The One Rule That Made Me Stop Feeling Broke
Hey all,
Let’s be real, budgeting often feels like a guilt trip.
Cut the coffee. Cancel your fun. Say no to everything you enjoy.
No thanks...
Then I came across this quote that flipped everything:
“Spend extravagantly on the things you love. Cut mercilessly on the things you don’t.”
— Ramit Sethi
Suddenly, money started feeling like freedom, not restriction.
The Rule That Changed My Financial Life
The idea of conscious spending is a total game-changer.
It’s not about obsessing over spreadsheets. It’s about making sure your money reflects your actual priorities.
Here’s how I apply it:
I spend guilt-free on things I genuinely love: books, travel, and quality coffee
I cut ruthlessly on things I don’t: unused subscriptions, random Amazon buys, overpriced takeout
Try this:
List your top 3 joy spends
Check your last 30 days of spending
Ask: “Does my money match what I care about?”
Book Pick of the Week
I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
This is the no-BS, modern personal finance book every 20–40 y/o should read.
How to automate your finances
Beginner-friendly investing strategies
How to spend AND save, without guilt
If you’re like me you will enjoy the audiobook version too!
Finance Forum Worth Bookmarking
Reddit: r/personalfinance
It’s full of honest advice, real questions, and people actually sharing their money wins and fails.
Pro Tip: Use their Wiki for free guides better than most blogs.
Video Pick: Quick, Smart, and Actually Fun
YouTube: Two Cents
Short, punchy videos explaining personal finance without the fluff.
Start with:Budgeting Basics!
Your Turn:
What are your 3 “joy spends”?
Hit reply and tell me! I’ll share the best (anonymously) in next week’s issue.
Until next time,
Spend Smart, Live Free