The Soul of Wealth with Dr Daniel Crosby

Summary

In this episode, Dr Daniel Crosby returns to discuss his new book The Soul of Wealth and the concept of soulful wealth, particularly in the context of retirement.

He emphasises that money should serve individuals rather than control them, and highlights the importance of relationships and personal growth in achieving happiness. Our conversation explores the PERMA model, which outlines five facets of flourishing: Positive experiences, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Advancement.

Daniel stresses the need for intentionality in retirement planning, focusing on non-financial elements that contribute to a fulfilling life. He also discusses the limitations of money and the critical role of time management in enhancing well-being.

Throughout our enlightening conversation, Daniel and I explore the intricate relationship between money, happiness, and retirement. We discuss the increasing screen time among retirees, the role of AI in daily life, and how spending money can align with personal values to enhance joy. Our discussion delves into the societal pressures of materialism, the fear of the unknown in retirement, and strategies for managing uncertainty. Ultimately, Daniel emphasises the importance of making conscious financial choices that reflect one's true values and the potential for positive surprises in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Money should serve you, not control you.
• Strong relationships are key to happiness.
• Retirement planning should include non-financial elements.
• The PERMA model outlines five facets of flourishing.
• Engagement in meaningful activities is crucial in retirement.
• Loneliness can have severe health impacts.
• Intentionality in spending free time is essential.
• Advancement and personal growth should continue post-retirement.
• Expectations of retirement can lead to disappointment.
• Time management is a powerful tool for happiness. Retirees are increasingly spending time watching television due to newfound free time.
• AI should handle mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity.
• Spending money on experiences and relationships can lead to greater happiness.
• Aligning spending with personal values is crucial for fulfillment.
• Materialism is linked to lower well-being and should be avoided.
• Fear of the unknown can hinder retirement satisfaction.
• Controlling what you can in finances is essential for peace of mind.
• Expect market fluctuations as a normal part of investing.
• Positive uncertainty can lead to unexpected joys in life.
• Chronic stress is detrimental; managing expectations is key. 

Sound Bites

"Money is a servant and not a master." "Relationships are profoundly messy." "Retirement is often put on a pedestal." "Money can't buy us happiness outright." "Time is the ultimate purchase." "We spend our free time on screens." "I want AI to mow my lawn and do my laundry." "Align your spending with your core values." "The Joneses aren't as happy as they seem." "Expect market corrections; they are normal."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Back 01:13 - Defining Soulful Wealth 05:00 - The Role of Relationships in Retirement 10:08 - Exploring the PERMA Model 14:25 - Creating Opportunities for Advancement 16:18 - The Reality of Retirement Expectations 19:24 - Understanding Money's Limitations 22:12 - The Importance of Time in Retirement 25:58 - The Rise of Screen Time in Retirement 27:47 - The Role of AI in Daily Life 28:44 - Spending Money for Happiness 34:31 - Aligning Spending with Values 37:27 - The Joneses Aren't Happy 42:07 - Confronting the Fear of the Unknown 49:44 - Managing Uncertainty in Retirement

Links

• Buy Daniel's brilliant book The Soul of Wealth
• TED Talk by Martin Seligman on Positive Psychology & the PERMA Model
• Book in a time for us to chat about your retirement plans