With normal budgeting I feel like my wallet has me locked in an orphanage and I’m asking “please sir, can I have some more (money)?” every time I want to add guacamole to my burrito bowl.

I WANT FREEDOM. Or at least budgeting that sucks less.

Enter “Spendfulness”.

This is a budgeting style and made-up word popularized by the personal finance app YNAB (You Need A Budget).

So what is it and why is it?

But first…

How financially healthy are you?

Find out your financial health score in two minutes AND how to improve it.

What is Spendfulness?

Spendfulness is all about aligning your spending with your values and life goals. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing your money is supporting what truly matters to you.

No more second-guessing purchases or feeling guilty about treating yourself. Instead, every dollar has a purpose, and that purpose is defined by you.

How does it work?

At the core of spendfulness is the practice of giving every dollar a job.

Before you spend, you decide what that money is meant to do: cover rent, save for a dream vacation, or enjoy a night out (let’s goooo). This proactive approach ensures your spending reflects your priorities, not just your obligations.

Importantly, spendfulness isn’t about restriction. It’s about intentionality. If your favorite band is on a farewell tour and tickets are pricey, spendfulness empowers you to make that purchase without guilt—because you’ve planned for it, and it aligns with your values.

So if if Sum 41 have a reunion tour I 👏 WILL 👏 BE 👏 THERE 👏.

Why it matters

Money is more than just numbers; it’s a reflection of your time, energy, and choices. By practicing spendfulness, you transform money from a source of stress into a tool for living the life you want.

It’s about spending with purpose, embracing flexibility, and feeling good about where your money goes.

Getting started

Embracing spendfulness begins with awareness. Start by tracking your income and expenses, and then assign each dollar a job that aligns with your goals. Regularly review and adjust your plan as your priorities evolve.

Remember, it’s okay to change course; spendfulness is about making choices that serve you, not sticking rigidly to a plan.

Treat yourself with less guilt

In a sense, that’s what spendfulness is all about. You don’t have to live a stoic life, sleeping on the ground and eating oatmeal for every meal to be good at budgeting.

You just need to be more intentional and aware of your spending, which is exactly what spendfulness is all about.

PS - YNAB doesn’t sponsor us

HERE’S PROOF: check out our platform instead if you want to invest towards your goals instead of just saving for them.