You're listening to lifekit from NPR.
Hey, everybody, it's Marielle.
Okay, before we jump into the episode, I want to share an exciting thing that life Kit is working on for New Year's.
This month in our newsletter, we'll be sharing tips and new ways of thinking to help you get closer to your priorities and your interests and let go of whatever isn't working in your life.
Our newsletter is like an extension of the podcast, right?
It's this intimate space where we get to communicate directly with you, our listeners.
So subscribe to our newsletter@npr.com it's a new year, so I'm about to say a word that may elicit some groans.
It's time to look at your budget.
Now, when I say budget, I mean a spending plan.
How are you using your money right now?
And is that how you want to be using it?
Rita Soledab Fernandez Paulino is CEO of wealth Palatoros and a money and self care coach.
To refresh your budget means that you're going to sell.
Sit down.
You're going to look at how you are currently spending your money by reviewing your bank statements, your credit card statements, and decide whether, hey, maybe you need to be spending more on some self care expenses, or maybe you want to start paying more than just the minimum debt payments.
Or it's time that you want to invest beyond your employer retirement account.
Now, if you're worried this is going to be an exercise in austerity and restriction, that is not Soledad's approach.
She says budgeting allows you to build a life that feels nourishing and that's getting you closer to your goals.
And that's why the first step is to think about how you're spending money on self care.
By the way, self care to Soledad.