Ever paused to think about the real cost of ‘doing you’?

I’m diving deep into the gritty details of our spending habits – from the must-haves like rent and groceries to those fun splurges (hello, date nights and shopping sprees!). But it’s not just about tracking dollars. It’s about understanding the “why” behind each swipe and tap.

You might cringe looking back at your last six months of bank statements. And hey, if you’re questioning, “What’s the point of making money if I can’t enjoy it?” – you’re not alone. This isn’t about hoarding cash for some far-off retirement or setting up trust funds for the kids you may or may not have. It’s about living your best life now, in your prime years, with smart, intentional spending.

Made it through that reality check? Bravo!

That’s Step 1: Awareness. Now, let’s talk Step 2: Decision.

Let’s slice and dice those finances. Whether it’s saving for that dream trip or your first home, it’s time to adjust those spending gears. Living on less than what you make is the secret sauce here. And remember, it’s not about cutting joy; it’s about making your money work for you – or as I like to say, making money your b*itch!

Ask yourself, what lights up your life? What are your must-haves versus nice-to-haves? It doesn’t matter your income level; we all have a ‘lifestyle number.’ And guess what? Achieving financial freedom might be closer than you think.

Quick tip: Always crunch those numbers with after-tax dollars.

Ever heard of the 50/30/20 rule? It’s a simple way to categorize your spending: 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. But here’s the twist: if your financial plate isn’t full of responsibilities like mortgages or kids, why not tweak it? How about 50% for needs and wants, 30% for creating income streams or paying off debts, and 20% for building that all-important emergency fund?

And for those with more on their financial plate, a 70/20/10 split might just be your golden ratio.

Remember, it’s all about stabilizing your lifestyle costs.

Once you get that under control, you’ll feel the stress melting away. No magic formulas here, just guidelines to give your finances some solid structure – and bring you that peace of mind we all crave.

Hang in there! Once you hit those financial milestones, that 20% can transform into your ‘fun money.’ So, stay the course – your future self will thank you!

Until next time, keep living that Fit & Frugal life!