to be one that leads to happiness. In her book The Gratitude Connection, Amy Collette writes, “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.”

Steps to Take

To cultivate your mindset of gratitude, you may want to look at your wealth from a macro perspective using a calculator like one from the World Inequality database. Comparing your wealth on a broader scale can prove illuminating. You may also want to consider your financial journey in the context of time and place. For example, had you been born in a different time or place, would that have impacted your ability to achieve financial abundance? Were there unique connections or coincidences along the way that helped spur you to where you are today?

That you are reading this blog – let alone that you may be in a state of financial abundance – means you are literate, and have access to the internet. With that as a starting place, we’re certain you have much to be thankful for.

From Gratitude, to Giving Back

Once your mindset is one of gratitude, you’ll likely be excited about opportunities for giving back. Reflecting on your values, and your story may help you identify the areas you’re most interested to have an impact. For example, if you value spending time in nature and exploring the outdoors, consider causes related to conservation. If you value the arts, quality journalism, or education, look for causes where your resources can make a difference there. 

Next, consider your personal story. What opportunities did you receive that others weren’t? Were there individuals or organizations that had an outsized impact on your life? Many find satisfaction in mentoring the next generation or helping to provide unique educational opportunities to underprivileged youth. 

As you evaluate your options for what you want to give back to, consider how you want to give back as well. Recurring or one time charitable contributions are one method. But don’t underestimate the value of volunteering. Mission-driven organizations face other constraints beyond finances. You may have an area of expertise that can be of great value. It may be in something as general as project management or marketing, to something as specific as software development. And don’t forget that some volunteering just needs bodies to fill a role. If you’re physically able, this might mean weeding a hillside of an invasive species or working on trail repair. Or it could be manning a ticket booth or handing out cups of water at a race.

For most in a state of financial abundance, there is more flexibility in how time and money is spent. Test out what works for you and know you can always make a change if it doesn’t feel right.

Legacy is about Meaning

For some, the word “legacy” may conjure thoughts of ego or self promotion. A university library built in your name, is certainly “legacy” building, but also a pretty public display of wealth. But, the value of considering your legacy goes beyond ego. The first part of retirement – or any time after reaching financial abundance – can be confusing and difficult for many people. For the first time, you may be faced with the reality that you don’t actually need to do anything. This can produce feelings of aimlessness or even despair.

However, by thinking hard about your legacy, you’re forced to think about something bigger than yourself. It’s your legacy that lives on when you’re gone. Therefore, by focusing on how you will be remembered and the impact you can have even after death, you can bring new meaning and value to the work you do once achieving financial abundance.

Summary

Much like your high school prom, going to college, or getting that first salaried job, if you’ve just entered a state of financial abundance you may find it feels different than you anticipated. However, you can ensure that this stage of financial maturity is as fulfilling or even more fulfilling than any that came before by focusing on gratitude, the ways you can give back, and the legacy you will leave behind after you die.