Hey hey Reader👋
It’s time to talk about something that's been on my mind. A financial myth that just doesn’t sit right.
Everywhere I turn, I hear experts telling women: “Save like crazy, sacrifice today, and retire happy someday.”
Here’s the thing—I don’t agree.
Sacrificing everything now doesn’t guarantee happiness later. Life is happening right now, and squeezing out every ounce of joy today to maybe enjoy it later makes no sense.
Do you respect financial discipline? Sure. Me too. But let’s not blindly follow a narrative that tells us to shelve our dreams for 20 or 30 years.
Here’s my take:
Retire early, but with balance.
You don’t have to choose between living well today and building for tomorrow. The key is finding harmony—saving wisely without losing sight of what you value most.
Instead of the “save fast, burn out, and pray you make it to 65” strategy, ask yourself:
- Are you including your happiest, simplest joys in your financial plan?
- Could small, thoughtful shifts today free up space for more living AND saving?
Stop aiming for perfection. Aim for steady—not extreme—progress instead.
Think about this: While you’re saving up for future “tomorrow adventures,” are you stealing time from your today moments? If the answer is yes, maybe it’s time to pause and adjust.
Truthfully, I’ve made this mistake myself.
When I first started, I believed that skipping every treat, trip, or coffee date would make me wealthier faster. Guess what? It didn’t. All I got was guilt, exhaustion, and a narrow view of what financial freedom really means.
But once I gave myself permission to breathe—build experiences into my budget—I saw a lasting shift. Balance worked. And it can for you too.
Here’s your action step: Spend intentionally, but don’t pause your life in the name of saving. Build memories, even small ones. They’re a part of your future wealth.
If this feels like a tricky middle ground to walk, no worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are a few resources to guide you:
Take back control of your roadmap, friend. Happiness doesn’t just live in the future—it’s here for you now.
