George Kinder on Mindfulness, Life Planning, and Becoming a US Expat in London
In this episode of Passport To Wealth®, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, speaks with George Kinder, internationally recognized as the father of the life planning movement. 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, at 77 years old, George made a bold move from Massachusetts to London on the UK Innovator Founder Visa, where he's 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."
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 doesn't 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.
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.
"We need to be fiduciary not just to shareholders, but to truth, democracy, people, planet, and profit."
Applying this principle in organizations leads to energized teams, higher productivity, and a more meaningful work environment.
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.
Starting Your Own Life Planning Journey
Even if you're 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. This is where life planning and financial planning start to overlap: the reflection George describes is only half the equation, and pairing it with a cross-border financial planner is what actually turns that vision into a workable plan once taxes, visas, and multiple currencies enter the picture.
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.
Whatever stage of life you're moving at, whether 27 or 77, the financial groundwork looks similar. If you're asking 'do I need a financial advisor before moving abroad?', George's story is a good reminder that the question isn't really about age or net worth, it's about whether your life abroad reflects what actually matters to you.
Connect with George through his website or on LinkedIn.
You May Also Like
- U.S. Expats: Say Goodbye to Citizenship Based Taxation and Join the Tax Fairness Movement, on why every American abroad still has to file, no matter where they live
- Planning Your Move to Italy: U.S. Expat Life, Taxes, and Family Insights, for a look at how another European country handles expat taxation differently
- What U.S. Citizens Need to Know Before Moving To Germany, a practical look at visas and immigration for Americans headed to Germany
About the Author
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is a cross-border financial planner, founder of Connected Financial Planning and the host of Passport To Wealth®, helping U.S. expats simplify their finances while building intentional, global lives. She brings firsthand experience navigating cross-border tax and relocation planning to every client conversation. Ready to build your own financial roadmap for life abroad? Schedule a paid expat expert coaching call with her directly.