127. I Went From $200K to Lean Living… Here’s What Happened

Share Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever gone through a major life or income change — whether earning less than before or suddenly earning more — and felt your spending habits didn’t quite adjust with you, this episode is a real, honest look at what that transition can actually feel like.Violeta shares her personal experience of going from a high-income household (over $200K/year) to a much leaner income after leaving the military and transitioning into a new phase of life. While the shift was planned financially, the mindset and habit adjustments proved to be more challenging than expected.She opens up about how easy it is for “old” spending habits to creep in — especially during exciting life moments like buying a home, starting a homestead, or launching new projects — and how those decisions, while not necessarily bad, can become less sustainable without the same level of income.This episode is both a reality check and a reassurance: even if you’re financially savvy, you still have to actively manage your money through every life season.We cover: • The emotional and mental shift of going from high income to lean living • Why financial habits don’t automatically adjust when your income changes • How lifestyle inflation can show up — even when you think you’re being intentional • The hidden costs of major life changes (moving, homeownership, homesteading, new projects) • Using 0% financing strategically — and when it can still backfire • Why “not bad decisions” can still create financial strain without proper planning • The importance of doing a financial audit and identifying where money is leaking • How to communicate about money without blame in a relationship • Separating personal finances from investments to avoid overlap and confusion • Turning financial pressure into motivation to increase income or take business goals seriouslyThis episode is a reminder that managing money is an ongoing process — not a one-time achievement. Life changes, income shifts, and new goals all require you to pause, reassess, and adjust. And if you find yourself off track, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it just means it’s time to realign and move forward with intention.Mentioned in this video: My homesteading channel Real estate podcast (Real Estate Chisme)Support the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.