The Lifestyle Audit: Is Your Spending Aligned With Your Values? Ep.20.

Welcome to Breaking Financial Chains, where we combine practical money guidance with emotional healing. In this episode, I tackle the often-avoided topic of the lifestyle audit – a deep dive into where your money is really going and whether those choices still align with your values and goals.
This isn't about shaming yourself for past spending or slashing your budget in punishment. Rather, it's about bringing awareness to autopilot spending, understanding the true cost of your lifestyle (emotionally and financially), and creating space for more intentional choices. I walk you through a practical framework for categorising your spending into essentials, values-based choices, autopilot habits, and regrets – all through a lens of compassion.
Are you buying convenience but craving calm? Recognition when you really need rest? This episode will help you identify where your spending might be misaligned with your deeper needs, creating a path toward financial clarity and peace. Remember, you don't need a new life – just a clearer lens through which to see your current one.
Key Takeaways:
• Conduct a lifestyle audit by examining 1-3 months of spending and categorising into essentials, values-based, autopilot, and regrets.
• Notice emotional triggers around spending – are you seeking recognition, convenience or access when you truly need something else?
• Make adjustments with compassion, understanding the "why" behind past choices while creating space for intentional change.
• The true cost of your lifestyle may not just be financial, but also in time, energy, and missed opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:52 What is a lifestyle audit?
03:02 The true cost of your lifestyle (beyond money)
06:22 Questions to ask yourself about spending habits
09:37 Step-by-step guide to conducting your own audit
12:58 Making adjustments with compassion
15:17 Reflection prompts for deeper insight
17:30 Final thoughts on finding your path to peace

Useful Links
Website: www.financialwingwoman.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/financialwingwoman
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefinancialwingwoman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefinancialwingwoman
If this episode brings up difficult feelings, please reach out to appropriate support services in your area.
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