The Truth About Money: What Your Financial Advisor Wishes You Knew

Most of us grow up believing money rules that don’t actually serve us. Save enough, follow the herd, invest like everyone else — and somehow you’ll be okay. But as Rufus Cressend reveals in his conversation with Megan Shea on Partnerships for Profit, those “truths” are often myths that keep people financially stuck.

In this episode, Rufus shares a different way to think about money — one rooted in clarity, self-awareness, and building wealth with more faith than fear.

Breaking Down the Biggest Money Myths

Rufus explains that one of the most damaging myths is the belief that doing what everyone else does will bring success. In reality, every financial journey is unique. Copying the herd often leads to average — or worse — results. Instead, financial planning should begin with your goals, your values, and your end vision.

Why Emotions Sabotage Financial Decisions

Money is emotional. Most people make their biggest financial mistakes in moments of fear or excitement. Rufus shares how his role as a planner often comes down to helping clients not act on emotion — teaching them when “doing nothing” is actually the smartest move.

The Smartest Investment: Yourself

When asked where someone should put $10,000, Rufus’s answer wasn’t a stock, bond, or fund. His advice? Invest in yourself first. Hire a coach. Work with a planner. Buy wisdom from those who have already walked the path — because that shortcut often saves years of expensive trial and error.

Habits That Build Financial Freedom

Financial freedom doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from simple, repeatable habits:

• Automating savings so they happen out of sight, out of mind

• Starting small, then building incrementally

• Removing friction from good habits and adding friction to bad ones

• Practicing delayed gratification so future gains outweigh temporary wants

Faith Over Fear

Perhaps the most powerful theme in this episode is Rufus’s reminder to live with more faith than fear when it comes to money. Markets rise and fall, life throws curveballs, but clarity and planning allow you to move forward with confidence.

Listen to the Full Episode

This conversation is packed with “Rufus-isms” — practical wisdom you can apply immediately. From avoiding costly mistakes to reframing how you see financial independence, it’s an episode you won’t want to miss.