A lot of people have a complicated relationship with money. Whether it’s stress, fear, or simply a lack of knowledge, finances can feel overwhelming. There are so many misconceptions about what it means to be financially successful, and often, we feel like we need to have it all figured out right away. But when you’re going after big dreams—whether it’s writing, starting a business, or pursuing something else—you need to get clear on your relationship with money and how it can work in your favor.
My husband and I have built a six-figure income, which might sound like we can just buy whatever we want. But that’s not the case. We know that in order to live off of our income without overspending, we have to be intentional about every purchase we make. It’s not about how much we make—it’s about how we manage it.
The Spending Flow: Is It Worth It?
When I see something I absolutely love and think I need to have, I go through a simple but powerful spending flow to help me decide whether it’s truly worth the purchase. I ask myself a series of questions to evaluate the necessity and value of that item:
- Should I buy it?
- Do I love it?
- Did I need it like yesterday?
- Do I really want it?
- Can I borrow it?
- Is it really a necessity?
- Would it improve my life?
- Do I truly need it?
These questions help me make a decision that aligns with my values and goals, and they keep me from buying things I might regret later. By answering them honestly, I can save money and stay focused on what matters most.
With social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to keep up with the Joneses—the idea that we need to match the lifestyles, possessions, and achievements of those around us. But constantly comparing ourselves to others can be draining and counterproductive. True financial success isn’t about having the same things as everyone else or living up to someone else’s standards. It’s about aligning your spending and goals with your own values and priorities. By focusing on what you truly want in life—not what others think you should have—you can create a financial plan that works for you and brings fulfillment without the stress of trying to match someone else’s pace.
Focus on the Goals, Not the Numbers
Here’s the thing: we don’t focus on the actual numbers we’re bringing in as much as we focus on what we can afford. I know that sounds crazy, but hear me out. Our goal isn’t to make more money just for the sake of it. Our focus is on the goals we’re trying to achieve with what we’re already earning.
Take, for example, one of our goals: buying a lake house. Can I afford that right now? No, not yet. But one of our current achievable goals is to have annual Carowinds season passes so I can take my son there every day during the summer. That’s something we can absolutely afford right now, and it brings us so much joy. We prioritize goals like that because they’re aligned with our lifestyle.
Prioritize What Truly Matters
When we focus on our big goals, it becomes easier to let go of the small, superficial purchases. Why would I order Uber Eats when I’m saving for a closet upgrade? Why would I splurge on designer clothes when my focus is on upgrading my laptop and vlogging tools to create even better content for my YouTube channel?
By making intentional decisions, we’ve learned that our money is best spent on things that truly align with our long-term dreams and current priorities. It’s about investing in the things that move us forward, not just the things that feel good in the moment.
Define Your Priorities First
I think the key to managing money is simple: start with your priorities. What do you want your day-to-day life to look like? Once you figure that out, you can start designing your finances to support that vision. Whether that’s saving for travel, upgrading your home, or building a creative business, knowing your priorities will make your financial choices so much easier.
Money is a tool to help you build the life you want, and when you focus on your priorities, you can make sure every dollar is working toward your dreams, not just your next impulse buy.
Saving and Investing for Long-Term Financial Freedom
While it’s essential to stay intentional with your spending, it’s also critical to think about saving and investing for the future. Saving a percentage of your income each month can give you the security you need for emergencies and future plans. I recommend saving at least six months’ of living expenses in case of emergency. And don’t just keep that in your normal bank account. Find a high-interest savings account that you can dump that money into. I think the one that we use gives us like 5% on what we’re throwing in there.
On top of that, investing in the right avenues and diversifying your accounts can help your money grow, setting you up for long-term financial freedom. This isn’t something you need to figure out all at once, but the sooner you start, the better. There are tons of investing apps you can look into.
Plus, if you work in corporate and they have a 401K match, then go ahead and do that. Seriously, it’s free money, and you don’t want to miss out on it.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your finances, but if you start with a clear vision of your priorities, manage your spending intentionally, and invest wisely, you can build a stable foundation for your future. Ultimately, financial planning isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about using money as a tool to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Enjoying Life’s Little Splurges
Even with all of this budgeting and being intentional about my spending, I still allow myself to splurge on things that bring me joy and contribute to my well-being. For me, it’s things like my Daily Grind Planner goodies, which help me stay organized and inspired as I work toward my goals. I also make sure to get my nails done once every two weeks because it’s a small self-care ritual that makes me feel confident and refreshed. Another thing I invest in regularly is quality, supportive shoes that help me stay comfortable, especially during long writing sessions or when I’m on my feet more than usual.
My husband also enjoys splurging on things he loves—like buying video games. It’s his way of unwinding and enjoying his downtime, which is just as important as the work we put into achieving our goals. These are the things that make life enjoyable and balanced. We don’t see them as “wasteful” purchases, but rather as intentional investments in our happiness and well-being.
I recommend sitting down and making a list of all the things that make you happy that cost money. Then, start ranking them. The top three to five items are going to be what you splurge on. The rest can be re-evaluated as you move forward with your new money mindset.
Funding the Life You Want
The key takeaway is that your money should be funding the life you want. It’s not about depriving yourself of the things you enjoy or always saying no to little indulgences. It’s about making sure that the majority of your spending aligns with your bigger goals, and then allowing yourself the freedom to enjoy a few things that truly make you happy.
By thoughtfully budgeting and investing in things that are aligned with our priorities, we’re able to enjoy these little splurges without feeling guilty. In fact, they’re a reminder that financial planning isn’t just about saving and investing for the future—it’s also about creating a lifestyle today that brings fulfillment, joy, and balance. So, indulge a little here and there, but make sure that the way you’re spending your money is always contributing to the life you envision for yourself.
Elizabeth Yuen 