Published: June 20, 2025

 

Defining Your Money Values: A Guide to Aligning Your Financial Decisions with What Matters Most

At Hall Financial Advisors, we believe that understanding your money values is crucial for making financial decisions that align with your family's long-term goals. These values serve as the foundation for purpose-driven choices, reducing financial stress and avoiding conflicts within the family.

Zane Eschbaugh, Certified Financial Planner & Financial Advisor at Hall Financial Advisors, emphasizes, "Your money values aren’t just about how you spend today, they’re about how you plan for tomorrow. It’s about making intentional choices that reflect what truly matters to you and your loved ones."

When you have clarity on your values, your financial decisions become more purposeful and aligned with your family’s priorities. For example, if education is a top priority for your family, you may choose to allocate funds for college savings over splurging on a lavish vacation. It’s not that vacations aren’t important—they are—but aligning this decision with your family’s values can be far more rewarding in the long run.

1. Reflect on Past Decisions

Start by looking back on major financial decisions your family has made. Did these choices reflect a need for security, freedom, or generosity? Some examples to reflect on:

• Did you prioritize saving for emergencies over purchasing luxury items?
• Are you involved in philanthropy, reflecting the value of giving back to the community?
• Are there values represented by your parents or grandparents that you’d like to carry forward?

“When you take the time to reflect on past decisions, you begin to see what truly matters,” says Zane Eschbaugh. "This reflection can help uncover your family's financial values and serve as a guide for future decisions."

2. Have a Family Conversation

The most important step in defining your family’s money values is to talk openly about them. Sit down with your family and discuss your shared financial goals and values. Consider these discussion starters:

• As it relates to money, our family values __________.
• What does financial success look like to you?
• What are your top three life priorities, and how does money help achieve them?

Involving younger family members in these conversations helps instill a healthy financial mindset early on. Discussing how money supports goals like education or family vacations can teach children the importance of saving and planning for the future.

3. List Your Core Values

After your discussion, write down the values that came up most frequently. Some common examples of core money values might include:

• Security: Building safety nets like emergency funds or insurance.
• Education: Saving for college or lifelong learning opportunities.
• Generosity: Supporting causes or helping others in need.
• Freedom: Reducing debt and saving for travel or retirement.
• Legacy: Preserving wealth to pass down responsibly.

This list will help guide your financial decisions and ensure that you’re consistently making choices that align with your family’s goals.

“Legacy planning is about more than simply passing down assets,” says Jeremiah Kuhn, Partner and Senior Financial Advisor at Hall Financial Advisors. “It’s about ensuring that your family’s values and your wealth are passed down in a way that supports future generations, reflecting the priorities you hold most dear.”

4. Make Your Money Values a Living Document

Defining your money values is not a one-time exercise—it’s an ongoing process. Jeremiah Kuhn reminds us, “Life happens, and your financial needs evolve. Revisiting your money values regularly ensures that your financial decisions stay aligned with your family’s priorities as they grow and change.”

By reflecting, discussing, and regularly revisiting your money values, you can create a roadmap for financial success that brings peace of mind and clarity to your family. Whether it’s ensuring financial security, prioritizing education, or leaving a lasting legacy, your values will guide you through every stage of your financial journey.

 

Your values deserve a plan.

If you're ready to align your financial decisions with what matters most—whether it's education, legacy, or long-term security—start the conversation today.
Explore our Estate Planning page or reach out to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our trusted advisors.