Spending in Line With My Values Changed Everything

How a “Spend Less” Challenge Helped Me Feel More Aligned, Empowered & Free

Let me paint a familiar picture: I walk into Kmart for “just one thing”… and somehow walk out $87 poorer with a bag full of random bits I didn’t plan to buy. Sound familiar?

For a long time, I thought spending like that was harmless, after all, it’s only a few dollars here and there, right? But over time, I noticed two things:

The little spending added up fast
It didn’t actually feel good

That’s when I decided to try something different. I set myself a “spend less” challenge, not to restrict myself or feel deprived but to realign my spending with what really matters to me.

And wow, what a shift.

The Problem With Mindless Spending

We live in a world that constantly encourages consumption. “It’s on sale!” “Treat yourself!” “It’s only $12!”
But here’s the truth I had to face: just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s worth it.

The Kmart trap (or Aldi, Big W, online shopping, you know your version!) was my wake up call. I’d walk in for something essential and walk out with things that:

Weren’t on my list
Didn’t bring me joy or real value
Ended up in drawers, baskets, or clutter piles

Even worse, this kind of spending disconnected me from my financial goals and from the life I actually want to create.

What Does It Mean to Spend in Line With Your Values?

This was the game changer for me.

Spending in line with your values means putting your money where your heart is. It’s about:

Buying things that support the life you want
Saying “no” to short term hits that leave you feeling blah
Saying “yes” to what truly matters (freedom, peace, joy, simplicity, security, whatever that is for you)

It’s intentional. It’s thoughtful. And it feels so good.

My “Spend Less” Challenge: What I Did

I didn’t go extreme or do a full no spend month (though you totally could!). I just created some gentle rules to guide myself for a few weeks:

Only shop with a list
Wait 48 hours before buying anything unplanned
Track impulse buys in a notebook
Ask, “Does this align with my values?” before each purchase

I also checked in with myself weekly, how I felt, what I noticed, what I saved.

What I Learned (and Felt)

This challenge surprised me in the best way. Here’s what happened:

💭 1. I Became More Aware

I started noticing the urge to “fill the void” with little buys especially when I was tired, stressed, or just looking for a quick mood boost. That awareness helped me pause instead of swipe.

💸 2. I Felt More in Control

There’s nothing like finishing a week and realising you chose not to spend and that the world didn’t end. It gave me confidence and reminded me: I get to decide how my money is used.

💖 3. I Felt More Aligned

When I did spend (on something for the kids, or a beautiful family outing), it felt meaningful. I wasn’t just buying stuff, I was investing in experiences and values that matter to me.

What Spending in Line With My Values Looks Like Now

These days, I still love a good Kmart find but I go in with purpose.

Here’s what spending aligned with my values looks like now:

Choosing quality over quantity
Prioritising family memories over more “things”
Investing in learning, wellness, and growth
Building savings and wealth not just shopping hauls

And most of all: feeling peaceful and proud, not guilty or scattered.

Want to Try It?

If this resonates with you, maybe it’s time for your own little reset. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Try this:

🌱 Mini Challenge: Spend in Line With Your Values for 7 Days

Write down your top 3 money values (freedom, security, joy, simplicity… whatever’s true for you)
Make a list before shopping and stick to it
Pause before every unplanned buy and ask: Does this align with my values?

Track how you feel, not just what you spend.

Final Thoughts

Spending less isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom.

When you start aligning your money with your values, you feel lighter. Clearer. More empowered. You stop filling carts and start filling your life with what truly matters.

Start small. Stay curious. And remember, you’re not just saving money, you’re building a life that feels rich in all the right ways.