Frugality is a cornerstone of personal finance advice: cut back, spend less, reduce waste. And for the average American drowning in debt, that’s often solid advice. But money isn’t meant to just sit there untouched—it’s also meant to be spent, experienced, and enjoyed. In fact, even the money you save is really just deferred spending. And let’s face it: money isn’t easy to come by. We work hard for every dollar we earn. So maybe the answer isn’t simply spending less. Maybe it’s spending with more intention. Our guest today wants you to worry less about money, and he argues that the path there isn’t endless deprivation—it’s changing the way you think about spending altogether. Jesse Mecham is a best-selling author and founder of YNAB, the beloved budgeting app that’s helped millions take control of their finances. Today we discuss his brand new book, Never Worry About Money Again, and dive into concepts like:

• Financial worries are a low grade hum
• Money as an expression of self
• Why Jesse believes we should love money
• Aligning money with life goals and values
• Influence of interior work and self-awareness
• Practical tips for simplifying money systems
• Kids as a status symbol
• What it means to be a “rec league” family
• And much more!

Can’t get enough How To Money? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Cashback credit cards: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
• Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
• Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
• MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!