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StitcherMoney can be tricky. It can feel like it’s there when it’s not, or feel gone when you actually have enough. That confusion can push us into two extremes: depriving ourselves or overspending. Jen and Jill are here to cut through the chaos with the real fix by aligning your budget with your values so your money finally makes sense.
When we start to focus our money on what matters most to us we’ll find that we don’t have to spend so much on things that don’t matter.
What is values-based spending?
Budgeting is still an integral part of money management but there’s no one way to budget and it doesn’t need to be a rigid ruler of your life. Jen and Jill relate to this because sometimes it can feel depriving and stagnant when you’ve been budgeting for a long time and you’ve been “failing” frequently.
That’s why they talk about Values-Based Spending. It’s a more intentional way of spending, focused on what you truly care about and letting go of the things you don’t. Jen explains that it starts with knowing your values so you can naturally set boundaries around your spending. To put it into practice, look back at the last 90 days of your transactions. Then make two lists, what you’re happy to spend on without guilt, and what you’re ready to stop spending on. This helps you lead with your values first before diving into the math.
All Things About Money Dysmorphia
Shari explains that money dysmorphia is having a distorted view of your financial situation and it can go from one extreme to the other. It manifests in ways like feeling like you have no money, constant financial anxiety, oversaving, or never feeling like you have enough leading to deprivation. On the flip side, it can look like believing you’re doing just fine when you’re actually overspending and slipping into unhealthy habits.
Root Cause of Money Dysmorphia
Shari says that because we don’t talk openly about money, we end up living in a sort of vacuum as it creates a disparity with our reality about finances. We hear things about money, but actually talking about it with friends, family, or loved ones is different because it connects the topic to your real life and gives you perspective. When you’re only in your own head, or surrounded by people who think the same way, it’s easy for your thoughts to drift to extremes. Without other viewpoints, no one is there to gently challenge your assumptions or help ground you in reality.
Remedying Money Dysmorphia
Shari believes that in having conversations and dialogue about money, we can reduce the extremes that go into our head about finances. She says it’s even more powerful when you start with a professional like a financial coach, adviser, or therapist because they can give you clear facts. And when you have the facts, it becomes easier to map out your finances and make better decisions.
If you’re not ready to work with a professional, you can start by talking to a trusted friend. Even that small step can help ground your thoughts and make money feel less overwhelming.
What’s a recent purchase you made (under $50) that you felt good about/aligned w/values
Jill recently went to a local $10 hot yoga class, it’s a donation based and it felt good for her! Jen took the kids out to tacos and ice cream and it turned out to be a lovely evening.
✨ Join the 90-Day Debt Free Fast Track!
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Live coaching, community accountability, and instant access to The Financial Reset (a $297 bonus course!).
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Bill of The Week
Thanks Jo for sharing your bill about NOT spending money. Followed a YT video to clean lampshades
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews and we especially loved this one from:
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Wise advice, creative ideas and kindness all the way
As a fan of the podcast, I bought this book knowing it would inspire me as I continue to strengthen my financial muscles and transform my identity from consumer to investor. I love the holistic approach — the practical advice mixed with a healthy helping of higher level writing on how money is integrated with our values. This is one of those books I wanted to instantly reread.
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