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Money isn’t just about spreadsheets, investment returns, or retirement projections. At its core, it’s about creating a life that aligns with your deepest values.
In this thoughtful conversation, Michelle Perkins sits down with Laura Rotter CFA, CFP, owner of True Abundance Advisors and host of the Making Change with Your Money podcast, to explore the powerful connection between financial planning, life purpose, and personal fulfillment. With nearly three decades of experience managing institutional investments before transitioning to holistic financial planning, Laura shares how true financial well-being begins with understanding yourself—not just your portfolio.
Whether you’re approaching retirement, considering a career change, or simply wondering if your money is supporting the life you truly want, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what financial success really means.
In This Episode
Why financial planning is really about your life—not your investments
Laura explains why numbers alone never tell the whole story. Effective financial planning begins by understanding your goals, values, fears, and vision for the future.
The surprising power of clarity
Many people feel financial stress simply because they don’t have a clear picture of where their money is going. Gaining clarity often reduces anxiety before making any major financial changes.
Retirement isn’t the finish line
Instead of viewing retirement as simply leaving work, Laura encourages listeners to think about:
- Purpose
- Meaning
- Contribution
- Freedom
- Creating a life they don’t want to retire from
Asking the questions that matter
Laura shares several thought-provoking questions she uses with clients, including:
- If money were no object, what would you change?
- If you had five years left to live, what would matter most?
- If today were your last day, who did you not become?
These questions often uncover dreams and priorities people haven’t allowed themselves to consider.
Financial freedom vs. retirement
The conversation explores why many people today are shifting away from the traditional idea of retirement and toward the concept of financial freedom—having the ability to choose how you spend your time.
Identity shifts and career transitions
Both Michelle and Laura discuss leaving successful corporate careers to build businesses that better aligned with their values, and the unexpected challenges that come with redefining success.
Key Takeaways
- Financial planning should support your life—not dictate it.
- Many financial decisions are driven by fear rather than facts.
- Clarity creates confidence.
- Retirement without purpose can leave people feeling unfulfilled.
- Financial freedom is about having choices.
- Building wealth is important, but building a meaningful life is equally valuable.
- Sometimes the most powerful thing a financial advisor can offer is simply the space to be heard.
Memorable Quotes
“The numbers are the scaffolding. The story is what’s most important.”
“Money is emotional. We’re not trying to eliminate emotions—we’re trying to understand them.”
“No one is on their deathbed wishing they’d completed more of their to-do list.”
“Financial freedom is about creating a life you genuinely want to live.”
Topics Discussed
- Financial planning
- Retirement planning
- Career transitions
- Purpose after retirement
- Money mindset
- Financial coaching
- Values-based investing
- Life planning
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial independence
- Emotional relationship with money
About Laura Rotter
Laura Rotter is a CFA®, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), financial planner, and founder of True Abundance Advisors, a fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm based in New York. After a successful career managing institutional investments for major financial firms, Laura shifted her focus toward helping individuals navigate financial transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
She is also the host of the Making Change with Your Money podcast, where she explores the intersection of money, personal growth, and meaningful living.
Connect with Laura Rotter
- Website: True Abundance Advisors – trueabundanceadvisors.com
- Podcast: Making Change with Your Money – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-change-with-your-money/id1668418292
Connect with Michelle Perkins
If you enjoyed this conversation:
- Subscribe to Money & You on your favorite podcast platform.
- Watch full episodes on the Limit Free Life® YouTube Channel.
- Share this episode with someone preparing for retirement, considering a career transition, or looking for a more meaningful relationship with money.
- Leave a rating and review—it helps others discover the show.
Listener Reflection
Take a few quiet moments this week to consider these questions:
- If financial security were guaranteed, how would I spend my time?
- Am I building a life that aligns with my values—or someone else’s expectations?
- What does true abundance look like for me?
Sometimes the greatest financial investment you can make is gaining clarity about the life you’re truly trying to create.
For more tools and conversations about money mindset, practical financial tips, confidence, and financial empowerment…
Subscribe to the “Money & You With Michelle Perkins” Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-you-with-michelle-perkins/id1365907575
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