Our month-long money diary: Does our spending align with our values? / 87

We love a good “look at your numbers” moment — but what happens when you take it one step further and ask, does this actually reflect the life I want? In this re-release of a previously Insiders-only episode, we map our real-life spending against our core values. And honestly, it felt a little vulnerable.We start by sharing our personal values, then break down exactly where our money went throughout the month. Finally, we talk through what felt aligned… and what didn’t. From therapy and travel to yoga memberships, beauty spending, and supporting local businesses, this conversation is equal parts practical and reflective — the kind that helps us zoom out and course-correct without shame.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing okay” with money but are still wondering if you’re actually making the most of it, this episode is for you.✨ Episode Highlights ✨[01:30] Why we started by defining our core values before looking at a single dollar we spent.[05:00] A peek inside our real spending from the month — including rent, travel, groceries, therapy, and more.[12:30] The discretionary purchases that brought us the most joy — and the ones that made us pause.[14:00] How travel, yoga, therapy, and meaningful relationships showed up in our spending.[16:30] The purchases that didn't feel as aligned with our values, even if they weren't "bad" decisions.[19:30] Why some spending categories feel so emotionally loaded, and how we're learning to think about them differently.[25:30] From beauty routines to housing costs, we share the purchases we sometimes second-guess — without the shame.[31:00] The values we'd spend even more on if money weren't a limiting factor.[39:00] What this exercise revealed about our habits, plus the small course corrections we're making moving forward.[44:30] One simple question that can tell you far more than just tracking where your money goes.✨ Resources ✨Ramit Sethi’s Rich Life JournalThe Slight Edge by Jeff OlsonYou Don’t Need a Budget by Dana Miranda📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/💖Email us your money questions: [email protected]📸Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/