This Week's Money Talking Points

1. Which of the 10 tips would benefit you the most?

For me, hands down, it’s tip number 10! Recognizing that true wealth is about more than just money. I used to be laser-focused on numbers, spreadsheets, and net worth. If you looked at my early budget meetings, you’d think joy was measured in percentages and compound interest alone. But over the last few years, I’ve come to realize that wealth, like joy, is deeper. It’s not just about being rich, it’s about opportunity. It’s about building a life that gives you freedom, peace of mind, and the ability to say yes to what matters most. That shift in mindset has made budgeting feel less restrictive and more empowering. I still track our finances closely, but now the goal is to live fully, not just accumulate wealth.

2. What does intentionality with money look like?

Intentionality means being honest about what you really want, not what your friends want, not what Instagram says you should want, but what matters to you. For me and Rebecca, that looks like monthly vacation savings (yep, even when we’re not planning a trip), goal-specific planning sessions, and knowing our spending ahead of time so when the opportunity for a big trip like NYC or Portland comes up, we’re ready. Being intentional takes the stress out of spending because you’ve already done the thinking and planning. It’s not about saying no to everything, it’s about saying yes to the right things. If you love eating out, awesome, set a goal for it. If you want to retire early, start mapping that out. Intentionality is writing it down, reviewing it regularly, and aligning your spending with your goals and values.

3. What do you do if your friends have different financial goals?

Let’s be real, it can be tough when your friends have very different financial priorities. Maybe they love eating out five nights a week, and you’re focused on early retirement. Or maybe they’re always talking about the next big crypto play while you’re just trying to max out your Roth IRA. My advice? Don’t ditch your friends, but do set boundaries. It’s okay to say, “That’s not in my budget right now,” or suggest alternatives like a picnic instead of dinner out. And here’s the cool part: being vocal about your goals can actually inspire the people around you. Your intentionality might help a friend realize they can say no to spending pressure, too. So stay true to your values, speak up with kindness, and don’t be afraid to redirect the conversation (or activity) when needed. The right people will respect that and might even join you.

Enjoy your week and get out there and have a money talk!

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