Tag: mindfulspending

☕ Which One Are You: To Buy the Coffee… or Not?

I watch a good amount of financial content. I enjoy it. I believe financial literacy is one of the most important forms of self-care we can practice. But if you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably noticed a pattern:

  • “10 things I stopped buying to save money”
  • “17 things you’re wasting money on”
  • “20 things I’ll never buy again”
  • “6 steps to get out of debt”
  • “How I paid off everything”

And listen, some of it is helpful.But a lot of it starts to sound the same.
Cut subscriptions.
Stop eating out.
No shopping.
No extras.
And yes…
Stop buying coffee.

three cups of coffee on saucers
Photo by Wendy Wei on

But just when you think you’ve figured it out or heard it all. Another video catches your attention and says:
“Buy the coffee.”
“That $8 latte isn’t what’s keeping you broke.”
“Enjoy your life.”
“You don’t even need to buy a house.”

And now you’re sitting there like…Wait, so what am I supposed to do?

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

Some of these creators contradict themselves, sometimes in the very next video.
One minute it’s: “Cut all subscriptions.” Next video: “Here’s what I’m watching on Netflix.”

I watched a woman share her budgeting journey. She was doing everything “right”:

  • Cutting back
  • Tracking every dollar
  • Writing everything down

And yet, she still felt financially unstable. But it reminded me of something important: Money isn’t just math—it’s emotional. FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

So… Buy the Coffee or Not?

Here’s the truth:

It depends. I know that’s not the dramatic answer the internet wants. But it’s the honest one. Because your life, your income, your responsibilities, your goals are not the same as someone else’s. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXKRV7T6

For some people, cutting everything is necessary—for a season.
For others, small joys like a coffee, a dinner out, or a movie are part of a balanced life.

The coffee isn’t the problem. The question is:

  • Are you spending with intention?
  • Are you aware of where your money is going?
  • Are you choosing your life—or copying someone else’s?

Because you can:

How you think about money is often shaped by:

  • How you grew up
  • What you’ve experienced
  • What you’ve been told
  • What you’re currently consuming

And if you’re constantly consuming content that says:
“You’re doing it wrong…” You’ll always feel like you’re behind.

Instead of taking every piece of advice as fact. Use it as a mirror.

Maybe ask yourself questions like:

  • What do I value?
  • What actually matters in my life?
  • Where can I be more disciplined?
  • Where can I allow myself to enjoy what I’ve earned?

Take what aligns.
Leave what doesn’t.

I’m all for:

But I’m also for:

Because this is your life.

Not a checklist.
Not a trend.
Not a viral video.

You don’t need to follow every rule to be financially wise. You just need to be aware, intentional, and honest with yourself. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the coffee. It’s about the life you’re creating.

So… Which One Are You?

The one who buys the coffee? Or the one who skips it? Maybe, you’re both. And maybe that’s the point.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Financial Self-Care for the Holidays: Don’t Let Sales Steal Your Season

Have you noticed that the minute Halloween candy hits the clearance rack, Christmas decorations, peppermint mochas, and Black Friday deals take over the world? In actuality, Christmas decor was already hitting the shelves before Halloween. Coffee cups have turned festive, every commercial is promising “the best deal of the year,” and before we can even taste a slice of Thanksgiving pie — we’re being told to shop, spend, and splurge.

green and white striped textile with red and black discount tag

It’s easy to feel like we’ve skipped right over Thanksgiving Holiday and gratitude season and fast-forwarded into gift giving season. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to rush your life or your bank account to match the world’s pace. HOLIDAY 2023 TIP: STOP STRESSING OVER GIFTS

Let’s talk about financial self-care during the holidays — because taking care of your peace also means taking care of your pockets.

1. Don’t Rush the Season You’re In

Just because stores are pushing Christmas in early November doesn’t mean you have to follow. Fall has its own beauty — slow mornings, cozy meals, quiet reflection. Enjoy this season.
The same goes for your life. You don’t have to rush your progress, your healing, or your goals just because everyone else seems to be in a hurry.

Pause. Breathe. Light a candle. Sip your tea.
There’s power in slowing down.

2. Be Smart, Not Swept Away

Black Friday ads are designed to stir emotions — urgency, excitement, and even guilt (“you’ll miss out if you don’t buy now!”). Limited time offers. Limited amount in stock. Creates a scarcity mindset.
But financial self-care means asking:

“Do I really need this, or am I just caught up in the moment?”

Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s for you.
Remind yourself: sales are only a deal if they fit your goals, your values, and your budget.

Try asking these questions before every purchase:
“Would I still want this if nobody else could see it?” “Would I still want this next month or next year?” “Is this something I would buy not on sale?”
The above questions can save you hundreds and keep your focus where it belongs: on your peace, not the pressure.

3. Redefine the Holiday Glow

We’ve been sold the idea that holiday happiness comes in a shopping bag. But true holiday glow? It’s in your rest, your reflection, and your ability to stay grounded when everything around you says “buy more.”

Here’s what real glow looks like:

  • Having a plan for your money.
  • Saying no to unnecessary spending.
  • Practicing gratitude for what you already have.
  • Keeping your energy and budget aligned with your purpose.

When you do that, you’ll find the joy of the season isn’t in the stuff , it’s in the simplicity.

4. Protect Your Peace and Your Budget

Set limits that serve you.
Make a small holiday budget — and stick to it. Create a “spend-free day” every week between now and Christmas. Keep your social media feeds light on shopping content (unfollow or mute the ads if you need to).

And most importantly, give yourself permission to opt out of what drains your joy. One trick you can use is unsubscribe to all those emails. We receive more advertising in our emails bating us to shop more and more.
That’s not being selfish, that’s being wise.

The holidays will come and go, but your peace, purpose, and financial wellness will carry you into the new year. Take care of yourself first, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Because peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself this season. 🌟

Journal Reflection Prompt:

“How can I slow down and stay present this season — with my time, my spending, and my spirit?”

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.