A Guide to Setting Financial Intentions for 2025

Christopher Long CFA ® , CFP ® , AAMS ® |
Categories
Financial Planning
Holistic financial planning
Financial Goals
Education

The new year is a time for fresh starts — and that includes your financial life. But setting meaningful intentions goes beyond just aiming for a higher number in your bank account. It’s about aligning your wealth with your values, your lifestyle, and the legacy you want to create.

Let’s explore how a well-rounded strategy — one that considers your active lifestyle and personal values — can lead to long-term success and fulfillment. We’ll start with a step-by-step process to set powerful financial intentions for 2025, emphasizing our holistic approach. 

Reflect, Define and Prioritize 

To begin, take a moment to reflect on the past year:

  • What were your financial successes? Did you achieve a savings goal, make a smart investment, or successfully navigate a financial challenge?
  • What caused you financial stress? Were there unexpected expenses, market fluctuations, or lifestyle changes that impacted your financial well-being?
  • What did you learn? What financial lessons did 2024 teach you, and how can you apply those lessons to make 2025 even better?

Now, shift your focus to 2025. What do you truly want to achieve, both personally and financially?

  • Think about your ideal life. Does it involve supporting local businesses? Spending more time enjoying our incredible outdoor spaces? Planning for a second home in the mountains?
  • Consider your family and loved ones. How do your financial goals support their well-being and your shared future?
  • Don’t forget your legacy. How can your financial decisions create a positive impact on your community and future generations?

To help you define your path, we encourage you to consider these guiding financial intentions (or coming up with your own!):

Intention 1: My lifestyle and health are just as important as my financial goals.  

We believe that true wealth encompasses your overall well-being. This means prioritizing your physical and mental health alongside your financial goals. Whether it’s budgeting for wellness activities, planning for adventures, or simply ensuring you have time to enjoy your hard work, we’ll help you create a financial plan that supports a healthy and fulfilling life.

 

Intention 2: My financial awareness includes growing, protecting, and optimizing my wealth.  

Financial health is multifaceted and includes both safeguarding what you’ve built and making sure your assets are working efficiently for you. We’ll guide you through strategies for investment growth, risk management, and tax optimization to ensure your wealth is working as hard as you are.

 

Intention 3: My financial decisions reflect my legacy and the values I want to pass on. 

Your wealth helps create the future you envision for yourself and your loved ones. We’ll help you define your legacy goals and ensure your financial decisions reflect your values — whether that means supporting future generations, giving back to the community, or making a positive impact on the world.

 

Intention 4: I actively engage with my financial advisor to navigate complexity and achieve my goals. 

The financial landscape can be complex. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you. We’ll be your trusted guide, providing expert advice and support every step of the way.

 

Connecting Lifestyle and Wealth

At Intentional Wealth, we understand that your financial plan should complement the life you want to live. Here in Colorado Springs, that often means an active lifestyle filled with outdoor adventures, community involvement, and a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings.

We help our clients seamlessly integrate their lifestyle choices into their financial strategy. For example:

  • Funding your passions: Whether it’s a yearly ski pass to explore the slopes, a new mountain bike to conquer the trails, or regular sessions with a personal trainer to stay in top shape, we'll help you prioritize your health and well-being within your financial plan.
  • Planning for adventure: Dreaming of a trek in Nepal or a cycling tour of Europe? We’ll help you turn those dreams into reality by incorporating travel and adventure into your long-term financial goals.
  • Supporting local causes: Passionate about preserving our trails or supporting local arts organizations? We’ll guide you on tax-efficient charitable giving strategies that align with your values.

Planning for Success Throughout the New Year

To help you achieve your financial intentions, our experienced advisors work closely with you to create personalized, goal-oriented financial plans that adapt to your changing needs and priorities.

We utilize a range of tools and strategies to keep you on track:

  • Risk assessment: We’ll help you understand your risk tolerance and develop an investment strategy that aligns with your comfort level and financial goals.
  • Scenario planning: We’ll explore different “what-if” scenarios to ensure your plan is resilient in the face of unexpected events, such as market volatility or life transitions.
  • Collaboration: We work with your other trusted advisors (attorneys, accountants, etc.) to provide comprehensive and coordinated advice.

And our unique iPlan365 framework to Grow, Protect, and Optimize your wealth provides ongoing guidance and support throughout the year.

At the start of the year, we’ll clarify your financial goals, review your investment portfolio, and consider initial tax planning strategies. We’ll help you navigate major life events, review your insurance coverage, and consider estate planning. 

Throughout the year, we'll review your progress, re-evaluate your risk tolerance, and adjust your investment strategy as needed. By the end of the year, the focus is on tax optimization strategies and charitable contributions — and a year-end review to celebrate your accomplishments.  

Contact us to create a financial plan that reflects your values and supports the life you want to live.