Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of joy—a word that captures something deeper than fleeting happiness. When it comes to money, I’m starting to believe that most of us, consciously or not, want our financial decisions to bring us joy.

My wise friend, Trevor, told me: “Kendall, when people meet with a wealth advisor, they are looking for (often without knowing it) to find more joy with their money. The challenge is that people often believe a big pile of money alone will create that joy.”

That insight stuck with me. It inspired me to explore four ways we can all unlock more joy in our financial lives—ways that don’t always take center stage in our decisions.

1. Give Generously

There’s something transformative about giving. True joy often comes not from accumulating wealth but from using it to uplift others. Generosity shifts our focus outward and helps us create meaningful change.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I’ve found this to be true in my own life. While learning to practice generosity, I’ve never felt less joyful after giving.

One of my clients, Jason, shared how his mindset about giving transformed his joy. When he tithes to his church, he doesn’t feel like he’s giving his money away; instead, he sees it as returning to God a portion of what God entrusted to him. That perspective freed him from letting money dominate his life.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Reflective Questions:

• When have you experienced joy through generosity?
• What causes resonate with you, and how can you support them—financially, with your time, or in other ways?
• Could automating your giving (e.g., committing a percentage of your income) make generosity a consistent part of your life?
• Have you considered volunteering to see the impact of your giving firsthand?

2. Invest in Meaningful Experiences

When you consider your recent discretionary spending, ask yourself: Did you spend on things or experiences? Which brought you more joy?

I love nice clothes, and buying a new suit makes me happy—for a moment. But when I compare that to taking my family to a Thunder game, the joy from that shared experience lingers much longer.

Experiences create memories that enrich our lives far beyond the purchase. Whether it’s a family trip, a concert, or a meal shared with friends, experiences foster connection and joy that things often can’t match.

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)

Reflective Questions:

• Are you spending on experiences that bring you closer to loved ones?
• Do your activities align with your passions and values?
• How can you document those moments to relive the joy—through photos, journaling, or other creative ways?

3. Create a Generational Impact

One question I hear often is, “How do I help my children without spoiling them?” Successful families tend to focus on fostering a stewardship mindset in their children. This means teaching values like responsibility, generosity, and long-term thinking.

For instance, some families invest in their children’s education, mentorship opportunities, and understanding of the family’s core values. These investments prepare the next generation to continue creating impact—not just for themselves but also for others.

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22)

Reflective Questions:

• What legacy do you want to leave for your children or grandchildren?
• Are you teaching the next generation about stewardship, generosity, and values?
• Could a family mission statement or giving plan help align your resources with your goals?

4. Prioritize Your Health

In his book Die With Zero, Bill Perkins writes: “Money has absolutely no value to you when you’re dead.” Sobering. He also emphasizes that health is far more valuable than money because no wealth can compensate for poor health.

One of the best investments you can make is using your resources to prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Personally, I’ve found counseling to be a worthwhile investment—it helps me maintain a healthy mindset, which enhances my joy and overall well-being.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Reflective Questions:

• Are you investing in regular health check-ups, nutritious food, and physical activity?
• Does your budget reflect wellness-related priorities?
• Are you treating your mental health through counseling or stress management practices?

Final Thoughts

When used intentionally, money can be a powerful tool for unlocking joy. Aligning your financial decisions with your values can lead to a more abundant life. You can find more joy in using your resources by giving generously, investing in meaningful experiences, creating a generational impact, and prioritizing your health.

I’ll leave you with these words from Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)