A "problem-free" financial situation

I've worked with several hundreds of people in my capacity as a financial planner over the years. I have seen it all-- abundant and scarce; paycheck to paycheck; folks with more money than they know what to do with and those who are drowning in debt. 

The truth is that the one trait they all share is seeking the elusive "problem-free" financial situation. 

If only I had more money...

If only I could reduce my tax bill...

If only I got that raise...

It's the same across the board. Where did we get the idea of a perfect financial situation? Why do we insist on having the numerically "optimal" situation(completely unattainable), but rarely for a values-aligned, lifestyle-prioritized, or congruent financial situation(all very attainable)? 

If you are seeing nothing but problems in your financial situation, I invite you to do the following:

• Make a list of what "perfect" looks like to you;
• Take stock of your current financial situation;
• Do a values exercise.

Does your current spending, saving, and investing pattern match up with your values? If not, then worry about bridging that gap rather than optimizing your tax situation. It will bring the most satisfaction, I promise.