When Your Spending Aligns With Your Values

Mar 22

Many of us carry a surprising amount of guilt when it comes to spending money on ourselves. I know that I did for a long time. The idea of investing in myself, outside of education (which was essentially for others) was unfathomable.

We’ve been taught messages like:

“Don’t waste money.”
“That’s too expensive.”
“You shouldn’t spend that much on yourself.”

But here’s the truth: Everyone spends money on something others might consider unnecessary, and that’s okay. Spending isn’t just about practicality. It’s about values.

Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi argues that the goal isn’t to eliminate spending—it’s to spend intentionally and unapologetically on the things that matter most to you.

When you understand your Money Dial, you gain clarity. You stop trying to justify every decision. Instead, you begin to spend in ways that support the life you want to build.

My Current Money Dials

For me, the areas that feel most meaningful right now are investments in myself. They are also allowing me to show up and be of service to my children, students and other people in my life. Ongoing coaching helps me see how my limiting beliefs and patterns get in my way of living my best life, as I shared in the first part of this series. My gym membership allows my kids and I to be fit, have fun, and for me to eliminate the stress of my job via boxing, allowing me to show up mentally and physically stronger and able to handle the challenges of working in a high school.

These choices reflect the life I want to build, a life focused on growth, connection, and wellbeing. And when spending time and money aligns with your values, something powerful happens.

The guilt disappears.

Because you know your money is supporting the life you truly care about.