Money Mindfulness (Without the Stress)

Welcome back, I'm so happy you're here!

Let's talk about money — but not in a scary or stressful way, I promise. I just want to highlight the power of being aware of where your money is going. No judgment, no guilt, just observation. Because here's the thing: most people (myself included) don't overspend on purpose. It's just so easy to let those little purchases add up without even realizing it.

There have been weeks when I genuinely thought I'd been so responsible, only to glance at my bank statement and wonder how things added up so quickly. That feeling? Frustrating. But also fixable.

Now, I'm not saying you need to set a rigid budget — you still deserve little treats! I just want to share how staying in the loop with your spending can have a subtle but powerful effect. Personally, when I'm more aware of what I've been spending recently, I'm much more likely to pause before making a purchase that doesn't really serve me. And that pause? It makes a huge difference, not just in my bank account, but in how I feel.

When I'm more intentional, I end up with more left over for the stuff that actually feels good — like a fun night out with friends or a last minute dinner date. The more aware I am, the more my habits begin to shift in ways that support me, without forcing it.

And let's be real: in this culture of constant overconsumption, it can feel like we're always supposed to be buying something. There's always another thing someone else has, another experience to chase, and it's all being fed to us nonstop through social media and eerily accurate ads (my FBI agent unfortunately has great taste).

Slowing down is hard. But the more I tune in to how I really feel after impulsive spending, the more I crave simplicity. This mindset isn't one size fits-all — just something I've noticed in myself and wanted to share, in case it helps you too.

Little Habits That Help (Without Costing a Thing)

Here are a couple of low effort, no pressure habits that have made a real difference for me:

Create Low Pressure Savings

This can look like anything: a small percentage of your paycheck into a 401(k), a monthly transfer into a high yield savings account, or literally just tossing $5 a week into a Ziploc bag in your purse. Just like small expenses add up, so do small savings — but they feel so much better. Hide your money from yourself so you can be excited when you find it again :)

Keep a Tally of Your Spending

I keep a simple running note in my phone of everything I've spent that day or week. No guilt, just awareness. This helps me track patterns and understand where my money is going. Sometimes I log it all into an Excel sheet afterward — but honestly, the note alone is more than enough if that's what works for you.

You deserve to feel in control of your money — not the other way around. I know how easy it is to feel like your finances are running the show, especially when things feel tight. But I really believe it's possible to feel grounded and confident about your spending, even with small, imperfect steps.

I hope this was helpful. Let me know if you try any of these — I'd love to hear what resonates.