My Investment Philosophy and Life Philosophy Essay

I am often asked a question: “Jenna, why are you so focused on financial education?”

The answer is simple—because I have seen too many people enslaved by money, while I have seen a select few use it to achieve freedom. The difference is not how much they earn, but their understanding of money.

The Truth About Money

Money itself is neutral. It is neither evil nor noble. It’s like a knife—it can be used to slice bread or to harm others. The key lies in the intent and wisdom of the holder.

I have seen people earning $500,000 a year living in anxiety, worrying every day about next month's mortgage. I have also seen people earning $100,000 a year who are able to generously help others and enjoy every moment of life. What's the difference?

It’s the mindset.

The former view money as scarce—something that must be desperately protected. Their fear drives every decision. The latter see it as a fluid tool for creating value. Their confidence and clear goals drive every decision.

My Turning Point

Ten years ago, I too was trapped in money anxiety. I had just started investing. Watching the numbers in my account fluctuate, I felt a fear I had never known. I started checking stock prices frequently, my sleep quality declined, and it even affected my work and relationships.

Until one day, my mentor asked me:

“Jenna, if you lost all your investment gains tomorrow, would your life goals change?”

The question struck me. I realized I had conflated money with self-worth. I was using money to define myself, instead of being defined by my mission and values.

From that moment, I began to rethink the role of money. I asked myself:

• What do I want to achieve through money?

• How can money help me fulfill my life's mission?

• What am I willing to sacrifice for money?

The Three Levels of Money

I now categorize money into three levels:

Level 1: Survival This is the most basic need—food, shelter, safety. Most anxiety stems from uncertainty at this level. If you are still worried about basic survival, your first priority is to build a stable income and an emergency fund. Without this foundation, talking about investment philosophy is a luxury.

Level 2: Freedom Once basic needs are met, the true value of money emerges—it gives you the freedom of choice. You can choose what work to do, who to work with, and how to spend your time. This is the true meaning of what I call ”financial freedom.” It is not about not working; it is about having the choice.

Level 3: Impact When you have enough money and freedom, you can use it to create a greater impact. You can help others, support causes you believe in, and contribute to society. This is money's highest purpose.

My Mission

I created the investment education program not to help people get rich (though that is often a result), but to help people redefine their relationship with money.

I want to tell every student: Your value is not determined by your account balance. Your life's meaning is not determined by your investment returns. Money is the tool, and you are the artist. The question is not, "How do I make more money?" but rather, "How do I use money to create the life I want?"

Call to Action

If you are reading this article, I invite you to do a simple exercise:

1. Stop Tracking: For one week, avoid checking your investment accounts or bank balance. Embrace that feeling of uncertainty.

2. Define Your Mission: Write your life's mission in one sentence—one that has nothing to do with money.

3. Re-evaluate: Assess whether your financial decisions align with that mission.

Money comes and goes. But your mission is eternal.