Dare to Spend on What Makes You Alive

A scarcity mindset can be suffocating.

Life’s too short to pinch your pennies so tight you’re scared to enjoy it. Sure, budgeting matters (don’t start hyperventilating yet), but living like your wallet is in witness protection? Not it.

Here are 4 ways to boldly spend on what fuels your soul (without going broke).

1. Shift Your Mindset

Alright, first things first. If you’ve got a death grip on your wallet, it’s time to relax those fingers. What’s eating at you? Fear of running out of money? Guilt for splurging? Whatever it is, remember this: money is a tool, not a prison guard.

Start thinking about spending as an investment in your happiness, not as a reckless indulgence. Buy the comfy running shoes that make you actually want to work out. Book the weekend getaway that’s been calling your name. Kick guilt to the curb and focus on what makes your heart skip a beat.

2. Prioritize Your Passions

If your budget is tighter than your favorite pair of old skinny jeans, here’s the tip of your dreams: spend smart. No, I don’t mean cutting out coffee like every personal finance guru loves to preach (we’re civilized humans here, coffee stays).

Instead, figure out what sets your soul on fire, and make room for it. Love painting? Set aside money for art supplies. Obsessed with foodie adventures? Budget for that fancy brunch. Trust me, you’ll feel way better putting your dollars toward passions rather than splurging on random Amazon purchases at 2 a.m. (been there).

3. Balance Spending and Saving

Here’s where we get all practical and responsible—but don’t worry, it’s painless. Budgeting isn’t the villain; it’s not here to ruin your fun. The hero of the story? Balance.

Here’s the play-by-play:

• Set up a savings plan for emergencies or future goals (pro tip: automate it so you don’t have to think).
• Designate a guilt-free “fun fund.” This is sacred cash, reserved solely for things you love.
  Voilà! With this system, you can hit pause on savers’ guilt and enjoy life today and tomorrow.

4. Reflect on Your Choices

Here’s the tea: spending without checking in on yourself is basically shopping blindfolded. Not a good look.

Take some time to ask yourself if your dollars are going where you want them to. Are you spending on stuff that adds value to your life, or just because TikTok convinced you it was cool? No judgment, we’ve all been there. But every now and then, hit pause and check if your spending aligns with your big-picture goals. If it doesn’t, tweak things a bit.

Final Thoughts

Look, no one’s saying you should blow your savings on a literal yacht (unless you’re into that and Jeff Bezos-level rich). But you should start reevaluating how you use your money. Instead of hoarding every penny in fear or splurging on things that don’t matter, spend on what makes you feel alive.

Daring to spend on your passions isn’t irresponsible—it’s necessary. Because at the end of the day, cash is replaceable; moments of joy aren’t.