Let’s Flip the Script on Budgeting
Usually, budgeting is all about what you have to cut out—no to that extra slice of pizza, no to spontaneous trips to Aruba (bummer, right?). But what if budgeting was more about what you get to say “YES” to? Enter the magical world of the “Yes List.”
Picture This: A World of Yeses
Instead of dwelling on those pesky no’s, start your budgeting journey by jotting down all the things you’re thrilled to say “YES” to. Yes, to your cozy home that feels like a warm hug every time you step in. Yes, to those two cars that make you feel like a king or queen of the road. Yes, to dinner out twice a month—go ahead, call it ‘date night’ and make it a thing. Yes to the kids’ tutors because education is priceless, and yes to that yoga class because, let’s face it, inner peace is worth every cent.
But wait—before you start dreaming up new yeses, have you taken stock of the yeses you already have in your life? Take a moment to look around. Your Yes List doesn’t have to be all about adding more to your plate. You’re likely already saying YES to things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Your favorite coffee subscription? That’s a yes. A gym membership that keeps you moving? Another yes. Even something as simple as internet access that connects you to loved ones is a yes that deserves recognition.
Appreciating the yeses already in your life is like a boost of gratitude wrapped in financial awareness. You’re already living in alignment with your priorities more than you might realize—it’s time to celebrate that!
Yes List vs. Gratitude List
Now, here’s an important distinction I like to make. A Yes List isn’t the same as a Gratitude List. Don’t get me wrong—a Gratitude List is phenomenal (I mean, who doesn’t feel lighter after jotting down all the things they’re grateful for?). But a Gratitude List captures everything that brings warmth to your heart—like being thankful for your legs that carry you, the rain outside making your garden bloom, or your family’s laughter filling the house.
A Yes List, on the other hand, is all about the decisions you’re intentionally making with your budget. It’s focused on what you’re choosing to spend money on to create a life that excites and serves you. Think weekend getaways that nourish your soul, concert tickets that make your heart thump a little faster, or investing in a hobby that helps you unwind after a long week. It’s about turning your hard-earned dollars into intentional yeses that align with the life you want to live.
Defining Priorities: The Joy of Yes
Budgeting isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about defining your priorities and aligning your spending with them. As some might say, “Life’s too short not to enjoy that overpriced latte if it makes your heart sing.”
While you’re making your Yes List, take a few moments to reflect on the things that genuinely bring you joy and fulfillment. What are the yeses that already exist in your budget? And what new yeses are calling your name? These are the things—big or small—that deserve a standing ovation in your financial plan.
Your Blueprint to a Life Well-Lived
Think of your Yes List as your personal blueprint to a life well-lived. It’s about consciously choosing what your dollars are supporting and how those choices are serving your happiness and growth.
Remember, this isn’t just about spending money; it’s about living with intention. These yeses create ripple effects that impact your day-to-day life and your long-term goals.
And when you start from a place of abundance—acknowledging the yeses already in your life—it’s easier to prioritize future yeses. It shifts your mindset from scarcity (“Oh no, I have to skip this!”) to a place of empowerment (“YES, this is what I’m choosing!”). And honestly, this approach is just a lot more fun than feeling guilty about every dollar spent.
Your Challenge: Discover & Celebrate Your Yeses
So, here’s your challenge: Take a moment today to write down your Yes List. Start with the yeses that are already in your life—it’s not just about what’s missing. Then, think about what new things you want to say yes to. What are the choices that make your life richer, fuller, and downright delightful?
Once you’ve got your Yes List, you’ll find the no’s fall into place naturally—not as sacrifices, but as intentional decisions that carve the path to the bigger picture you’re dreaming of.
And if you need some guidance crafting this masterpiece of priorities, I’m here to lend a hand. Together, we’ll build a plan that’s not just practical but purposeful—a budget that doesn’t just work but works for YOU.
Want to explore this deeper? Book a free session with me here, and we’ll work on turning your Yes List into a reality you can’t wait to live.
I’m looking forward to hearing what’s on your Yes List!
Avraham
Your Financial Coach
PS Now, I’ll be honest—sometimes, it’s not so easy to know what truly makes you happy or what should make it onto your Yes List. And that’s okay! Figuring this out is a process, and it’s as much about self-discovery as it is about budgeting. It’s an important (and juicy!) topic that I’ll be digging deeper into in a future post. Stay tuned for some insights and exercises to help you uncover what really lights you up!
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