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Hello Reader,

Welcome back to Unmuted Money, where we talk about money in a way that feels more human and less… robotic spreadsheet (even though I love a good spreadsheet) This week, I’m getting honest about something small that made a big shift in how I spend: giving up a whole corner of the internet.

Let’s talk about “performative planning” and how ditching it made room for real financial peace.

💬 Rant:

There was a time when my feed was full of bullet journal queens and kings. I am talking about perfect layouts, color-coded spreads, coordinated inks and expensive pens and even highlighter sets that cost more than my grocery budget. I loved the idea of being organized and artistic. But somewhere along the way, it became more pressure than peace.

I’d spend hours scrolling, watching “Plan With Me” videos instead of actually planning. Then I’d spend money on notebooks I didn’t use, pens I didn’t need, stickers that just sat in a drawer. My spending wasn’t about function; it was about aspiration.

All the “inspiration” made me feel more behind, less capable, and honestly, broke. Like my life was too chaotic to fit in a planner. My life was too full to fit aesthetically on a page.

👀 Reflection:

Eventually, I had to admit: I was never going to be that kind of planner person. And that was okay. I unsubscribed from the BuJo YouTubers. I muted the “desk restocks.” I tossed half-used supplies that made me feel guilty. And donated supplies I never even touched.

What replaced it wasn’t boring but was surprisingly calm. Minimal planning helped me focus. I no longer felt the need to spend just to feel like I was “doing it right.” It wasn’t about depriving myself, it was about choosing tools that actually worked for me.

Now, I have one basic planner, one working pen, and a system that doesn’t require washi tape to feel successful. The quiet joy of simplicity gave me back time and focus. Which in turn gave me more time to work on my finances. I can say it felt like a more honest relationship manually with my money.

🔗 Resources:

If you're noticing that "inspiration" is becoming a spending trap, these questions can help you filter the noise and reconnect with your actual needs:

🖊 Try reflecting on these:

1. What accounts or content make me feel like I need to buy something to be “enough” or “better”?
2. What tools, layouts, or habits actually help me stay focused without adding pressure?
3. What’s something I bought because I saw it online but never really used?
4. When do I tend to scroll or shop the most and what am I usually feeling?
5. What would “simple and supportive” look like for me right now?

You don’t need to overthink these. Just take five minutes, pick one, and jot down whatever comes up.

Let this be your gentle nudge to spend where you feel seen, not where you feel sold to.

Have you ever unsubscribed from something and felt instantly lighter? I’d love to hear your story.

Until next time,

Coach Becca

📩 Unmuted Money | Debt Tale​
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