Hate Budgeting? Try this.

Beautifully said, Sarah Newcomb. I created a similar exercise that I use with clients - Think back to a recent purchase that you ultimately regretted making. What need were you trying to meet? What other ways can you meet that need? As you note, this allows us to identify the relationship between wants & needs, and to brainstorm alternative ways to meet the need. It's a much gentler and sustainable approach to changing spending patterns. This is such a simple yet powerful reframe. Thank you for sharing it!

Very insightful! This gives me a lot to ponder for my own family ??

Loved this article. What a great take on the Latte factor, and I love the part about "you will know you've found the right strategy when you are excited about putting it into action."

I loved this since I read your book and use it when talking with my clients. Similar to your example in the article about the coffee shop, I ask my clients to ask themselves what is the activity/item that they want to buy fulfilling? So often it’s connection with others, and we talk about other ways/strategies for still meeting that intrinsic need. Thank you for sharing this!

#NailedIt ?? At My Journey 2 Freedom we’ve been working with clients in this way for years. We start with looking at the numbers and through curious exploration unpack the needs that each line item of spending meets for a client. Once the need is identified we’re able to help them consider alternative ways of meeting the need of reducing spending on that line item, if it is important for their overall wellbeing and goals. Marguerite Engelbrecht you’ll enjoy this affirmation of our approach. ??