Walking the Talk on Money: Defining Its Power
It was a surprising souvenir the one I brought back from London. A mix of work and fun, the trip had been a whirlwind, but nothing prepared me for the unexpected conversation that would unfold over a casual picnic at Regent’s Park.
The Day I Went on a Picnic with 3 Investment Bankers
It was a sunny, end-of-winter afternoon in Regent’s Park—the last day of my NYC/London trip before heading back to Buenos Aires. As we grabbed lunch, a conversation started to unfold… “What’s your number to retire?” one of them asked. Their answers came quickly: “Three million.” “Two million.”
Meanwhile, I sat there, stunned—not because of their numbers, but because I had never even considered the question. A number? How do I even begin to define it!?
At the time, I was already working in sustainable finance and impact investing—devising ways to align capital flows with sustainable development. Yet, I’d never paused to ask myself this deeply personal, practical question. Part of me felt embarrassed, like I didn’t belong in the financial world—how could I not have figured this out? Another part of me felt betrayed, frustrated, even infuriated. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it at the time, but I sensed it had something to do with the tension between making money and doing good.
Ultimately, that picnic planted a seed. It became the start of a long reflection on money, values, and purpose—a journey that would shape how I walk the talk when it comes to finances. And it’s why money has become a core part of WalkingDTalk.
Walking the Talk on Money
That picnic conversation kicked off a long journey that taught me—and reconfirmed—several important truths about money. Here are three that stand out:
We all carry money stories.
Whether we’ve had a lot, too little, or somewhere in between, we all have narratives about money. Maybe you were told money is evil. Or that money equals success. Or maybe you’ve ignored money altogether. Whatever the story, it’s there, shaping how we think and act.
Those money stories shape our choices.
Sometimes, these stories are front and center, consciously influencing our decisions. Other times, they’re buried deep, quietly steering us without us even realizing it.
Money is a means.
At its core, money is a resource—a tool that gives us power. The power to choose. The power to act. The power to help. The power to effect change and build a legacy. At its most basic, financial independence can free up time to do what matters. At its most profound, it can enable us to support causes we care about and create a ripple effect of impact.
The Big, Uncomfortable Questions
Here’s the thing: thinking about money and financial independence—really thinking about it—requires us to ask some big, uncomfortable questions, like:
What do I need to live well?
What does “well” even mean for me?
What do I truly value in life?
Who do I want to be, and what do I want to leave behind?
These aren’t just financial questions. They’re reflections on identity, purpose, and legacy. And as such, they’ve become part of WalkingDTalk. Because even something as seemingly simple as dressing in alignment with our values requires us to answer these questions—defining what makes sense for us to spend money on, and why.
Untangling the Tension
As I’ve explored financial independence, I’ve found myself going back and forth between my professional work in sustainable finance and my personal relationship with money. And let me tell you—the tension between making money and doing good is real.
I also learned though that walking the talk on money, investment, and financial independence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying curious, asking the hard questions, and taking small, intentional steps toward alignment.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Thinking about your “number” is only part of the path—and it isn’t just a practical exercise. It’s a way to unpack who you are, what you value, and the life you want to build.
So, I’d love to hear from you: What does financial independence mean to you? Freedom, power, or something else entirely? What feelings does money spark in you?
Drop a comment below or send me a message—I read every response.
Remember, financial independence isn’t just about the numbers in your bank account. It’s about the power we define for it. And every small step you take today brings you closer to that vision.
Let’s walk this journey together. 💚