Let’s end the “only spend on needs” nonsense

In the personal finance world, there’s a mantra that echoes through the advice of many money gurus: “When it comes to money, only spend on needs, not wants.” It’s a refrain we’ve all heard a million times, a drumbeat of frugality that urges us to forsake desire for necessity. But wait, does that really align with the life we crave? The life brimming with experiences, passions, and maybe even indulgence? I say, let’s challenge this oversimplification and embark on a journey toward financial freedom that resonates with our deepest values.

Life isn’t a checklist of necessities; it’s a canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of our desires and dreams. Too often, the financial advice landscape oversimplifies our spending decisions, urging us to stick strictly to our needs. But what if our wants aren’t frivolous indulgences but pathways to a richer, more fulfilling life? Let’s break free from the confines of conventional wisdom and explore a more nuanced approach to spending.

Hear this: if you only spend on needs, you might just stay broke

Embracing the rigid financial rule of “only spend on needs, not wants” can inadvertently set individuals on a path destined for failure. Such a one-size-fits-all approach fails to acknowledge the inherent subjectivity of needs and wants, glossing over the nuanced nature of personal finances. This rule tends to create an environment of guilt and deprivation, forcing individuals to suppress their desires rather than finding a healthy balance between mindful spending and personal fulfillment. By pigeonholing spending decisions into a binary framework, this rule oversimplifies the complex emotional and psychological aspects of money management, potentially leading to resentment and a lack of satisfaction with one’s financial journey. AKA our good old nemesis, the scarcity mindset.

Moreover, the stringent adherence to this rule neglects the positive impact that well-considered wants can have on an individual’s overall well-being. Denying yourself entirely of discretionary spending may lead to a sense of burnout or rebellion, causing you to abandon your financial plans altogether. The rule fails to recognize that certain wants, when aligned with personal values and aspirations, can be viewed as essential elements of a fulfilling life. A more holistic approach to financial well-being acknowledges the importance of balancing needs and wants, fostering a healthier relationship with money that accommodates your values, passions, and long-term goals.

Rejecting the One-Size-Fits-All Approach

The world is teeming with beautiful experiences and things, and to deny ourselves the joy of exploration and the pleasure of well-deserved indulgences is to miss the essence of life itself. Let’s rebel against the one-size-fits-all approach to spending and delve into a philosophy that encourages us to align our financial choices with the unique vision we have for our lives.

Embracing Conscious Spending:

I’m not advocating for reckless spending or mindless splurges. Instead, let’s embrace conscious spending — a mindful approach that aligns with our core values and long-term goals. It’s time to shed the guilt associated with indulging in our desires and instead focus on spending in ways that enhance our lives and resonate with our individual narratives.

The Three Pillars of Financial Freedom:

To embark on this journey, we need to lay the groundwork for true financial freedom. Here are the three pillars that will pave the way:

1. Understanding Your True Values: To spend in alignment with your vision, you must first understand what truly matters to you. What are the experiences, values, and aspirations that define your version of a fulfilled life? Delve deep into self-discovery to unearth the core values that will guide your financial decisions.
2. Crafting a Personalized Financial Plan: A generic financial plan won’t cut it. Your plan should be a reflection of your values and vision, outlining how you’ll allocate your resources to align with what’s truly important. It’s time to create a roadmap that leads to your version of financial success, not someone else’s.
3. Mastering Mindful Spending: The key to financial discipline lies in mastering mindful spending. This involves prepaying for your dreams — saving diligently for those larger-than-life experiences and indulgences that align with your values. It’s a disciplined approach that empowers you to turn your wants into needs without compromising your financial stability.

Navigating the Gray Area to Spend on Needs or Wants

Despite what financial experts might tell you, the line between wants and needs isn’t always black and white. What one person labels as a mere want might be another’s essential need. It’s time to embrace the gray area and recognize that our unique circumstances and aspirations determine the distinction between the two.

For example, envision your family exploring the world. Is that an extravagant want or a deeply cherished need for a life well-lived? Likewise, if you find true value in a handmade item — a cardigan that brings warmth not just to your body but also to your soul — isn’t that a need in its own right?

Wealth Begins Within: the plan that let’s you spend on needs AND wants

Now that we’ve challenged the status quo and defined the principles of conscious spending, how can you practically implement these ideas in your life? That’s where my signature coaching program, Wealth Begins Within, comes in.

1. Discover Your True Self: Through guided exercises and introspective coaching, we’ll uncover the core values that drive your financial decisions. This self-awareness is the foundation for building a life that aligns with your unique vision.
2. Craft Your Personal Financial Manifesto: Together, we’ll create a personalized financial plan that reflects your values and aspirations. No cookie-cutter templates — this plan will be as unique as you are, outlining a path to financial freedom that resonates with your soul.
3. Master Mindful Spending: Learn the art of mindful spending and disciplined saving. We’ll work together to develop habits that allow you to “prepay” for the experiences and items that truly matter, turning your financial dreams into a tangible reality.

Let’s Turn Your Wants Into Needs

In the grand symphony of life, your financial choices are the notes that compose your unique melody. It’s time to liberate yourself from the constraints of conventional spending wisdom and embrace a philosophy that celebrates the richness of experience and the beauty of desire.

So, if you’re yearning for a life where your wants are not just permissible but essential, let’s embark on this journey together. Wealth Begins Within is more than a coaching program; it’s a rebellion against the mundane, a celebration of individuality, and a pathway to the financial freedom you deserve.

Are you ready to redefine your relationship with money? Let’s chat and explore how you can unleash your financial mojo, turning your wants into needs and sculpting a life that’s truly yours. Because, after all, wealth begins within.