Hamiltonian Habits for a Lifetime Financial Plan

Timeless Money Principles from America’s First Treasury Secretary
By Elizabeth A. Valenti, CLTC, AIF^®

After spending almost 36 hours with Ron Chernow’s audiobook, Alexander Hamilton, I found myself inspired by how Hamilton built durable financial systems designed to last generations. In 1789, Hamilton became the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the architect of the Department, and somehow, he knew the institution and systems he was building were meant to stand the test of time. As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, it occurred to me that a great financial advisor does the same thing for his or her clients: builds structure, instills discipline, and guides long-term strategy through calm and crisis.

Our firm’s Platinum Advisory Process helps new clients gain confidence in the plan for their financial future and is designed to maintain a high level of attention and care for existing clients. When I finished the Hamilton audiobook, I began thinking about how our firm’s planning process aligns beautifully with four Hamilton inspired principles to shape a resilient lifetime financial plan:

Hamiltonian Principle #1: Know the Numbers & Stabilize Your “Revenue” Before You Grow

Order and transparency create strength. Hamilton believed financial systems must rest on predictable revenue before expanding ambitions.

Advisor application in our process: Our planning process starts with full financial clarity. During the Personal Insight meeting, we take the time to get to know the client by beginning with their questions, their concerns, and the financial picture the prospective client is starting from. In the Blueprinting meeting, we gather the specific details of the client’s financial situation including income, expenses/liabilities, existing accounts and current insurance helping to clarify the client’s goals and identify priorities.

This echoes Hamilton’s belief that no plan can be built without mastering the facts first. The more accurate our picture, the more precise our roadmap, and the more easily we can adapt when life changes. This step creates the stable foundation we need to construct the rest of the client’s plan, just as Hamilton ensured the new nation had reliable income before taking on larger commitments.

Hamiltonian Principle #2: Consolidate Chaos into a Clear, Coordinated Plan

Hamilton’s consolidation of state and national debts, advocating for a sound monetary system and designing the structure of the U.S. dollar, were some of the great organizational feats in U.S. financial history, bringing structure to chaos and creating credibility and direction.

Advisor application in our process: Our team conducts a thorough internal analysis of the client’s options and the strategies available. Utilizing our financial planning software, eMoney, allows us to take all the facts and statements gathered in the Blueprinting session to build and craft a customized financial plan for the client. Together, with the client, we then have a collaborative strategy discussion regarding potential future scenarios important or concerning to them (job loss, market downturns, inflation, retirement age, health events, etc.)

We model how one or more of the scenarios positively or negatively impacts the client’s cash flow year by year in the future and in retirement. Using our financial planning software, we streamline and bring all the once separate elements of the client’s finances into one unified framework to form a complete picture. Just like Hamilton helped unify the nation’s finances, we believe when a client sees everything they own in one place, it creates clarity and confidence for the future.

Hamiltonian principle #3: Default to Long-Term, Principles-Based Investing with Buffers

Durable frameworks outperform short-term speculation. Systems need shock absorbers to weather volatility.

Advisor application in our process: After our analysis, we meet with the client to review our team’s recommendations and solutions. The client then decides which solutions they would like to begin to implement, and this is where the plan transitions from ideas to action, guided by long-term thinking rather than short-term emotion. A long-term plan works because it resists the temptation to chase what’s hot. We don’t change strategy based on headlines. We change it based on time horizon or life changes. Our goal is to ensure our clients are protected against the volatility of life, just as Hamilton designed buffers to stabilize a vulnerable young nation.

Hamiltonian principle #4: Institutionalize the Relationship

Strong institutions create stability and trust.

Advisor application in our process: Our relationship with the client becomes the institution that stewards their financial life across decades and generations. The client’s decisions stay aligned with their values and intentions. Hamilton built financial institutions designed to last beyond any single person or moment. We don’t simply hand the client a plan and wish them luck. We regularly monitor progress, meeting with the client to discuss updates, life changes, and new opportunities. Our commitment to the client is a lifelong relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

Just as Hamilton believed the nation’s credit was “a matter of high importance to the honor and prosperity of the United States,”¹ a client’s financial stability is foundational to their future and a successful retirement.

In 2025, I set out on a personal mission to read or listen to a biography of every U.S. president and the most influential Founding Fathers, including figures like Alexander Hamilton. So far, I’ve completed four major works- Ron Chernow’s Washington, Grant, and Alexander Hamilton, along with David McCullough’s John Adams. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year, it feels fitting that Thomas Jefferson, its principal author, is next on my list!

As a financial advisor, I believe deeply in being guided by history rather than headlines, and the Hamiltonian habits I’ve been studying reinforce just how timeless strong financial principles truly are. These ideas can help every client build a lasting, resilient and successful lifetime financial plan.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Valenti is Senior Vice President of Platinum Wealth Solutions of Texas, a comprehensive financial planning firm based in San Antonio, TX. Elizabeth has been in the financial services profession since 2006 helping clients and financial advisors achieve their full potential. Elizabeth is co-owner of the firm and is responsible for leading, managing and attracting new talent to her winning team of advisors and staff. Platinum Wealth Solutions of Texas is a multigenerational, family-owned wealth management firm comprised of a team of professionals who are all fiduciaries and utilize a comprehensive financial planning approach. The firm is dedicated to positively impacting the lives, lifestyles and legacies of individuals, families and businesses in San Antonio and its surrounding communities.

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Hamiltonian Habits for a Lifetime Financial Plan | Elizabeth A. Valenti, CLTC, AIF®