Meredith Moore is the Founder & CEO of Artisan Financial Strategies LLC. She is fascinated by the interplay between gender, money and power.
When people discuss wealth, the conversation typically centers on markets, returns and asset allocation. But after 26 years advising high-achieving women executives and business owners, I’ve found that the most impactful wealth strategy isn’t in your brokerage account—it’s in you.
I’m not just talking about professional development or building a business. I mean something more personal (and, at times, more difficult). I’m talking about intentionally investing in your own growth—your resilience and your capacity to lead, earn and thrive.
If your wealth strategy ignores the role that you play in driving outcomes—your mindset, your confidence, your presence—you’re missing out on the vast rewards that can stem from the single greatest compounding asset you possess.
Confidence Isn’t Vanity—It’s A Financial Lever
Executive presence. Clarity under pressure. The confidence to walk into a room and command the rate you’re worth. These are not soft skills; they are bottom-line drivers.
I’ve seen clients double their income not just because they advanced professionally, but because they believed they were capable of more. Bolstered by that belief, they then took steps to elevate their presence in the world.
That might look like investing in a communications coach. It might mean reevaluating how you dress or present yourself. It could be as simple—and as powerful—as finally joining a board or applying for the leadership program you’ve been eyeing for years.
When you approach them with intention, these self-investments can change the trajectory of both your career and your net worth.
In Business, You May Be The Market You Outperform
Business owners often struggle with how much to reinvest in their business versus diversifying outside of it. And yes, diversification is critical—I always advocate for taking some money off the table.
But don’t overlook this truth: You may be able to generate better returns investing in yourself and your business than the public markets could ever offer.
The key is discernment. Are you reinvesting reactively or strategically? I’ve worked with clients who made intentional personal investments (such as bringing on a key advisor, launching a new thought leadership platform or upgrading their brand) that led to greater enterprise value and buyer interest down the road.
Your business isn’t a piece of flotsam driven by random forces. You are the driver of the business. Strengthen the driver, and you strengthen the vehicle.
Make A Personal Development Budget—Seriously
Most high earners have a budget for capital calls, business investments or portfolio rebalancing. But ask them how much they’ve earmarked for personal growth this year? Silence. So here’s a radical thought: Build a personal development budget, just like you do for every other financial priority.
That budget covers anything that helps you expand and extend your current capabilities:
• Leadership or executive coaching
• A stylist or brand consultant
• High-impact travel or retreats
• A fitness or wellness program
• Strategic networking or mastermind groups
If that sounds indulgent, I’d challenge you to reconsider. These aren’t just “nice-to-have” perks. They are investments in clarity, energy and longevity—all of which directly impact your financial life.
In my own firm, I take a percentage of our business revenue and intentionally allocate it toward my personal development. I’ve found the highest ROI in high-end mastermind groups and well-curated conferences—places where I stretch, learn and build meaningful relationships. We also create a dedicated development budget for all of our key employees, because growth shouldn’t stop at the leadership level.
The Behavioral Finance Connection
When the market’s volatile, fear drives behavior. The clients who weather downturns best aren’t always the savviest investors—they’re the ones who are the most emotionally prepared. I’ve seen this play out countless times.
One of my clients, a successful entrepreneur, didn’t flinch during a recent downturn. Why? Because she had consistently invested in both her financial education and her emotional resilience. When everyone else was panicking, she stayed the course and even doubled down on a professional development program that led to a major leadership opportunity. She didn’t just ride out the storm—she grew during it.
This resilience is the compounding power of intentional self-investment.
Build A Plan That Plays Offense And Defense
I often describe financial planning as a balance between offense and defense.
• Offense is about growth: Market exposure, business equity, upside.
• Defense is about stability: Access to cash, liquidity, flexibility when life goes sideways.
When I was diagnosed with a serious brain cancer at age 30, I had already structured my finances to allow for this balance. The defensive planning I’d done—having funds set aside and not locked into market-only growth—allowed me to continue leading my business and caring for my family, even during a personal health crisis.
That wasn’t luck; that was strategy.
Be The Asset
The markets matter. Returns matter. But you are the asset that drives every financial outcome in your life. So ask yourself:
• Are you investing in your voice, your resilience and your relationships?
• Are you giving as much attention to your inner portfolio as you do your 401(k)?
• Do you have a strategy to grow the one thing that influences everything else—you?
The wealthiest, most fulfilled clients I’ve met aren’t the ones who perfectly time the market. They’re the ones who invest in themselves, consistently and intentionally. And the returns? Unmatched.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?