How to Build Financial Freedom Without Giving Up Small Joys
Every day, we spend money without really thinking about it. Maybe it’s a quick snack, a coffee, or a little treat after work. For me, it might be a discounted milkshake for eight dollars, even though it’s not that great. For you, maybe it’s a four-euro coffee, or even more if you’re in the center of Paris. Sometimes it’s a croissant, a sandwich, or just the cost of public transport. All these little expenses add up, and we often don’t notice how much they drain our finances.
There are also hidden costs we forget about, like car maintenance. When you buy a car, you don’t just pay for the car itself. There’s oil, tires, insurance, and all sorts of unexpected expenses. Our money leaks away like water through a colander full of holes. The trick is to spot those holes and see if you can patch them up—or even avoid making the holes in the first place.
Ask yourself: is this really the best way to reward myself? That milkshake isn’t great for my health, it’s full of sugar, and it costs three times more than an apple. An apple would probably make me feel better, especially in the long run. After eating an apple, I feel good about myself and my health. But with sugary snacks, you get a quick energy boost, then a crash. It can even affect your mood, making you more irritable or down.
It’s easy to fall into a cycle of spending, feeling bad, and not knowing how to break out of it. That’s why it’s important to look at where your money goes and ask if those expenses are really helping you. Spend on things that make you better, not just things that fill a momentary craving.
For example, I spend about five to six percent of my savings on learning new things. That’s money well spent. But if you’re spending on junk food or a car you don’t really need, those are expenses that don’t add much value to your life. The same goes for subscriptions. Maybe you pay for internet and TV at home, but you’re hardly ever there to use them. Or you have streaming services you barely watch. Cutting those out can make a real difference.
Instead, think about subscriptions that actually help you grow. Maybe a magazine that teaches you something new, or a membership that helps you develop a skill. These are positive habits that can make you feel more valued and confident. It’s not about cutting everything out, but about making sure your spending lines up with your goals and what truly makes you happy.
Let’s take coffee as an example. A cappuccino can easily cost four or five euros. If you buy three a week, that’s about 700 euros a year. Imagine what you could do with that money instead. You could invest in a hobby you love, travel, or even take a course that could lead to a better job or more satisfaction in your life.
Spending less on things that don’t bring you lasting happiness, and more on things that do, creates a positive cycle. You’ll feel better, have more energy, and be more open to new opportunities. Over time, these small changes add up, just like compound interest in finance. In a few months or a year, you might find that you’ve doubled your progress in your career or personal life, just by investing your money more wisely.
If you spend more on things that make you happy—like a gym membership, a massage, or swimming—you’ll feel better in your own skin. When you feel good, you have more energy and make better decisions. You’ll be less likely to procrastinate or feel frustrated at the end of the day.
Bad habits can cost you, not just in money but in happiness. Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing to walk to work instead of taking public transport. Walking saves money, gives you exercise, and can even reduce stress. Public transport can be crowded and stressful, and you might end up feeling worse by the time you get to work.
The main idea is to be aware of your habits and how they affect your life. Spend your money on things that make you better, happier, and more fulfilled. Cut out the things that don’t serve you, and you’ll find yourself not just financially freer, but also happier and more at peace with your choices.
Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. — Franklin D. Roosevelt
Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship. — Benjamin Franklin
Key Takeaways
- Small daily expenses add up—track where your money goes.
- Spend on things that make you healthier, happier, or more skilled.
- Cut out subscriptions and habits that don’t add real value to your life.
- Reinvest savings into your passions, personal growth, or well-being.
- Positive spending habits create a virtuous cycle of happiness and progress.
Reflection
- Which daily expenses actually make you happier or healthier?
- What could you cut out or replace with something more meaningful?
- How could you use your savings to invest in yourself or your dreams?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Daily Habits #Financial Freedom #Financial Independence #Money #Money Management #Nomad #Personal Finance #Wealth