Money brings me joy. Why did it take me so long to admit that?
When I actually look at what brings me joy, they are all things that cost money. Whether they be products or experiences, they come with a price tag and a cost of time and resources.
Money doesn’t buy all happiness, but whether you want to admit it or not, it affords a lot of it. Money is freedom — to live, travel, experience, find pleasure. It’s taken me 26 years of life to admit that, and say confidently that I like making money. Even as I type that out, I feel a little pinch in my heart — fear that someone will judge me or think I’m shallow. Perhaps that’s because I’m an Asian woman — and while Asians love making money, it’s not supposed to be a public topic or something to admit with strangers. And I feel that women are judged more harshly for embracing money-focused mindsets. We’re called gold diggers or shopaholics. Even if we’re the breadwinners and have every right to spend our money how we want to.
I am convinced that there is a direct correlation between my finding joy, and embracing this understanding that money is goo. It is truly sad how much shame I carried for decades of my life. I was ashamed that I craved wealth, and was embarrassed to admit and lean into how much it enhanced my happiness. Raising capital helps me build my dream company, and bringing in money through my influencer work enables me to sustain my energy, and build the life that helps collect more joyful gems along the way.
HAPPINESS RECEIPT: essential ways I’m spending…
Travel: spend money to earn points, and travel often. My go-to credit card is the Delta Skymiles credit card. Your girl just achieved Diamond Medallion status this past month! I’ve reviewed so many different credit card options, but am happy with my choice with this one. I think it’s perfect if you’re a frequent traveler so you really get a chance to enjoy the benefits. My reserve card costs about $500 in credit card fees every years, and it’s worth every penny. I probably save that amount with all the food I eat from sky lounges lol.
Pilates: I’m in my solidcore era and have taken over 300 classes. I pay about $350/month for an unlimited membership, and so across 8+ classes a month, it sorts out to *much* cheaper than talk therapy. Pilates is also one of the few times I’m off my phone for an extended period of time, so it’s the consistent digital detox in my day. Cross training is important too, so I splurge on hot yoga and boxing classes.
A full-time assistant: I’ve had an assistant in some form for the last 5+ years, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that I invested in having a full-time assistant who is based in the Phillipines. It costs me $3k/month, and I am happy to send you all the details on how I do this (just reach out to me via email/linkedin). My assistant has changed my life though. I’ve literally halved my antidepressants dosage since working with her — that’s how much stress she’s alleviated from my life.
My daughter (dog): I realized recently that I pay the equivalent of a pre-school tuition in NYC for my dog’s care. Simply because I want her to be able to play outside with her friends, rather than cooped up in my office. But I don’t regret it at all. This dog is my soulmate and makes me so freaking happy. I want to spoil her. My boyfriend has to scold me, if anything, because I have no backbone when it comes to her wanting some of my food.
Savings: Outside of the above happiness expenditures, I live a rather scrappy life. I love having savings, which allows me to do things like buy a fixer upper in upstate NY (been making lots of content about this). I restricted my coffee spend in 2024 after realizing how much $8 lattes add up over time. And most evenings I have scrambled eggs, spinach, and some air fried chicken. I don’t eat or go out much in NYC (maybe once a month), and you immediately save so much when you cut back on those $15-20 cocktails. No shade to people who do spend their money on those nighttime experiences! I just, personally, didn’t find they were joyful gems in my life. I think my childhood money-related trauma also makes me really prioritize saving.
Cheering you on in your own money-making journey to help afford all the joyful gems in your life!