88. Your Handbag Is Not an Investment: The Money Lies We Need to Stop Telling Ourselves

What actually makes something an investment?We use the word constantly: the designer handbag is an “investment piece,” the kitchen remodel is an “investment in the house,” the vacation is an “investment in the marriage.” But somewhere along the way, investment became less of a financial definition and more of a way to justify spending money on things we want.In this solo episode of Talk Wealthy To Me, Michelle Taylor introduces what she calls “investment laundering”—the habit of taking a purchase we’ve already decided we want and running it through the word investment so it feels like a smarter financial decision.But this conversation isn’t about giving up luxury or feeling guilty about spending. Michelle breaks down a much clearer framework for understanding your money: Spend. Own. Invest.She also shares the simple three-question test she uses to determine whether something is truly an investment: What is the expected return? Over what timeframe? And how will you measure whether it worked?Because you’re allowed to buy the bag simply because you love the bag. You don’t have to turn every purchase into a wealth-building decision to prove that you’re good with money.The real question is whether the money you’re calling an investment is actually doing the work of building your wealth.Ready to stop piecing your financial life together and finally see the full picture? ✨The Financial Blueprint was designed for the woman who’s built something meaningful… but knows there’s another level of clarity, strategy, and intentional wealth waiting for her. If you’re ready to understand how your money is working, where you’re protected, and what your next smartest move should be — this is your next step. Apply for your Financial Blueprint here: https://womeninwealth.co/financial-blueprint/And if you’re ready to build wealth with clarity and confidence, connect with the Women in Wealth community.Connect with Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_wealthLearn more about Women In Wealth: https://womeninwealth.co/