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The Money Habit – Luxuries Without Consequence: How to Enjoy More Without Losing Control

The Money Habit – Luxuries Without Consequence: How to Enjoy More Without Losing Control

Posted on July 22, 2025 By rehan.rafique No Comments on The Money Habit – Luxuries Without Consequence: How to Enjoy More Without Losing Control

Let’s talk about something no one seems to get right: luxury.

Not yachts and diamonds kind of luxury. I’m talking about the simple indulgences that make life feel sweet—a dinner out at your favorite place, that concert you really want to go to, the leather boots that make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

These luxuries are often treated as financial red flags. We’re told to feel guilty for them. That they’re “wasteful,” “unnecessary,” or “setting us back.” But here’s the truth:

Luxuries aren’t the problem.
Lack of planning is.

In The Money Habit, I show you how to build financial systems that make room for both stability and joy. Because life isn’t just about staying above water—it’s about actually living.

The Guilt of Indulgence

You know the feeling. You splurge a little—maybe it’s a spontaneous weekend away or those pricey-but-perfect headphones. And then, the hangover hits.

“I shouldn’t have.”
“That money should’ve gone to bills.”
“What was I thinking?”

Sound familiar?

I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit. In my earlier years, I thought being a responsible adult meant cutting out all the fun stuff. I tried budgeting in spreadsheets (and then forgot to look at them). I told myself I’d “just be more disciplined.”

Spoiler: I wasn’t.

What changed everything for me was shifting the perspective.

It’s not about if I can have luxuries. It’s about how I fund them.

The Power of Intentional Spending

Here’s the shift: when you plan for indulgence, it stops being a financial mistake and starts being a financial strategy.

When I started using The Money Habit system at home, I created specific accounts for all kinds of categories—not just bills or retirement. I made space for joy. Literally.

One of my favorite accounts?
DINNER OUT.

That’s what I called it. Not “Dining” or “Discretionary Spending” or something my accountant would write. Just: DINNER OUT. Because I love food, and I love treating my family (and myself) to a great meal.

Every week, a small automatic transfer goes into that account. Sometimes it’s $5, sometimes $25. I don’t have to think about it. I don’t touch it for anything else. And when I see a new spot I want to try or the craving hits for our favorite local place—I check the DINNER OUT balance.

If there’s enough, we go.
No guilt. No budget-blowing.
Just joy—prepaid.

Create your own “luxury” fund

Here’s how you can do it too—starting today.

1. Pick your indulgence.
What feels like luxury to you? Maybe it’s monthly massages. Maybe it’s tech gadgets. Maybe it’s seasonal concert tickets. Pick something that lights you up.

2. Name your account.
This sounds silly, but trust me—it matters. Give the account a name that feels fun, personal, and specific. Names like “Adventure Fund,” “Books & Coffee,” or even “Treat Yo’ Self” make the habit stick.

3. Automate your contributions.
Start small. Really small. Even 1% of your income makes a difference. Set it and forget it. The point isn’t the amount—it’s the consistency.

4. Spend without shame.
When the funds are there—go for it. The whole point of this system is to remove shame from spending by making it part of your plan.

This approach may sound overly simple. But it’s also incredibly effective. Why?

Because it aligns your money with your values. It teaches you to delay gratification without denying it forever. And it builds a habit of living within your means while still enjoying your life.

What This Really Buys You

It’s not just the dinner out.
It’s the peace of mind.
The confidence.
The freedom to say yes without the sting.

That’s what financial independence looks like—it’s not about depriving yourself until you hit some magic number. It’s about having margin in your life now. Room to breathe, to enjoy, to say yes on purpose.

So this week, I challenge you to create just one account for one luxury that matters to you. Name it. Fund it. Use it.

Let’s stop treating joy like it’s a financial failure.

You deserve indulgence without consequence—as long as it’s built on intention, not impulse.

Your money should support your life—not restrict it.

And when you build the habit, you’ll find that the real luxury isn’t the meal or the trip or the boots.

It’s the freedom to enjoy them without worry.


Want more insights like this every week?
Subscribe to The Money Habit Weekly at MikeMichalowicz.com. One insight. One perspective. One action—every Monday.

Let’s build your path to financial freedom, one habit at a time.

– Mike

Entrepreneur

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