You may be familiar with the typical financial wisdom that suggests reducing daily expenses such as Starbucks, clothing purchases, and dining out in order to save money. However, the path to financial independence isn’t necessarily paved with the coins saved from skipped lattes. It’s important to acknowledge and savor the small joys that life has to offer. This is a concept that Ramit Sethi explores in his book “I Will Teach You To Be Rich.” Those who have experienced financial hardship or grew up in resource-scarce environments often develop a mindset of scarcity, perceiving money as a limited resource. This can lead to a natural inclination to guard one’s financial resources rather than seeking ways to augment them. This doesn’t mean we should throw caution to the wind when it comes to our finances. Rather, it’s about finding a balance that works for you. Identify the aspects of your life that are truly meaningful to you, allocate your resources accordingly, and scale back on the rest. Take, for instance, a friend of mine who chooses to live in a modest apartment in order to afford his dream car. Or another friend who allocates a significant portion of her budget to her daily Starbucks fix. Many of my friends have some pretty expensive hobbies, yet bring in a middle-class income. Each of these individuals made a conscious decision to spend their money in a way that aligns with their values and brings them joy. So, rather than berating yourself for spending money on non-essentials, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. Eliminate the expenditures that don’t bring you happiness or add value to your life, and invest in what does. For me, that’s experiences over “things”. The experiences and memories I gain from exploring new places and experiencing new activities are priceless. This brings me to another crucial point: money is just one part of the equation. Time is another valuable resource that should be spent wisely. Much like money, time can easily slip away, leaving you wondering where it all went. Many productivity strategies focus on maximizing your time to increase your output, but it’s equally important to ensure that your time is spent on activities that align with your values. So, instead of eliminating purchases or activities because they’re deemed “unnecessary” or “unproductive,” remove them from your life because they don’t resonate with your personal values. Be intentional with your decisions. Determine what you want to accomplish before sitting down at your computer, or what you want to purchase before stepping into a store. Don’t let external influences, be it other people or algorithms, dictate how you should spend your time or money. In essence, the key is to spend both your time and money in a way that is purposeful and aligned with your values. | 
