Going Rogue: Breaking the Conventional Rules for Financial and Personal Health

In this episode of the Project 12:02 Leadership Lab, host Rich Lohman welcomes financial advisor and bestselling author Melissa Myers back for an eye-opening discussion on achieving financial health. Building on themes from her book Going Rogue, Melissa offers unconventional strategies for mastering finances by focusing on personal values, self-awareness, and mindful decision-making. The conversation delves into why conventional wisdom may not work for everyone and explores how to take control of your financial journey in a way that aligns with your true priorities.

Summary of Main Topics Discussed:

• Shifting Focus for Holistic Health: Rich and Melissa discuss the importance of integrating financial health into a broader approach to well-being that includes mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational health.

• Going Rogue Philosophy: Melissa explains the essence of her approach—breaking free from traditional, one-size-fits-all financial advice and empowering people to make decisions based on their individual needs, goals, and values.

• Practical Financial Strategies: The discussion covers how to replace restrictive budgeting with lifestyle analysis, why documenting past spending is more revealing than following preset rules, and the value of planning for “sunny day funds” to reduce stress.

• Real-World Examples of Transformation: Rich shares personal stories of how Melissa's guidance helped him and his wife gain control over their finances and move closer to their life goals without feeling deprived.

Poignant Exchange:The power of Melissa’s approach comes through in her emphasis on aligning finances with personal values. This exchange illustrates the shift from standard advice to deeply personal engagement:

Rich: “When somebody says, ‘Okay, I want to start, I'm going to write a budget,’ what would you say to them?”Melissa: “I would say, ‘May I ask you a question?’ I like to gain permission and have that common ground to ask curious, thought-provoking questions. In the book, the first three chapters don’t even talk about money; they’re about reflecting on what’s important in your life.”

This approach challenges the traditional methods of diving into numbers first and instead connects finances to purpose, making financial transformation meaningful and actionable.

Conclusion:Financial freedom isn't just about building wealth—it's about achieving a lifestyle that aligns with your values and goals. Melissa Myers' Going Rogue approach empowers individuals to take charge of their financial health by rethinking conventional strategies and creating a personalized roadmap to success. By focusing on lifestyle analysis, thoughtful spending, and self-awareness, listeners can move beyond stress and into a space where financial decisions reflect their true priorities. If you’re ready to transform your financial life with a supportive and tailored approach, now’s the time to explore these rogue strategies and build a path that truly works for you.

Resources:

• Get your copy of Melissa’s book, Going Rogue!
• Get your copy of Melissa’s workbook, Passport to Freedom
• Visit the Project 12:02 website
• Check out our - to Growth program
• Get a free copy of