Wealth... A New Outlook
5 Steps to Perspective and Peace of Mind

By Jim Matush, Trinity Wealth Advisors

We're well into 2011, and most of us have spent time thinking about the life we want - blissful retirement, charity, family, legacy. Most of our dreams intersect our wealth in some way, but rarely do we spend time to create the roadmap to achieve them. I invite you to consider your goals and adopt a few habits that can make 2011 a year of financial freedom like none before. In my 30 years working with affluent families, I believe we all have the potential to live with the peace and clarity that come from managing our wealth, but without change most of us live in what I call "The Rut."

What is The Rut? It's our default setting. Have you ever asked the question, "I make a lot of money, but where does it all go? How much have I hung onto?" If your approach to wealth is characterized by confusion, uncertainty, guilt, reaction, lack of harmony with your spouse, and avoidance - chances are big that you're in The Rut. What if life could be different? What if your approach to wealth could instead be characterized by clarity, freedom, peace of mind, proactivity, partnership with your spouse and family, lasting impact, and momentum toward your vision? Let's discuss five strategies for choosing life on the other side. They're simple but powerful when applied with consistency.

Resolve to Change. What would it take for you to decide that you were ready to live a different way? Spend a few minutes thinking about the unique character and frustrations of you're Rut, and determine that you and your family deserve better. Determine now that you're willing to commit the time, talent, and resources it takes to live differently. Imagine the possibility, and resolve that this is worth it.

Align with Your Spouse and Family. Lack of financial harmony is a major stressor for most marriages. It doesn't have to be. Try engaging in "Visioneering." Dream together about your ultimate vision for each area of your life - retirement, descendants, charitable gifting, etc. Don't get stuck in what hasn't worked. The point is determining the life you want - when you know where you're going, it's easier to work together to get there.

Clarify Your Options. You have options - and lots of them! Once you've clarified your vision, it's exciting to identify your options and begin to see your roadmap take shape. At this stage its incredibly beneficial to find an advisor you trust, who can give you unbiased advice, help you understand and evaluate your options, and then coordinate your efforts and team toward your purpose.

Assess your Team for Talent, Accountability, and Value. You're only as good as the team around you. Assess your team to ensure that we're providing the value we promise and that we're accountable for results. We can all talk about growth and outperforming the market - but what type of results are you getting? How does it compare to your other options? Surround yourself with an excellent team and ensure that you or someone you trust is coordinating for synergy, savings, and pace for your vision.

Stay on Track. Begin tracking your cash flow and hold yourself accountable! Most people don't know where their money goes. Begin tracking what you save and how you spend. Then you can set goals and see progress. Commit to spend regular time on your finances. If you do it often, it's not overwhelming! It can even be fun as you track your expenses, see your wealth grow, and progress towards your ultimate vision.

So let me challenge you - Make 2011 the year you get out of that Rut! Determine that you are going to manage your wealth, instead of the other way around. This is absolutely possible and it's worth fighting for. The majority of people we work with wonder why they didn't do this sooner. Follow these simple five steps, and you're well on your way to Life on the Other Side.

Jim Matush is the President and Founder of Trinity Wealth Advisors - a wealth coaching firm in Kirkwood that works with high net worth families - helping define their vision, and coordinating their team and options with unbiased advice to help them achieve the lasting significance they long for.