Great article! Step one is so crucial. When you define your core values and what makes you happy, you can allocate funds to those things. Maybe for some that is a designer bag but it definitely isn’t for me.
From someone who’s been an outfit repeater her whole life, #5 made me laugh a little. I actually just joined Substack today (hi, terrifying 😅) and I write about money, mindset, and the corporate truths from someone who left a stable and thriving career (despite the perks and pension) after quietly building enough to walk away. So glad I found your work Mia 🩵
This is a great list. Really enjoying your content and your philosophy is quite aligned with how I approach aspects of my life. In terms of financial literacy, I’ve also really liked the Female Invest app and content (I have no affiliation). Thanks for sharing those links!
It's nice that you mention you also watched other (older) content creators to educate yourself and inspire your financial journey. Imagine the hundreds of young people who are having the same experience with you, learning with you, getting in touch with their finances for the first time too. It's an amazing job you are doing, Mia. That's is "rich" in itself!
“Smart spending is all about getting clear on what you value.” - I’m a big believer in that principle. It goes right along with opportunity cost. You are always giving up something to get something. Be sure you keep in mind what that is. Great article!
I loved that rejecting lifestyle inflation here is framed as protecting optionality rather than winning some austerity contest. Keeping personal spending close to your old take home pay while allowing taxis and meal prep when they buy back time is the nuance most frugality advice misses. Apparently freedom can include a car ride and still keep its moral character.
I adore point 5, ie, the "daily uniform" while I don't wear the same clothes every day, I do have some wardrobe staples that best represent my personal style and make me feel good to wear. It's also so much easier to style your fits when you know you have reliable combos that you can go to. I like to think my style is distinct and recognisable while being unique, and it comes down to having core pieces that I build my daily looks around. It's frugal chic and personal branding, when you really think about it ;)
Thank you, Mia. This was such an affirming read for me. I left my career and started my own business and it created a rebirth for me. I so happy your business is blossoming. I just wish that we had more female business owners when I was younger to inspire and guide us through the cut and thrust of life. Thank you.
Such wise advice. I've always been not much of a spender, but lately things are tighter. I appreciate your thoughts on what to prioritize and our personal brand. I am still on the path of personal branding myself. Thank you.
Lovely and inspiring reading. I’d never thought about calculating the cost per wear, but it’s so true. I even have clothes that I bought just for the sake of buying them. They’ve been hanging in my wardrobe without being worn even once.
Great article! Step one is so crucial. When you define your core values and what makes you happy, you can allocate funds to those things. Maybe for some that is a designer bag but it definitely isn’t for me.
Thanks!! Agreed. I do like quality but I don't always like paying for names or logos.
From someone who’s been an outfit repeater her whole life, #5 made me laugh a little. I actually just joined Substack today (hi, terrifying 😅) and I write about money, mindset, and the corporate truths from someone who left a stable and thriving career (despite the perks and pension) after quietly building enough to walk away. So glad I found your work Mia 🩵
This is a great list. Really enjoying your content and your philosophy is quite aligned with how I approach aspects of my life. In terms of financial literacy, I’ve also really liked the Female Invest app and content (I have no affiliation). Thanks for sharing those links!
It's nice that you mention you also watched other (older) content creators to educate yourself and inspire your financial journey. Imagine the hundreds of young people who are having the same experience with you, learning with you, getting in touch with their finances for the first time too. It's an amazing job you are doing, Mia. That's is "rich" in itself!
“Smart spending is all about getting clear on what you value.” - I’m a big believer in that principle. It goes right along with opportunity cost. You are always giving up something to get something. Be sure you keep in mind what that is. Great article!
Such a beautiful reminder thank you x
Agree! Especially with being chic where it counts and frugal elsewhere!
I loved that rejecting lifestyle inflation here is framed as protecting optionality rather than winning some austerity contest. Keeping personal spending close to your old take home pay while allowing taxis and meal prep when they buy back time is the nuance most frugality advice misses. Apparently freedom can include a car ride and still keep its moral character.
I adore point 5, ie, the "daily uniform" while I don't wear the same clothes every day, I do have some wardrobe staples that best represent my personal style and make me feel good to wear. It's also so much easier to style your fits when you know you have reliable combos that you can go to. I like to think my style is distinct and recognisable while being unique, and it comes down to having core pieces that I build my daily looks around. It's frugal chic and personal branding, when you really think about it ;)
I love the idea of revamping the rules you set for yourself a few times a year to make sure they’re still aligned with your why and needs.
Very thoughtful list. Thank you
Thank you, Mia. This was such an affirming read for me. I left my career and started my own business and it created a rebirth for me. I so happy your business is blossoming. I just wish that we had more female business owners when I was younger to inspire and guide us through the cut and thrust of life. Thank you.
Oh such good points, I’m taking note xx
Spot on.
Rejecting inflation buys freedom.
Instead of upgrading my life, I dump my rental, covered call ETF, and VT cash flow back into stacking assets.
It’s all about building optionality
Such wise advice. I've always been not much of a spender, but lately things are tighter. I appreciate your thoughts on what to prioritize and our personal brand. I am still on the path of personal branding myself. Thank you.
Lovely and inspiring reading. I’d never thought about calculating the cost per wear, but it’s so true. I even have clothes that I bought just for the sake of buying them. They’ve been hanging in my wardrobe without being worn even once.