Turn Your Money Story Into a Game Worth Playing
Simple Money Games That Feel Good AND Get Results (No Restrictions Required)
I don’t remember the last time I wanted to go “shopping.”
Even when I was younger, I only went shopping when I had to.
I once took my great-aunt on a Christmas shopping trip. After a quick jaunt in and out of Pottery Barn for a blanket I bought as a gift, she said, “I like shopping with you. You know what you want, and you’re in and out!”
Costco is probably the exception to leisurely strolling, provided it’s not busy. I’m that clueless person listening to an audiobook with AirPods to stay in my little bubble (plus, I can’t resist the hot dog 😉).
Needless to say, “not shopping” isn’t much of a challenge for me.
However, I was intrigued when I heard the terms “no-buy era” or “no-buy year.”
At first glance, it might seem like just another social media trend, but there's something deeper happening here that resonates with me.
I'm fascinated by how many women (especially younger women) are pushing back against constant consumption. They're not just saying no to spending - they're saying yes to intentionality.
I find this shift incredibly refreshing.
Maybe it’s hitting midlife, realizing how manipulative marketing is/can be, and being tired of the message that we have to do, be, and have more… all the time.
Whatever it is, I’m loving this direction.
Here's what catches my attention about this movement: it's not about deprivation. It's about reclaiming power over our choices and redefining what "enough" really means (speaking of that bracelet... 😉).
The Psychology Behind "No-Buy"
There's something powerful that happens when we step away from constant consumption. I noticed this during my time in Costa Rica - having less access to "stuff" actually created more space for clarity about what truly matters.
What if we looked at "no-buy" periods not as restrictions but as experiments in consciousness?
I've been playing with some ideas lately (because who says money management can't be fun?), and I'd love to share them with you. Think of these as experiments rather than rules - because, let's face it, the minute something feels like a rule, most of us want to break it!
Money Games That Work
Here's what I've been testing (and enjoying):
The "Future Me Fund"
Whenever I make a discretionary purchase, I match the amount in my high-yield savings account. It's like having a shopping buddy watching over your financial future!
For example, I recently purchased a packet of heirloom seeds to plant some of the things I regularly consume (this is a win-win in the savings column in the long run). I put the same amount into savings. It's a simple way to balance immediate joy with long-term wealth building.
The "Pause and Power" 48-Hour Rule
This has saved me from those little impulse purchases. I wait 48 hours before purchasing anything non-essential over $50.
Would you believe how many times I've completely forgotten that "must-have" item two days later? 🤔
The "Joy Audit"
This is my favorite because it helps build awareness without judgment. At the end of each month, I look back at my discretionary purchases and rate them on a simple joy scale:
Is it still bringing me joy?
Meh
What was I thinking?
The "Wealth Building Redirect"
Whenever I unsubscribe from something that distracts me from my focus (my business, personal goals, etc.), I take a moment to read something I’ve saved (money-related), write down a financial win, or even get outside for a minute. ☀️
The key to these "games" is that they don't feel restrictive - they feel empowering. We're not saying no to spending; we're saying yes to mindful choices that support our future selves.
The most fascinating part about this is that these "money games" and intentional spending pauses aren't just about saving money—they're also about reclaiming our time and energy.
Think about how much mental space gets taken up by:
Endless scroll shopping
Decision fatigue from too many choices
That low-key anxiety from marketing FOMO
The guilt that comes after impulse purchases
Consumption mode is exhausting. We need more white space and downtime to clarify what our hearts truly want.
Making It Work For You
Here's how I'm blending all of these ideas (and remember, this isn't about perfection - it's about progress):
Choose Your Experiment
Pick ONE area where you'd like to create more consciousness around spending. Maybe it's clothes, home decor, or those random Amazon purchases that show up and make you think, "Did I order this?" 😉
Set Your Timeline
I prefer 7-30-day experiments because they feel doable. A whole year might feel overwhelming (unless you're feeling particularly inspired!).
Create Your Wealth-Building Pair
This is where the magic happens. For every "no" to spending, what's your "yes" to wealth building?
For example:
Unsubscribe from 3 marketing emails = 15 minutes reading about investing
Skip an impulse purchase = transfer that amount to savings
Cancel an unused subscription = automate that amount to investments
Think of it as redirecting your energy rather than restricting it.
Be easy about all of this.
Find a rhythm that works for you and feels sustainable.
These aren't just games or trends - they're tools for transformation. We create new neural pathways every time we pause before a purchase. We're teaching our brains that we have choices, that we're in control, and that our future selves matter.
A Woman You Should Know
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX)
Jasmine Crockett is the definition of a modern-day hero. A bold and unrelenting advocate for justice, she’s not afraid to speak truth to power—whether in the courtroom or on the House floor. Before serving as a U.S. Representative, she was a civil rights attorney fighting for the marginalized, proving that her commitment to justice is more than just words.
Now, in Congress, she’s a fearless advocate for democracy. She exposes corruption, defends voting rights, and advocates for policies that actually serve the people. She’s sharp, unapologetic, and refuses to back down—precisely the leadership we need.
Jasmine Crockett stands out for her courage, clarity, and conviction. She’s not just making noise—she’s making change.
Money Moves
I recently had a regular check-up with my general practitioner after routine bloodwork (all is well), and I also asked to get a baseline for my heart health since both parents had heart disease.
I'm happy to say my heart is in great shape, too.
Regular check-ups are essential - and not just with your doctor.
This week, I encourage you to do a quick banking check-in. Think of it as a moment of financial self-care.
Audit your banking relationship.
Here are some questions to consider:
Are you still paying monthly fees for your checking account? (If yes, why?)
What interest rate are you getting on your savings?
Does your bank align with your values?
Current Action Step: Many online banks are currently offering 4.0% - 5% APY on savings accounts. If you haven't already, this is a perfect time to open a high-yield savings account. It takes about 15 minutes, and your future self will thank you (I use Wealthfront for my high-yield savings account).
Resources
Reading 📕
I just discovered this newsletter, and it was like coming home. Slow Scottish Stories is “a gentle community that helps you simplify your life, hone your creative career, swap seasonal book recommendations, and immerse yourself in nature,” from the author
. I found it through her article, “The person I’ve become since I left social media.”Food 🥬
I’ve been making cold-pressed juice for almost 10 years now (go me!), so when I buy produce, I buy a bunch to make my green juices and put them in mason jars. So when I saw this packet of heirloom seeds (the one I mentioned above), I decided it was time to plant everything I use for my juice! It comes with 16k seeds! Get the Vegetable Seed Vault kit here.
TV 📺
This last one is a fun way to check out (because we could all use a little of that right now). It’s a TV show called High Potential. “Morgan, a single mom with three kids and an exceptional mind helps solve crimes with the LA Police dept.” On ABC & Hulu in the States. Here are some short clips to get a taste.
Yes to all of these…
I hope wherever you are in the world, you’re able to find a little sunshine and get outside… if even for a few minutes.
It never ceases to amaze me how much better I feel with a bit of fresh air and, ideally, blue skies.
Have a wonderful rest of your day,
Kim