A Financial Journey of Freedom and Fulfillment: A Conversation with Kendra Adachi

There are some clients who, over the years, become more than just clients—they become trusted friends. Kendra Adachi is one of those people. I have had the privilege of walking alongside her on her financial journey for almost two decades, witnessing firsthand the evolution of a woman who turned the pursuit of perfection into a philosophy that has helped thousands lead more meaningful, intentional lives.

Kendra Adachi, the original Lazy Genius, is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, nationally ranked podcaster, wife, and mother. Her work has resonated with so many because it provides a refreshing alternative to the overwhelming hustle culture. Instead of urging people to do more, she encourages them to be smarter about what matters and lazy about what doesn’t—a philosophy she has applied not just to her personal life but also to her financial journey.

A Story of Growth, Freedom, and Letting Go

When Kendra first explored financial planning, she and her husband were just beginning to build their financial foundation. Like many young, fresh grads, they had big dreams and limited resources. Budgeting, saving, and planning for the future felt daunting, but Kendra approached it the way she approached everything: by prioritizing what mattered most and letting go of unnecessary stress.

“I don’t like taking risks,” Kendra admitted. “But I’ve learned that when you have a solid financial foundation, you can afford to take more creative risks because you know there’s a soft place to land.”

I have seen that mindset shift in so many successful entrepreneurs. When your financial house is in order, you can make bold moves in your career without feeling like you’re gambling everything away. Over the years, Kendra has done exactly that, transitioning from a perfectionist striving to control everything to a thriving business owner who trusts the process and embraces adaptability.

From Budgeting to Bestsellers: A Financial Strategy That Works

Kendra’s journey is a testament to what can happen when you align your financial strategy with your values. She didn’t have a roadmap when she started her entrepreneurial career. What she did have was a strong work ethic, a unique voice, and a community that was deeply connected with her message. She also had a financial plan that allowed her to grow at her own pace.

Instead of focusing on hitting arbitrary financial milestones, Kendra and I worked on a strategy that supported the life she wanted to build. That meant:

• Creating a safety net so she could make personal and business decisions without fear.
• Investing wisely so that her wealth grows in alignment with her long-term goals.
• Setting aside funds to support her family’s future while still allowing for generosity and enjoyment in the present.

One of my favorite points she made was, “I don’t want to be the greatest there’s ever been. I just want to do a good job, and if it helps people, that’s beautiful. I like my life too much to change it for the sake of trying to be more well-known.”

To Kendra, it’s not about accumulating just for the sake of it. It’s about having the freedom to live a fulfilling life, to give generously, and to make decisions without financial fear.

Financial Security as a Foundation for Creativity

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Kendra has been seeing how financial security has enabled her to take creative risks. Because she has a strong financial foundation, she has been able to experiment with different business ventures, pivot when necessary, and grow in ways that feel true to her mission.

“I don’t want a bigger house. I don’t want a more lavish lifestyle,” she said. “I just don’t want to worry about money. I want to be able to support my kids, take a trip when I want to, and be generous when I see a need.”

Any type of planning isn’t about the restrictions; it’s about creating options. It’s about ensuring that when life presents an opportunity—whether it’s a book deal, a speaking engagement, or a chance to make a meaningful impact—you’re prepared to say yes without hesitation.

Lessons We Can All Learn from Kendra’s Journey

Kendra’s story is one that so many entrepreneurs and creatives can relate to. It includes:

• Releasing the pressure of perfection and focusing on what truly matters.
• Recognizing that financial planning isn’t about limitations—it’s about freedom.
• Embracing adaptability and trusting that you don’t have to have everything figured out all at once.

Over the years, I have seen Kendra’s career flourish, her family grow, and her financial confidence strengthen. It has been an honor to support her through each chapter of her journey, and I know the best is yet to come.

Set Yourself Up for Success

At Mission Wealth, our goal is to provide that same peace of mind to all our clients. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your plan to align with your evolving priorities, we’re here to help. As Kendra beautifully put it, “You don’t have to start knowing the answer to everything. Just know the broad strokes of what matters to you, and then invite the expertise of others into that.”

That’s exactly what she did. And because of it, she, her family, and her business are thriving.

Are you looking for a financial partner who can help you focus on what truly matters? Let’s have a conversation. Reach out to Mission Wealth below to start building the financial foundation that will allow you to pursue your biggest dreams.

Learn More About Kendra Adachi

Discover more about how Kendra helps people be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t! To dive deeper into Kendra’s work, check out her books and podcast:

• Books: The Plan, The Lazy Genius Way, The Lazy Genius Kitchen
• Podcast: The Lazy Genius Podcast (available wherever you listen to podcasts)
• Website: The Lazy Genius Collective