When you think about improving your finances, it’s easy to assume: “I need to spend less.”

It’s advice we’ve all heard. We just need to go without, skip the Target run, stay home, stop shopping.

But the truth is: spending less isn’t always the answer.

Why? In part, because spending is unavoidable. You have bills, needs, and desires that require it.

Spending isn’t a necessary evil. It’s a skill you must develop in order to grow strong with money.

Financial success isn’t just learning how to spend less. It’s learning how to spend well. The more you practice spending well, the healthier you grow financially.

Imagine if your money worked as hard for you as you work to earn it.

For many people, the reality is the opposite. Paychecks come in, bills get paid, and the rest seems to disappear. By the end of the month, you’re left wondering: Where did it all go?

Here’s the truth: your money will wander off aimlessly if you don’t give it clear instructions.

The antidote is simple—but life-changing: give every dollar a job.

This one rule can transform the way you spend, save, and even how you feel about money.

Picture this: you’re at the store and see a sign: 50% OFF TODAY ONLY. Your heart beats a little faster. It feels like you’ve stumbled onto a win.

You grab the item, swipe your card, and tell yourself, “I saved $200!”

But here’s the truth: you didn’t save $200—you spent $200.

50% off is still 50% on. And if you didn’t need the item in the first place, you didn’t save anything at all.

This mindset shift—recognizing the difference between saving and spending—can save you thousands over time.

Have you heard someone say, “I hate math”? 

What does that mean? Perhaps, “I feel bad when I do math, so math is bad.”

I’ve heard a similar sentiment about money. 

• “I hate dealing with money.”

• “I’m not a numbers person.”

• “Thankfully, my partner handles our finances. It’s not my thing.”