Weekly Round-Up 2/28

What's happening in BYB World this week!

Author

Michela Allocca
February 28, 2025

Welcome back to Break Your Budget Weekly Round-Up! In case you missed it, the theme this week has been SHOPPING and FI/RE!! Two things that seemingly go against each other but I am forging my own niche here to really marry enjoying nice things while also being financially #aggressive.

I am also including (really, testing the waters) with my very first sponsor on this newsletter, The Daily Upside! TDU was actually one of my very first partners years ago in 2021 on TikTok. If you are interested in keeping up with financial and economic news (which is something I am trying to do more of), check them out below!!

Read The Daily Upside. Stay Ahead of the Markets. Invest Smarter.

Most financial news is full of noise. The Daily Upside delivers real insights—clear, concise, and free. No clickbait, no fear-mongering. Just expert analysis that helps you make smarter investing decisions.

ICYMI
YOUTUBE
If you’re reading this, you know I just crossed a major net worth milestone and have officially entered the ~double comma club~ Obviously, I am excited about this and it has me really clued into my broader financial strategy going forward! Learn more about some of the habits that got me to this point in this weeks video! (I share 5 habits to be specific!!)

PODCAST
Overspending?? Not anymore. In the spirit of Buying Less and Buying Better, I sat down with Paige Pritchard of Overcoming Overspending! On this week’s episode of Don’t Depend on Daddy, we discuss spending and self-sabotage, including:

  • The definition of overspending (it’s not what you think)

  • Emotional aspects of spending + aspirational spending

  • The psychology behind sales and making a purchase

  • The impact of social media (we know it’s major, but WHY?)

  • Dealing with clutter and spending guilt

I’m never going to tell you NOT to buy something, and I share more of that mentality on this episode ❤️ Leave a comment and tell me a purchase you’ve made that you LOVE!

CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORY
I’ve begun sharing a lot more content about Financial Independence and my journey to becoming work-optional, but I want to highlight the importance of taking the first steps which include building a budget and tracking your expenses!! Which you can do with the PFD.

The Personal Finance Dashboard is my signature money management tool. But it’s also so much more than that! Within the PFD, you don’t just gain access to the template download, but an entire library of videos and resources to ensure you get the most out of the tool! If you don’t have the PFD, this is your sign to join the club 💸

TOP SOCIAL CONVERSATIONS
Reducing My Spending by 75%

I was not proud of my spending from 2024, and this year I am making sure that there’s a substantial change. In this post I share the steps I am taking to create friction in the buying process and really bring my total shopping spend DOWN!

I’m starting a new series documenting my journey to becoming work-optional in my 30s! As I figure out what my FI/RE numbers are and how I can change and optimize my finances accordingly, I want to take you along with me to show you truly what is possible when you build your financial foundation!

THIS WEEK’S FAVORITE
Someone recently commented on a TikTok of mine saying she wished I had an LTK - GIRL!! Rip my heart out.

I have been LOVING LTK!! I don’t know why it took me so long to get on here. It’s so fun. Anyways here are some of my favs from the week:

I picked up some new sunglasses - these are from Diff Eyewear! They were $30 at Nordstrom Rack. Sunglasses are so hard for me but I really like this shape. They also feel super sturdy and come in a few different shades:

My new Diff sunnies

And in the spirit of outfit repeating, I wore one of my favorite outfits this week which is just a basic jean and sweater combo. Anyone have tips on how to elevate a look like this? I am all ears!!

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

xoxo,

Michela