Let me ask you a simple question: Do you care about your peace of mind and overall well-being?

If your answer is yes, then let me make an assumption - you have a solid amount of cash savings set aside, just in case something unexpected happens. Maybe it’s losing your job, dealing with a toxic work environment, or facing some other unforeseen challenge. Or, at the very least, you’re actively prioritising saving, right?

Because let’s be honest: having savings isn’t just about money. It’s about freedom. It’s about knowing you can face life’s uncertainties without losing your balance. It’s about having the peace of mind to weather the unexpected with confidence and control.

But here’s the truth: most people aren’t saving.

The Trap of Spending

Time and again, I see it: even people earning six-figure incomes find themselves trapped in a cycle of living pay cheque to pay cheque. Why? Because they’re stuck in a relentless pattern of spending - on bigger houses, fancier cars, and lavish holidays. And I can’t help but ask: What’s more important than your peace of mind? What’s more crucial than your well-being, which also impacts the well-being of your family?

Society has sold us an illusion. We’re told success means having more - more space, more luxury, more of everything. But here’s the harsh reality: it’s a trap. A bigger house won’t fix your problems. A new car won’t bring lasting happiness. And that expensive holiday? Sure, you’ll make memories, but the moment you return to reality and face the credit card bill, was it really worth it?

If you can afford it without jeopardising your financial security, go for it. But for those with no savings or safety net, chasing these illusions can do more harm than good.

The Illusion of Success

Society’s expectations are a clever trick. They make you chase after the appearance of success, convincing you that more stuff equals more happiness. But here’s the catch: in that pursuit, you sacrifice the only things that truly matter - your mental health, your physical health, and your freedom.

I’ve seen people with beautiful houses, luxury cars, and impressive material possessions. But behind the scenes? They're drowning in stress. They've built a lifestyle so costly that it's eroding their peace of mind - no savings, no safety net, no real freedom.

Who’s Winning? Not You.

Let’s be honest about something: the system profits from your stress.

• The government loves your spending because it keeps the economy going and fills their coffers with taxes.
• The banks love you because your high mortgage is lining their pockets.
• Marketers love you because you’re buying into the endless ads telling you that happiness comes from material things.

But here’s what no one is telling you: spend your money on freedom. Spend it on peace of mind. Spend it on saving and investing, so your money works for you - not the other way around.

My Wake-Up Call: Realising What Truly Matters

I used to think the same way. I believed that a bigger house - one with more space for my kids, a cozy fireplace to unwind by - would make life feel more fulfilling. I thought it would bring me happiness.

But something shifted. I realised that none of those things would bring me the peace I was really searching for. They wouldn’t solve my problems. They wouldn’t make me happy.

Look, it’s okay to dream about a nicer home or better things, but those dreams should never come at the cost of your health, your peace of mind, or your financial freedom.

What Does Peace of Mind Look Like?

Peace of mind is having at least a year’s worth of savings tucked away. It’s the confidence to face a toxic job or a stressful situation and say, “I’m out.” It’s knowing that, no matter what the future holds, you’ll be okay. It’s the freedom to live life on your own terms, without financial dependence on anyone else. It’s the flexibility to align your life with your values and your true desires, knowing you’re in control of your own path.

A Personal Story

Let me get personal for a moment. I live in a modest terraced house in a neighbourhood that, well, isn’t exactly the most glamorous. When we first moved in - right after I had my boys - I looked out the window and saw our neighbour’s car. It looked like it had bullet holes in it.

Genuinely worried for our safety, I turned to Luke and said, “This neighbourhood is dangerous! Their car is covered in bullet holes!” 

Luke glanced out the window, then chuckled. “Relax, those are just stickers.”

So yeah… not exactly a war zone. But you know what? This house gives me something priceless - freedom.

By choosing a modest lifestyle, I gave myself the freedom to walk away from a toxic job and take nine months off - without any household income. Now, I get to build my business and support Luke and the kids, without the weight of massive bills hanging over my head.

This allows me to spend money on what truly aligns with my values and what matters most. Let’s be honest - if I were drowning in debt, constantly struggling to keep up, I’d probably start resenting Luke for not working. But the truth is, that wouldn't be the best for him or our boys.

Luke has a dormant type of cancer that will require chemotherapy again in the future. Right now, he gets to spend time with our boys, do the school runs, and enjoy life while he can. That’s what matters.

Stop Living for Others

Here’s the truth: nobody else’s opinion of your life matters. Stop living to impress people who don’t genuinely care about you. If someone judges your choices, that’s their problem - not yours.

I see this all the time - people trying to live a life just to impress others. Honestly, it’s crazy to me. Why are we so conditioned to think that material things equal success? I wish these people could have all the things they think will make them happy, just to realise it won’t.

For me, freedom means not being tied down by debt or a lifestyle I can’t sustain. It means spending my money on things that truly matter - like experiences with loved ones, helping others, and securing a future where I have choices, not financial burdens.

Do I sometimes catch myself dreaming of a bigger place? Sure. (Though not too big - because let’s be real, more space just means more cleaning!) And yes, one day we might move. But right now? It’s not my priority. What truly matters is the ability to live life on my terms - without the crushing weight of financial stress dictating my every move.

What Truly Matters

So, what’s more important to you?

• A flashy lifestyle that looks good on the outside but leaves you stressed and drained?
• Or true freedom, peace of mind, and the ability to live life on your own terms?

You already know the answer.

Choose the life that prioritises your health, your savings, and your well-being. That’s the kind of wealth that truly matters - not the hollow kind that’s just for show.

Live for what matters. Live for yourself.💗