Narrate a choice.
“We could buy X, but we are saving for Y because it matters more to us.”
The Art of Spending Money: Thoughts from Our Team
Updated October 29, 2025 · 5 min read
Money is a tool. The point is a better life, not a bigger number.
This page shares a few ideas that guide our conversations with clients after reading The Art of Spending Money.
What “enough” can look like
Enough is personal. It is a picture of a life you actually want to live.
A useful test: if income stopped for a year, what would still matter, and what would you keep paying for without regret?
Spending that ages well
In our experience, the best purchases tend to buy one of four things:
- Time you actually use.
- Health that compounds.
- Relationships you invest in.
- Skills and experiences that change how you see the world.
A simple check is the “one year later” test. Did this expense make life better a year after you made it?
Optionality and margin of safety
Savings are not just numbers. They buy choices.
A healthy buffer creates room for career moves, sabbaticals, and generosity. Optionality reduces stress. It also supports better decision making during market volatility.
Living your legacy now
Legacy is not only an estate plan. It is what your spending and giving say about your values today.
Many families find a balance: give a little more now to things that matter, and keep a plan so future gifts are secure.
Money and kids
Kids learn most from what we model. Try short, real moments:
Invite them in.
“Let’s pick a small cause to support together this month.”
Praise the effort, not the price.
“That took patience,” or “Nice teamwork,” instead of “That was expensive.”
Two simple conversations that help
For couples: What is the one expense that made our life noticeably better this year? What could we stop without missing it?
For families: What do we want our kids to see in how we spend, save, and give?
1. Write down one line from the book that stayed with you.
2. Pick one small change to try for 30 days.
3. Tell someone you trust. Small accountability helps.
How we bring this into reviews
If something here resonates, raise it at your next review. We can connect these ideas to your plan. That might mean adjusting a savings target, shaping a giving plan, or setting guardrails so spending supports what you value.
Nothing on this page is investment advice. It is for education and discussion. Please contact us to talk about your situation.
The Charter Group
