I’ve always gone back and forth on my approach to money.
Sometimes I am extremely frugal and budget every cent, saving whatever I can, and sometimes I say, “to heck with it” and just feel the urge to spend it all.
The tricky part of money is that it isn’t just math; it’s very emotional. The way we interact with money is tied to guilt, shame, and expectations about what we should be doing.
So when we finally decide to “get serious” about money, it’s easy to fall into extremes: slashing every expense, going into deprivation mode, or obsessing over numbers until we burn out.
That’s how The Replacement Strategy comes into play.
Whenever you are dealing with emotions, you need to make sure you are dealing with the root cause. So if you are doing an action (spending money) then you need to know what emotion is backing it up and then you need to replace it with something else.
Here’s something most people miss: if you take something out of your life, you have to replace it with something positive.
Don’t Just Cut- Replace
If you cut Netflix, borrow movies or books from the library.
If you stop eating out, host a cozy dinner at home, or have a game night with friends.
If you cancel your gym membership, take walks outside, or follow a free workout on YouTube.
This is how you build a balanced relationship with money.
Cutting without replacing creates a void. But cutting and replacing help you meet the same emotional needs, connection, fun, comfort, without overspending.
Balance Is the Real Goal
Financial wellness isn’t about restriction. It’s about alignment.
When you use your money in a way that reflects your values, life feels lighter. You feel calmer, more in control, and more connected to what matters most.
So tonight, try this: pick one small expense to simplify and then replace it with something that brings you genuine joy.
Because money isn’t the point, life is.
