We don’t always think of it this way, but every purchase we make is an investment.
You spend because you have some expectation of value. Whether running a business or assessing college tuition, every decision is an ROI decision.
A critical truth looks at the other side of this conversation: not all ROI is financial. We make plenty of decisions where the ROI is explicitly non-financial. In the world of financial planning, a few of these categories are far more important than your net worth.
When we acknowledge there’s more to life than the next dollar, we can build our financial plan for the ROI that matters most.
1. Invest in Your Independence
When we prioritize financial independence–specifically the freedom to detach our time from our income–we get to ask incredible questions. For example, “If I didn’t need an income…”
- “... would I continue with my current role and company?”
- “... would I downshift and consult for 20 hours a week?”
- “... would I relocate or travel to be more involved with my kids and grandkids?”
- “... would I invest more time and talent into causes I’m passionate about?”
- “... would I be more intentional and present for my spouse?”
The questions are endless, yet all of them are about designing a life of purpose, vision, and fulfillment. Becoming financially independent lets you buy back your time and use it to design your ideal life.
Financial independence? Invaluable.
2. Invest in Better Health
Money and health are two things that don’t necessarily correlate–at least not automatically. This has been part of my own journey, a challenge largely inspired by my son.
Can you buy better health? In a way, absolutely. You can buy a healthier lifestyle if you are willing to stick with it. I’m thinking of worthy investments like:
- Health & nutrition coach
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapy
- Healthy meal prepping service
- A membership to a gym you actually enjoy
- Or a high-quality home gym
- Hobbies that keep you active
For one, investing in your health is a financial decision. Long-term care is one of the largest expenses in a financial plan, and you have less control over the longer you wait.
More importantly, I’ve heard your health referred to as the “silent partner” in every financial plan. It’s the one factor that can entirely restrict your ability to enjoy your wealth.
The ROI on good health? Shockingly measurable, yet invaluable.
3. Invest in Family Experiences
This has been huge for our family. My kids are launching their adult lives, and they have spread their wings far beyond our home. As life pulls us in different directions, creating core memories has been enormous.
From adventurous vacations to family vision casting retreats, we spend our money on memories that solidify our core values and strengthen our bonds.
Your mindset changes here when you approach family experiences with intentionality. It’s not just fun or time away. It’s time together. When I look at the last five years of doing this as a family, the money spent pales in comparison to the value received.
When was the last time you took your spouse on the trip of the decade and re-dreamed your vision as a family?
When was the last time you took each of your teenagers on a 1-on-1 trip to pour into them and inspire them in who they’re becoming?
How would I describe the ROI? Invaluable.
4. Invest in Your Development
This one may be among the most pivotal for me in my own life. My life changed when my wife and I committed to reading 50+ books a year. That was 20 years ago, and we haven’t stopped. Utterly transformative, to say the least.
Here are two more invaluable investments we’ve made:
Professional Coaching: Trent Booth of Veritas Leadership Group has been a game changer for me. He coaches me as well as every member of my family and our team at Vizionary.
Inspiring Communities: The older I get, the harder this is. You realize you’ve outgrown the groups that once fueled your growth. You know it when you feel it. I can’t emphasize enough: find the rooms you need to be in. Find people who will challenge you to Envizion More. It usually requires an investment, but the right room is always worth it.
Whether it’s books, podcasts, conferences, or any other investment in yourself, know that your growth will likely be your #1 ROI. Become the kind of person who is capable of stewarding success.
Envizioning More
As you look at your life, are you enjoying as much non-financial ROI as you hoped? Are you building and accumulating wealth that gives you more purpose and fulfillment? Or has your wealth created less freedom, focus, and clarity?
At Vizionary Wealth, our passion is to help you Envizion More for your life, lifestyle, and legacy.
It’s time to design the life you truly want to live and use your wealth to do it.