Ep 166: The “Zero-naire” effect and finding confidence in the smaller wins

It’s time for your 2024 midyear money check-in and in this episode, we discuss the importance of celebrating the overlooked smaller financial wins and milestones. We know the feeling – it's easy to get caught up in big goals, like buying a house or retiring early. But what about the smaller victories along the way?

Julien reflects on the feeling of hitting "zero-naire" status after paying off debts, and how his mindset has shifted from constantly chasing a bigger number to finding contentment in the present. Kiersten reveals how shifting her perspective on saving from a rigid "all or nothing" approach to a more fluid and sustainable strategy led to greater financial confidence and a more positive relationship with money.

We also discuss the power of "sweat equity" in both personal and financial growth, and explore how to apply this concept to everyday life. Whether it's cooking at home instead of eating out, cleaning your patio yourself, or finding ways to increase your savings rate, every small win counts!

After this episode, you might be surprised at how much joy and progress you can achieve when you take the time to appreciate the little things.

Links:

• Ep 71: Buying Used vs New

We discuss:

• The power of mid-year check-ins and why they're critical for understanding your progress and re-evaluating your goals.
• The importance of celebrating small wins, even when they seem insignificant.
• The importance of sweat equity in our personal and financial lives, and how it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
• The dangers of chasing hype and the importance of discerning between real financial wins and fleeting trends.
• The need to re-evaluate our approach to investing and learn about different strategies beyond traditional index funds.
• The importance of recognizing and appreciating the value of experiences, even if they come at a cost.

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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