This dilemma is spicy and unfiltered - and probably sums up how a lot of people are feeling right now. I get it.

The cost to simply stay alive, housed and fed can feel heavy. Throw in global conflicts/trade wars/climate issues/everything else that’s happening - it can send you into a spiral. Yet we’re still expected to get up and trudge into work with our game face on.

The tension between “you only live once” and “you’ll probably live to 94 and still need to pay for groceries” is real.

But here's the good news: you can hold both. You can want to burn down systems and take small, powerful actions to care for Future You.

Here’s how we do that:

Define what YOLO really looks like for you.
It doesn’t have to mean spontaneous trips to Europe, or quitting your job to live in a van. It might be buying yourself fresh flowers every now and then, or taking a Friday off to do something just for you. Spend on joy, not to escape your life.

Give Joy Money her own job.
Think of her as your very own personal supervisor for intentional spending - she’s smart, considered, and wants you to get maximum joy and value from every dollar. Let her help you plan for it, not just reactively splurge because the world made you sad (again). Create a values-based spending plan that feels like you’re looking after ‘Now You’ and ‘Future You’ all at once.

Automate safety.
Pay Future You like a bill. Even if it’s just $20 a week into a savings, or investment account - or bumping your super. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight... Small, seemingly boring steps can lead to big freedom.

Track progress, not just numbers.
Keep a list of things you actually enjoyed spending money on. Note down progress toward goals. Take breaks from doomscrolling. When it all starts feeling pointless, revisit (or create) one incredible goal you’re working toward - something that feels exciting and worth showing up for.

👉 Need a quick realignment?
If this dilemma hit a little too hard, we’ve just launched a brand new 20-minute Financial Reset. It’s designed to help you take a breath, zoom out, and reconnect with your goals - without needing to overhaul your whole life. Think of it as a circuit breaker for money stress, with practical steps you can action straight away. [Link here]

Let rage be a compass, not your whole strategy.
Your frustration is valid... But channel that rage into action: into growing your autonomy, your safety nets, your options. More wealth = more options = more ability to support what matters and protect what you love. That is a form of rebellion.

Because the goal isn’t perfection.
It’s agency.
It’s joy.

It’s knowing you can still build something meaningful - even if you feel the zombies are due any moment now.

Jess x

Have a money dilemma?

Money dilemmas can be a nightmare! They can leave you up all night ruminating about what to do, have you feeling alone and isolated or just plain ol' stuck. So, we are here to help. I am going to tackle one a week and give you my unbiased, no BS general thoughts on how to tackle your conundrum. We would love for you to send yours (or someone you know) in. 

Obvs all of this is general advice only... especially important to note any and all of the comments above do not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.