Reflections on Life, Money, and What Really Matters

The past few months have been deeply reflective for me. My father passed away quite suddenly while I was overseas, and the process of both grieving and managing the practicalities of “tying up” someone’s life has been confronting. Clearing his home—five trailer loads of belongings—reminded me just how much “stuff” we hold onto. Yet what I treasured most weren’t the things but the photo albums: the memories, the stories, the connections that make a life meaningful.

This experience has made me think deeply about the intersection of life, relationships, and money—and how we, as women, can empower ourselves financially while still living fully.

Choose Experiences Over Stuff

My father’s house was full of objects, but the most valuable pieces were the memories captured in photos. The same is true in our own lives: the experiences we invest in often bring more joy and meaning than material possessions. Money becomes empowering when we align it with what matters most—shared adventures, time with loved ones, and building a life rich with connection.

Curate Your Relationships

Not every relationship adds value to your life. Some nourish and support you; others drain your energy. Just as we declutter our homes, it’s important to consciously “declutter” the people around us. Keep those who uplift you, challenge you with love, and walk alongside you during difficult times. Your financial empowerment journey is strengthened when you surround yourself with people who encourage growth, rather than comparison or self-doubt.

Capture Your Journey

Photos, journals, and even digital folders serve as powerful reminders of who we are and what we’ve achieved. When you look back at all the challenges you’ve overcome and experiences you’ve had, you build resilience. Financially, the same applies: track your progress. Celebrate the milestones, however small. When you can see how far you’ve come, you feel capable of moving forward with confidence.

Fun Doesn’t Have to Cost Money

Empowerment comes from knowing that joy isn’t tied to a price tag. Some of my favorite moments recently have been simple - catching the train to a free exhibition, watching my daughter laugh at a playground, or enjoying the sunset by the river. Financial freedom isn’t about endless spending; it’s about choice. With clarity and systems in place, you can enjoy both the little joys and the bigger adventures without guilt or anxiety.

Question the Rules

So many systems—whether in money, law, or life—exist “because that’s how it’s always been done.” But empowerment lies in asking: Is this still serving me? Challenge old habits, beliefs, and financial patterns. Sometimes the smallest shift—automating savings, rethinking your budget, or daring to spend on what lights you up—can create lasting change.

Fund Your Fun, Live Your Life

Ultimately, financial empowerment is about freedom. It’s about having the clarity and structure to live your life with ease, to fund your fun, and to create memories that matter. Money is a tool. When you use it with intention, you build not only wealth but also a life that feels aligned, calm, and joy-filled.

So take a moment to reflect: are you living in alignment with what really matters? And if not, what small shift could you make today to step closer to the empowered life you deserve?