The Mindset Shift That Changed How I Spend (and Save)

I'm done buying anything I don't absolutely LOVE

Author

Michela Allocca
October 14, 2025

👉🏻 The TL;DR (4 minute read):

Buying less and buying better isn’t about restriction - it’s about intention. Today I am breaking down my philosophy behind learning to spend in alignment with your values, upgrading what you actually use, and simplifying everything else.

🚨 There are only 78 days left of 2025! Don’t let your goals get away from you! Check out the Personal Finance Dashboard or the Basic Budgeting Template! 

MONEY
The Mindset Shift that Changed How I Spend (and Save)

Over the last two years, I’ve been making a very intentional effort to buy less and buy better. Not because I suddenly hate shopping, but because I got tired of buying things I didn’t love, didn’t use, and didn’t even care about.

Somewhere between the constant hauls, limited drops, and “you need this” trends from influencers (whom I love btw), I realized I was spending a lot more money than necessary and not seeing very much ROI. There’s a big difference between INFLUENCE an INSPIRATION!

This shift into buying less and buying better changed everything about how I approach money, style, and even my daily routine.

💡 The Philosophy: “Frugal Chic” & Intentional Wealth

A creator named Mia McGrath coined the term Frugal Chic - and it perfectly captures what I’ve been practicing for years. It’s about striking the balance between mindful spending and enjoying life’s little luxuries.

Buying less and buying better doesn’t mean deprivation. It means building wealth while still thoughtfully enjoying the things that add real value to your life.

At its core, this philosophy helps you:

  • Spend in alignment with your values.

  • Escape the overconsumption cycle.

  • Create a daily life that feels calm, elevated, and abundant.

📊 Pro tip: The Personal Finance Dashboard can help you get super clear on where your money is going so you can make more aligned spending decisions.

💰 Quality Over Quantity (always and forever)

I stopped chasing “more” and started focusing on “better.” In every aspect of my life, but specifically with my physical items.

The first place I applied this was my wardrobe. For years, I’d swing between two extremes - buying nothing for months or going on huge shopping sprees that left me with a closet full of clothes I didn’t love and rarely wore. Ugh.

Now, I invest in quality materials and fit that flatters my lifestyle. Cotton, linen, wool, and cashmere replaced polyester blends. I only buy something new if it fills a clear wardrobe gap that I’ve previously identified, OR if it’s a piece I find I am reaching for or washing often (example - this top from Aritiza that I have in 2 colors because I wear it so much).

The same applies to every area of my home - beauty products, kitchen tools, even home décor. If I don’t use it, love it, or reach for it regularly, it’s gone. And I am becoming pretty ruthless about it.

💳 Everyday Luxuries That Elevate My Routine

Once you simplify, you create space for the things that actually make life feel luxurious on the daily.

For me, that means:

  • A hotel-quality bed setup with breathable cotton sheets. All my favorite bedding is linked here!

  • An at-home espresso ritual that feels like a café moment every morning. You know I love my Breville <3

  • Spa-level bath products that make daily routines feel special.

These small upgrades make my life feel special every day.

💸 Aligning Money With Long-Term Vision

Intentional spending only works when it’s tied to your bigger picture. The challenge is that most people have no idea what that bigger picture even is.

My financial goals center around flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to become work-optional as soon as possible. So for me, right now this looks like:

  • Renting a small apartment that fits my current season.

  • Not over-inflating expenses for the sake of status.

  • Tracking and budgeting consistently so I can invest in my future.

This structure helps me enjoy my day-to-day life and build long-term wealth.

👉🏻 I track my expenses using The Personal Finance Dashboard, and then I use the data collected to run my work-optional numbers inside the FI/RE Planner!

Becoming More Intentional Will Change Your Life

Buying less and buying better is about intentional abundance - fewer things, higher quality, and a stronger connection to what you truly value.

It’s not just a financial shift; it’s emotional, too. When you start buying better, you start living better.

→ Action step: Choose one area of your life - your wardrobe, kitchen, or bathroom - and do an “alignment audit.” What do you use, what do you love, and what can you let go of?

If you enjoyed this newsletter, I dive deeper on this topic in this weeks youtube video!

💡 Not sure how much you’re spending? Start by tracking your numbers in a tool like the Personal Finance Dashboard!

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WEEKLY RECOMMENDATION

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RESOURCES
What’s Happening This Week at Break Your Budget

  • This week on Don’t Depend on Daddy: I am sharing my journey of making slow and intentional lifestyle upgrades all throughout my 20s. Despite how social media makes it look, it takes TIME to build a life. You can have it all - just not all at once right away!!! Give yourself some time to get there.

  • Buying Less & Buying Better: If you enjoyed this newsletter, I dive deeper into everything I shared in this weeks youtube video!

LOOKING FOR MORE?
Check out ALL of my Money & Career Resources!

xoxo,

Michela