4 Rules That Will Help You Spend Money Without Stress & Regret | E188
Wed Jan 28 2026
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 easyGuilt around spending is often a permission problem, not a math problemPre-deciding how you’ll spend removes stress in the momentSpending rules can create freedom, not restrictionEnjoying your money is a skill you can practiceIntentional spending supports FI — it doesn’t sabotage itThe goal isn’t to spend more, but to spend with confidenceFinancial 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 Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Support FI Minded
Want to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player.
Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence.
Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.
More
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 easyGuilt around spending is often a permission problem, not a math problemPre-deciding how you’ll spend removes stress in the momentSpending rules can create freedom, not restrictionEnjoying your money is a skill you can practiceIntentional spending supports FI — it doesn’t sabotage itThe goal isn’t to spend more, but to spend with confidenceFinancial 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 Justin@FIMinded.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. Support FI Minded Want to hear more? Follow FI Minded on your favorite podcast player. Like this episode? Share it with a friend pursuing financial independence. Love the show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.