Let me share something personal with you. I have this list—a simple running list of “Things I Don’t Need.” It isn’t taped to the fridge or a sticky note on my desk, but it's always there, fluttering in my mind. Let's call it my guide to intentional living. No, it’s not some Marie Kondo-esque manifesto for decluttering, and it's not a public service announcement about minimalism. It’s just a little tool that keeps me grounded and thoughtful in a world that’s constantly selling me the idea of more.

Landing that first job is a rite of passage. It's an assertion that you're stepping into the world of professional responsibility and independence. I vividly recall the thrill of receiving my first paycheck, a tangible reward for my efforts that seemed filled with endless possibilities. But what followed were key learnings about financial wisdom that have stayed with me—lessons not just about making a living, but about building a future. As we chat about these insights today, imagine we're sharing a warm cup of coffee, reflecting on choices and discovering the practical habits that keep us grounded and intentional with our finances.

The day I decided to embark on a journey of regularly scheduled “money dates” with myself was the day I unknowingly stepped into a world of clarity, control, and surprisingly, a bit of peace. Until that moment, finances felt like an adult subject that was foreign, often stressful, and better swept under the rug. But let's face it, ignoring the pile doesn’t make it vanish—it just makes it grow.

Have you ever had that late-night, heart-to-heart with yourself about your finances? The one where you think about where all your money keeps disappearing? I've certainly been there, and in recent years, I've embarked on a journey of thoughtful choices and practical habits to get my expenses in check. This transition wasn’t only about saving more money but also about living better—even with less. I’m here to share some of the things I decided to quit spending money on, and surprisingly, I haven't missed them one bit.

Taking on a new project can be an exciting venture—a chance to learn, grow, and achieve. But it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure if it aligns with your goals or values. As someone who has navigated numerous projects, I’ve crafted a set of questions that guide me in deciding whether to commit. Think of them as a pause button in a world that often demands constant action. These questions are not just checklist items; they’re small conversations I have with myself, bringing clarity to whether a potential project is worth the dive.

Every so often, a decision comes along that turns our world on its axis. These decisions are rarely accompanied by blaring trumpets or celestial spotlights. Often, they present themselves quietly, perhaps even humbly, under the guise of an ordinary choice. It’s only with the gift of hindsight that we see how pivotal they really were. In my case, the first career decision that truly reshaped my path was one of those seemingly unremarkable choices—until it wasn't.

It all began over brunch one sunny Saturday. Picture the scene: the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the chatter of the weekend crowd, and a long queue of delectable pastries tempting wallets open. This seemingly innocent ritual was a regular affair for my friends and me—a moment we cherished amidst the hustle and bustle of our individual lives. But as much as I adored these gatherings, I noticed an uneasy trend sneaking into my personal finances. Each new outing pushed my budget out of the window, ushering in a silent, invisible weight of stress. I had to ask myself: Was enjoying time with friends—something so vital to a fulfilling life—worth the financial strain? In striving for some balance, I soon discovered that setting spending boundaries was not only necessary for my peace of mind but somehow managed to deepen bonds with my friends in ways I hadn’t anticipated.