George Kinder on Mindfulness, Life Planning, and Becoming a US Expat in London

By Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA | | 9.25.25

Are you exploring the possibility of living abroad while designing a purposeful life? On this week’s Passport to Wealth™ recap blog, Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA speaks with George Kinder, internationally recognized as the father of the life planning movement. George is a visionary in financial life planning who has transformed how people think about money, purpose, and fulfillment.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, George has authored 12 books, including Seven Stages of Money Maturity, Lighting the Torch, and Life Planning for You. These works have inspired thousands of financial advisors to place their clients’ authentic lives at the center of planning, not just their portfolios. Most recently, George made a bold move from Massachusetts to London on the UK Innovator Founder Visa. There, he is launching a new chapter of his mission: bringing life planning principles to organizations and creating purpose-driven workplaces.

What Is Life Planning and Why It Matters

George defines life planning as putting people first. Unlike traditional financial planning, which often focuses on spreadsheets and regulations, life planning prioritizes understanding who a client truly is and what they want their life to be.

“Life planning isn’t about numbers; it’s about uncovering who you are, what you care about most, and how to live that fully.” – George Kinder

Through meaningful conversations, George guides individuals to explore profound questions:

  • If you had all the money in the world, what would you do?
  • If you had only five to ten years left to live, what would you do?
  • If you had only 24 hours left to live, what did you miss, who did you not get to be, and what did you not get to do?

By addressing these questions, clients can design a life filled with purpose and fulfillment today, not sometime in the future.

The Expat Perspective: Moving Abroad with Intention

At 77, George took the bold step to relocate to London. His decision was driven by a desire to continue his legacy work and explore new opportunities for meaningful impact. George explains that moving abroad allows individuals to pursue their true selves, especially when their current environment does not support their aspirations.

Securing a UK Innovator Founder Visa required George to create a highly detailed, innovative, viable, and scalable business plan. The visa enables him to launch a startup focused on bringing the principles of civilization and freedom into actionable projects for others. Within just nine days of applying, George was approved, demonstrating how thoughtful preparation and vision can turn ambitious ideas into reality.

tower bridge can be seen opening at sunrise in London

Fiduciary in All Things: A Philosophy for Life and Work

George expands the concept of fiduciary responsibility beyond financial advice. Traditionally, corporations are fiduciary to shareholders, often prioritizing profit above people or the planet. George advocates for a holistic approach: being fiduciary to truth, democracy, people, planet, and profit. This philosophy promotes trust, ethical action, and long-term societal impact.

“We need to be fiduciary not just to shareholders, but to truth, democracy, people, planet, and profit.” – George Kinder

Applying this principle in organizations leads to energized teams, higher productivity, and a more meaningful work environment. George’s approach shows how financial life planning can intersect with corporate leadership, social responsibility, and personal purpose.

Mindfulness and Intentional Living

Two core habits have been transformative for George: mindfulness and regular reflection on the three life planning questions. Mindfulness, the practice of mastering the present moment, helps him navigate daily challenges and remain action-oriented. Reflecting on his key life questions keeps him aligned with his purpose and ensures every action contributes to a meaningful life.

rocks are stacked up on a beach early in the morning. it is peaceul


Starting Your Own Life Planning Journey

Even if you are not ready to work with a certified life planner, George’s books offer valuable guidance for self-reflection and life design. Life Planning for You provides practical exercises for aligning your actions with your purpose, while Seven Stages of Money Maturity offers a deeper psychological and philosophical perspective on financial life planning.

George emphasizes that the most powerful transformation occurs when you have someone you trust to guide you through these reflections. A skilled financial life planner listens deeply, helps capture inspiration, and provides tools to translate vision into action.

Key Takeaways for Americans Considering Life Abroad

  • Living abroad can be an avenue for self-discovery, intentional living, and pursuing purpose.
  • Mindfulness and deep reflection on life priorities are essential for designing a fulfilling life.
  • Life planning is not just for finances; it is about aligning your actions with your values and true self.
  • Moving abroad may require navigating visas, immigration rules, and cultural adaptation, but it can open transformative opportunities.

George Kinder’s work reminds us that life is not meant to be postponed. By intentionally planning and embracing new experiences, including relocating abroad, we can create a life rich in purpose, impact, and fulfillment.

Connect with Our Guest

George Kinder is available for consultations and speaking engagements. You can connect with him and explore his work further here:

More About the Author

Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA is a financial planner, tax advisor, and host of Passport to Wealth™. She specializes in guiding Americans pursuing lives abroad to align their finances, purpose, and lifestyle choices. Arielle combines expertise in cross-border planning with insights into intentional living to help clients design a life rich in fulfillment and meaning.

Connect with her here: