As holistic financial advisers, we understand that true wealth goes beyond numbers in a bank account. It’s about aligning your financial decisions with your deepest aspirations, values, and dreams. This approach not only secures your financial future but also ensures that your life is rich in experiences, relationships, and personal fulfilment. One tool that we find particularly powerful in helping our clients achieve this is the “bliss list.” Below, we explore how to create and implement your bliss list, transforming abstract dreams into actionable goals.
What is a bliss list?
A bliss list is more than just a wish list; it’s a comprehensive inventory of the experiences, relationships, and achievements that would bring you the most joy and fulfilment in life. It’s an exercise in dreaming big—thinking not about what you can afford or what seems realistic, but about what truly makes your heart sing. This list becomes a guiding light, helping you focus on what truly matters as you plan your financial future.
Questions to get you started
To begin crafting your bliss list, start by asking yourself some key questions. These aren’t just questions about finances—they’re about life itself:
- If money didn’t matter, what would I be doing with my life?
- What is truly important to me?
- What have I always wanted to accomplish?
- What would a perfect day, month, or year look like?
Take your time with these questions. Revisit them over several sessions, and notice how your answers evolve. This reflection helps to surface your deepest desires and long-term goals.
Preparing your bliss list: The big picture
Once you’ve begun to uncover what matters most to you, the next step is to translate those insights into actionable goals. This is where you start to define your big-picture hopes, dreams, and values.
Ask yourself:
- What makes me happy?
- Who do I want to spend most of my time with?
- What would I love to learn?
- What would make me feel incredibly lucky?
This exercise isn’t just about material wealth—it’s about identifying what brings meaning and satisfaction to your life. Whether it’s spending more time with loved ones, pursuing a passion, or giving back to your community, these are the elements that should guide your financial planning.
Defining your expectations
As you start to flesh out your bliss list, think about the expectations you have for your life:
- Where do you want to live?
- What kind of lifestyle do you envision?
- How do you want your children to grow up?
- What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
These expectations will shape your financial goals. For instance, if you dream of travelling the world, your financial plan might prioritise savings for extended travel. If you want to ensure your children receive a private education, you’ll need to account for that in your planning.
Life view: Beyond money
It’s essential to remember that your bliss list isn’t just about what money can buy. It’s about the legacy you want to leave, the values you want to uphold, and the impact you want to make.
Consider these questions:
- How do you want to be remembered?
- What would you do if money were no object?
- What lessons about money do you want to pass on to your children?
These reflections help ensure that your financial plan isn’t just about accumulating wealth but also about living a life that’s true to your values and aspirations.
Creating and prioritising your bliss list
Now comes the practical part: creating and prioritising your bliss list. Write down everything you want to achieve, experience, or acquire. Then, ask yourself why each item is important. Understanding the “why” behind each goal will help you stay motivated and focused.
Next, prioritise your list. What are the top two or three things you want to achieve first? Focus on these before moving on to other items. This doesn’t mean you’re giving up on the rest of your list; it’s about making steady progress towards your most important goals.
Action plan: From dreams to reality
With your bliss list in hand, it’s time to create an action plan. Break down each goal into steps:
- What can you do now?
- What needs more time or resources?
- What can wait until later?
This approach ensures that you’re constantly moving towards your goals, even if it’s one small step at a time.
Celebrate your progress
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements. As you check items off your bliss list, take time to acknowledge your progress. This not only reinforces positive behaviour but also reminds you of the importance of living a life that’s aligned with your values and dreams.
In summary
Creating a bliss list is a powerful tool in holistic financial planning. It allows you to connect your financial goals with your deepest desires, ensuring that your wealth brings not just financial security but also personal fulfilment. By taking the time to reflect on what truly matters and by prioritising your goals, you can create a life that’s rich in every sense of the word.
Ready to start living your bliss?
At Financial Spectrum, we take a tailored, personalised approach to financial planning. We take the time to truly understand you—your goals, dreams, and vision for the future. With this deep understanding, we create a customised road map that guides you towards achieving those aspirations.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to turn your bliss list into a reality and ensure your financial future is as fulfilling as it is secure. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your goals or are ready to take action, our experienced team is here to help you create a financial plan that aligns with what truly matters to you.
Antony specialises in family practice, guiding families through significant life transitions and ensuring their money aligns with their values to empower their lives and legacies. Read his full bio here.
