Barcelona, Soccer, and the Gift of Financial Growth: A Family Journey into Play, Privilege, and Perspective

Growing Into a New Chapter of Family Travel

I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Barcelona with my teenage son. He was invited to play in a global youth soccer tournament, and we joined his club team for a week of culture, competition, and connection. It was the kind of trip I never imagined taking as a kid—and, in many ways, one I never imagined providing as a parent.

It’s not lost on me that many families grow up with international travel as a normal part of life. But for our family—and for many of the couples and clients I work with—this level of travel is new. It's a marker of financial growth, yes, but also emotional and relational evolution.

Planning this trip brought up deep questions: Who am I to do this? What does this mean for our family identity? How will this shape my son's view of the world—and himself?

When the Numbers Are Right, But the Fear Still Creeps In

Despite careful planning, our business revenue dipped right before the trip. Cue the inner financial critic: You shouldn't be spending this money right now. You should play it safe. Just go cheap. Keep your head down.

This is exactly the kind of inner narrative that so many couples face when they're stepping into something new with money—especially when the stakes feel high. It’s the voice of financial anxiety, even in the presence of enough.

Thankfully, my wife and I were able to sit down for a financial intimacy moment before I left. I named the fear. She looked me in the eyes and said, “Go enjoy the trip. We’ll figure this out.” That loving reminder—grounded in trust and partnership—helped me reset.

That’s why we teach financial intimacy. It’s not just about sharing budgets or retirement goals. It’s about being emotionally honest in the moments that matter. It’s about coming back to a shared vision, even when the path forward feels uncertain.

Soccer, Struggle, and the Surprise of Joy

The boys didn’t win the tournament. They played hard, but the teams from Europe were next-level. My son—used to being one of the top players here—was humbled. And that was beautiful to watch. He saw just how big the world is, and how much more there is to learn and grow.

But my favorite memory came on the very last night. The tournament was over. The pressure had lifted. And we took the boys to the beach.

They played barefoot soccer in the sand, laughing, wrestling, shouting in joy. It was pure freedom. No coaches. No clocks. No performance pressure. Just play.

It struck me in that moment: This is what we want our financial life to feel like sometimes. Sure, we need structure, goals, and discipline. But we also need space for play, for spontaneity, for joy.

Too often, in the pursuit of getting money “right,” we forget to live.

The Bigger Picture: Using Wealth to Create Meaningful Memories

This trip gave us more than photos or tournament scores. It gave us core memories—as my son now calls them. It gave me a chance to see how far we’ve come, both financially and relationally. And it reminded me of why we do this work at Healthy Love and Money.

Yes, it’s about growing wealth. But more importantly, it’s about using that wealth to live a life aligned with your values, your relationships, and your dreams.

If you find yourself navigating the transition into greater financial means—taking bigger trips, investing in new experiences, or questioning what’s “too much”—you’re not alone. These moments can stir up old stories and new questions. But they’re also opportunities to create joy, connection, and memories that last a lifetime.

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