Weekly Money Habits That Actually Feel Good

This week, I’m continuing my five-part series on simple money habits that create big shifts — without spreadsheets, frustration, or sacrifice. A lot of times, we think being “good with money” means focusing on our mistakes and depriving ourselves. Haven’t we all heard the “just stop buying the latte” advice?

My take is different: it’s about establishing a collaborative relationship with your money — just like you would with someone important to you — one that enhances your life instead of making it feel more stressful. When we’re talking about money, that might involve a shift in your thinking.

That’s why I’ve been sharing small, doable habits you can build into your routine — the kind that make your financial life feel easier and more satisfying.

Last week, I covered small daily habits that help you stay connected to your money in a grounded, intentional way. This week, I’m zooming out a bit and looking at your weekly rhythm. These are habits that give you a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and (yes) reward yourself — because money isn’t just about having a handle on your numbers. It’s also about feeling good along the way, and enjoying your money without guilt.

Here are two small-but-mighty weekly practices to try:

1. Track your small wins
You’re already doing the work — checking your accounts, making conscious choices, saying no to things that don’t support your goals, and yes to the ones that do. But how often do you celebrate that? Maybe never. Maybe instead you tend to focus on your little slip-ups, and if perfectionism takes over, you may think if you can’t do things perfectly, maybe you shouldn’t bother at all.

Instead, focus on what you are doing right — because we all slip up, and it usually isn’t the end of the world.

Starting this very week, take a moment to spot the tiny victories that usually go unnoticed. Maybe you stuck to your grocery budget. Maybe you caught a duplicate charge. Maybe you skipped the drive-through on Tuesday after work when you were exhausted so that you could build that Italy vacation fund faster. That counts. It all does.

Make it visual: jot it down in a journal, mark it on a calendar, or slap a sticky note on your fridge. These moments are proof that you’re moving in the right direction — and when you see them pile up, it builds real momentum.

2. Buy the darn latte (or flowers, or … insert what makes you happy)
You’re allowed to enjoy your money — and should.

Let’s say that again: You’re allowed to enjoy your money. Which is why one of the most loved modules in my Money Mastery program is Happiness Spending.

That weekly treat — whether it’s your favorite coffee, a fresh bouquet of flowers, that new novel, or a much-needed massage your body is craving — isn’t derailing your financial goals. It’s adding joy to your life, which is kind of the whole point.

When we approach money from a place of shame or guilt about spending, we end up in an exhausting cycle of restriction and rebellion. Because just like when you’re on a crash diet, eventually you break down and eat all the cake. But when we plan for joy — even if it’s just $25 worth — we create not only a sustainable spending plan, but a more enjoyable life.

So if you don’t have a separate “guilt-free spending account,” create one this week and set up an automatic, recurring transfer to it when you get paid (or when you pay yourself). Ten percent of your after-tax income is a great place to start — and it’s a powerful way to give yourself permission to spend joyfully and without second-guessing or having to track every penny.

Wrap up
These weekly habits are your chance to pause, reflect, celebrate, and breathe a little pleasure into your weekly routine. By noticing your wins and allowing consistent small indulgences, you’re creating a financial life that feels aligned, supportive and healthy.

You deserve a relationship with money that feels joyful and easy.

Next week, I’ll introduce two simple money habits — one that adds flexible structure to your finances without relying on a restrictive budget, and one that shows how giving back can help quiet the scarcity mindset.

Missed the last post in this series? Catch up here.