When people hear the word “budget,” they often think of restriction. But Registered Financial Planner Jennifer De Leon believes it’s time to change that mindset.
“Mindful spending is a way of managing your money based on your lifestyle,” De Leon shared in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “It is understanding how money helps you achieve the life you want to live.”
Mindful spending isn’t about cutting back on everything you love—it’s about aligning your spending with your values and goals. That means being intentional with where your money goes and making sure it reflects what matters most to you.
“There is no cookie-cutter approach to effective money management. It all depends on our different personalities and goals,” De Leon explained. “Follow what works for you and gives you satisfaction.”
Instead of asking, “Can I afford this?” mindful spenders ask, “Does this purchase support the life I want to create?” That shift makes all the difference.
De Leon also reminds us to look beyond the numbers. “Change the way you treat money. Money is not the root of evil. The love of money is.” By reframing your relationship with money, it becomes a tool—not a source of stress or guilt.
So how do you begin spending mindfully?
Start by tracking your expenses and identifying what brings real value to your life. Then, create a spending plan that reflects your priorities—whether it’s family, travel, health, or financial security.
“Mindful spending gives us balance—it helps us enjoy the now while still planning for the future,” said De Leon.
Bottom line: budgeting doesn’t have to feel like punishment. When you align your money choices with your values, you’re not depriving yourself—you’re designing a life you truly enjoy.
Because at the end of the day, how you spend is just as important as how much you save.
