Every year, tax day quickly approaches, and each year I scramble to upload documents for my CPA. This year was no different, but now that I’m self-employed, I’m trying to be more on top of how much money I have coming in and out each month.

Since going out on my own, I haven’t made any drastic lifestyle changes, but I have made a few small, intentional tweaks to shift my spending to better reflect my values.

If you asked me a few years ago, I would have said the reason I’m worthy of money is because I work hard. I’ve picked up this mindset from my mom who was the sole breadwinner for our family of 6 and still is working today (at age 70!).

It was engrained in me to keep working hard, so my money would never run out. I visualized that if I left my job (or even took a break), my hard-earned money would dwindle away into nothing. I would constantly feel…

While there’s some truth to the phrase “hard-earned money”, there are people working way less, earning way more.

So today, I choose to believe that money is a tool to help you achieve your goals and that I’m deserving of it not just because I work hard but because I provide unique value to the world (like all of us do!).

Last year, I spent ~$1000 on balayage, haircuts, and maintaining my hair going to get it colored every 9-12 months. I figure I may want to do this again but for now, I’m cutting it out until I really want to do it.

I spent $3000 in 2024 on shopping, which surprised me as my friends already make fun of me because I don’t have a ton of clothes. While buying new clothes is fun in the moment, I want to prioritize spending in other areas.

I haven’t stopped this completely. I LOVE to travel and still plan to take a few trips this year (I’m in CA right now!), but compared to the world tour I went on last year (Australia, Europe, and South America x2), I don’t feel the need to travel as much as 2024.

When you’re a full-time employee, this is automatically taken out of your paycheck. Now, I’m paying quarterly estimates based on the amount I expect to earn this year and allocate ~25% of my income to make sure I have enough.

While I had the option to enroll in COBRA, it was going to be $1000/month 🫠 I found my plan through Dr. Noor, a health insurance concierge who works with you to find a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget, and now pay ~$500/month for medical, dental, and vision.

Last year, I spent $189/month on ClassPass but found that I would quickly run out of classes and then stop exercising. While I’m spending more on fitness now than before, I value health and wellness, so I’m happy to bump up my spending.

I’ve spent about ~$1000 this year on courses, community memberships, and coaching sessions. I value investing in myself and many of this spending has given me knowledge or access to new people that have helped me with my personal and professional growth.

There’s no right or wrong answer on what you spend money on. It’s personal and specific to everyone.

I have a roommate to cut down on expensive NYC rent (our largest expense), so I can spend more on what I love—travel, dining, and personal growth.

I don’t want to sacrifice anything just because I’m self-employed, but taking the leap has given me a chance to reflect on spending that brings me the most joy. 💖

What do you love spending money on? What could you cut back on?

Spent the week in CA celebrating my Mom’s 70th birthday. I loved morning walks along the beach, and it almost made me re-think why I stay in NYC during the winter 😅