Have you considered the possibility that money has the potential to create the life you’ve always longed for that is more fulfilling and more peaceful? Money is a source of stress for many, sometimes guilt, even. BetterThisWorld Money is here to help. This approach to money focuses on personal values, and aims to provides personal freedom through earning, spending, saving and investing, all while making a positive impact.
You will not find the typical, transactional, “get rich quick” mentality here. Money as a tool allows us to positively impact the things that really matter to the individual—your health and your family, your community, and your aspirations for the future. The positive impact that money as a tool provides makes a difference; it helps build a world with less stress, more focus, and that is more fulfilling.
What BetterThisWorld Money Really Means
BetterThisWorld Money is a step beyond financial literacy. We think of Money as an intersection of mindset and habit. Money is a tool we can use to create our purpose in the world. We think of Money within the frameworks of clarity, sustainability, and balance.
BetterThisWorld Money focuses on:
- How we use Money as a tool to achieve purpose
- How we shape our Money mindset by creating sustainable Money habits
- How we actively (and intentionally) use Money to create value
- How we use Money to grow and improve our communities through participation in local economies
BetterThisWorld Money is not just about Dollars, it is also about generosity. To illustrate all of these concepts at work, consider Sarah’s story of how she was able to eliminate $4,000 of credit card debt in just under 18 months. Sarah was able to be generous while achieving her goals. It believes that sustainable, positive change is only possible through the culmination of lots of local acts.
Why Most Money Advice Leaves You Feeling Empty
Traditionally, financial advice centers around crunching numbers, such as how to save money by reducing costs, working harder, and investing more. These tips neglect the emotional side of money management and fall short of the big picture, contributing to the perception that many of these financially sound people feel unfulfilled or worse, burned out.
BetterThisWorld Money looks to fill this gap. It’s been shown to have less financial stress and people are more likely to stick to their plans when they connect their money habits to a purpose. They are able to have a structured financial life and know where they are going.
Start with a Clear Money Purpose and Simple Budget
The foundation is knowing why you’re managing money differently. Sit down and ask yourself: What does financial success look like for me and the people I care about?
Practical first steps:
- Track every expense for 30 days to see where your money actually goes.
- Create a simple budget with three categories: Needs, Wants, and Impact.
- Aim to direct even 5-10% of your income toward goals or causes that matter to you.
One software engineer earning around $85,000 automated his savings and cut unnecessary spending. He redirected funds into both his emergency account and ethical investment options. In under two years, he built a solid cushion and reduced daily money worries. The key was tying every change to his personal values.
Earn, Save, and Grow with Intention
Identify income streams that match your lifestyle and energy levels. Many people earn side income by referring people, sharing content, or doing other simple and low-effort tasks. These side income streams don’t require that much effort, and they are lucrative if done consistently over time.
Saving Tips:
- You should automate your savings by a bank transfer right after payday.
- Everyone should have both an emergency fund and a “freedom fund” that are both savings accounts.
- You should wait 48 hours before making any savings-reducing purchases.
Savings are cumulative, so it is much better to save small amounts everyday with a purpose than to rely on big savings every once in a while. Consistent and purposeful small savers reach financial goals a lot faster than those with big savings that rely on willpower.
Invest Simply and Responsibly
Expert level understanding isn’t required for investing. People can build their wealth and support good causes using low-cost index funds, Roth IRAs, and ESG funds.
A couple in their 40s, moved a portion of their retirement savings to sustainable funds. They found good returns, as their sustainable funds were on par with the broader market funds. They also felt good about their savings as they were investing in good corporate citizens. This strengthening of commitment to the plan over time can also be attributed to their savings supporting good causes.
Handle Debt and Protect What You Build
Of course, paying down high-interest debt is ranked first, but you’ll want to do it without feeling ashamed. There are methods like the debt snowball (which eliminates the smallest debt for quick wins) and debt avalanche (which takes the highest interest first). You can also do this alongside a strategy to stop yourself from accumulating debt, for example using only cash for purchases.
One of the debt free professionals paid off all their student debt by picking up some freelancing on the side to stay on the money-making goal and to remain disciplined over the course of three years. now, he helps others line up the freedom from debt with value matching professional careers.
Even on the road to paying off debt, protection is important. You must have savings that cover 3-6 months of expenses, regularly audit your insurance, and check progress.
Make Giving Part of Your Plan
BetterThisWorld Money recognizes generosity as a strength, not an afterthought. Setting up small automatic donations, volunteering for skills, and/or helping local businesses can positively impact the community and improve personal wellness because of the ripple effect of generosity.
Ripple effect donors, donate to validated solutions with regular donations and check the impact reports at least once a year. It transforms money as a source of anxiety into one of the greatest achievements in life.
FAQ About BetterThisWorld Money
What is BetterThisWorld Money?
It’s a practical way to handle money with purpose, focusing on personal freedom, values, and positive impact.
Who is it for?
Anyone—from beginners living paycheck to paycheck to those with steady incomes who want more meaning.
Do I need to be an investing expert?
No. Start simple with automated, low-cost options and build from there.
How quickly will I see results?
Many notice reduced stress within weeks. Bigger financial wins build over months and years.
Your Next Step Toward BetterThisWorld Money
BetterThisWorld Money is not as hard or imperfect as people have made it out to be. Money is honest and effective. Using the money you have can now help you take the steps to achieving the life you have always wanted.
You can start now. All you have to do is open the notes app or spreadsheet on your phone and write down a value that matters to you. Make a note on how you spend money over the next seven days and change the way you spend money on one small thing. You will be amazed at how fast those changes will take effect and become easier to do.
Money is meant to be used for more than just paying your bills and Basic Necessity’s. Money can change your situation and the situation of others around you for the better. The power of change is always with you, so take that change now.