If you’re great at saving money but feel anxious, guilty, or uncomfortable spending it, I want to share 4 spending principles that have helped me.

Many people pursuing financial independence don’t struggle with discipline. They struggle with permission. We have endless advice on saving and investing, but far less guidance on how to actually enjoy the money we’re working so hard to build.

In this episode, I’ll share my personal Spending Playbook: four spending principles I use as a super saver to spend confidently, reduce stress, and still stay on track toward financial independence. These principles are designed to help me enjoy my money without sabotaging my long-term goals.

This isn’t about spending more; it’s about spending intentionally, so saving stops feeling like a sacrifice.

The 4 Spending Principles Covered

1. The Fun Fund

A simple way to give a portion of your money one clear job: enjoyment — without competing with your investing goals.

2. The Oops Budget

A no-questions-asked buffer for unplanned, non-fun expenses so money doesn’t add stress during already stressful moments.

3. The “Moments That Matter” List

A short list of life events and experiences where you pre-decide money won’t have an outsized influence on your choice.

4. Guilt-Free Spending Categories

A few high-impact categories where spending creates outsized happiness — and where under-spending isn’t necessarily a win.

Key Takeaways:

• Being good at saving doesn’t automatically make spending easy
• Guilt around spending is often a permission problem, not a math problem
• Pre-deciding how you’ll spend removes stress in the moment
• Spending rules can create freedom, not restriction
• Enjoying your money is a skill you can practice
• Intentional spending supports FI — it doesn’t sabotage it
• The goal isn’t to spend more, but to spend with confidence
• Financial independence should make life feel bigger, not smaller

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

Smart Frugality: The Frugal Mindset That Actually Feels Good | E183 JC Rodriguez

Is Saving Too Much Holding You Back? | E179 Jesse Cramer

You’re Financially Free, But It Doesn’t Feel Like It | E165 Shannah Game

Connect With Justin

Email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.

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