How To Matter & Live With Purpose | Jennifer Wallace
A positive way to build true wealth in 2026
While we talk about money a LOT on this program, it's very important to keep in mind that money is a means to wealth -- it's not true wealth in and of itself
True wealth is pretty simple when you boil it down: it's having quality relationships, a sense of purpose, and good health.
Today, we're going to dive deeply into the first two of those.
We're fortunate to be joined by Jennifer Wallace, New York Times best-selling author. She has a new book out titled: Mattering: The Secret To A Life Of Deep Connection And Purpose.
For a positive way to start 2026, click here or on the video below:
REMINDER: In celebration of the silver price shooting above $60/oz for the first time in history, Andy Schectman, CEO of Miles Franklin, is kindly offering an exclusive discount to the Thoughtful Money audience:
While supplies last, he’s willing to sell us junk silver at $1 *below* spot.
If you’d like to take him up on this offer, or talk with him & his staff about any other questions/needs you have regarding buying or storing precious metals, just click on the button below and fill out the short form:
I’m so grateful to everyone who has kindly supported me by becoming a premium subscriber to this Substack. It makes an important difference in helping me fund the substantial operating costs of running Thoughtful Money.
Premium supporters receive my “Adam’s Notes” summaries to the interviews I do, the wildly-popular MacroPass™ rotation of reports from esteemed experts, VIP discounts, plus periodic advance-viewing/exclusive content. My Adam’s Notes for this discussion with Jennifer are available to them below.
If you, too, would like to become a premium subscriber to this Substack (it’s only $0.52/day), then sign up now below:
Adam’s Notes: Jennifer Wallace (recorded 12.2.25)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Jennifer Wallace explains mattering as a fundamental human need to feel valued and add value, essential for mental, social, and physical health, drawing from decades of research and her books on achievement culture and connection.
She links low mattering to societal issues like loneliness, anxiety, substance abuse, and extreme behaviors, while high mattering fosters engagement, purpose, and resilience.
Modern challenges such as individualism, technology, and disconnected work erode mattering, but it can be rebuilt through
