Welcome to reThinkable - my Sunday newsletter where I share actionable money tips, strategies, and resources to help you make smarter money moves.

Read time: 3 minutes

Hey friend,

Ever wonder why there’s never money for the things you really want? 

I’m not talking about the basic stuff like rent, groceries, and pineapple pizza.

I’m talking about the good stuff: traveling to Vietnam to eat the best Pho of your life, waking up in your dream home with heated bathroom floors, or being able to financially help your parents out without batting an eye.

But every month, it’s the same old story.

When you get paid you feel rich. 3 weeks later you’re wondering if you should buy that overpriced iced latte with oat milk. 

It’s frustrating. Demoralizing. 

Because how can you build your dream life without money? You can’t.

You need money to build the life of your dreams. 

And it's not about having millions in the bank and buying 50 supercars. It’s about finding that point where money can take you from survival mode to thriving mode.

Picture this: You finally saved up enough money to quit that toxic job.

Maybe you paid all of your debts and now your paycheck is 100% yours to enjoy.

Or maybe you’re able to travel to all the magical places you dreamt of as a kid.

If all that sounds like a fairy tale, it’s because no one’s ever shown you what’s possible.

Maybe you’re thinking “I don't make enough money.”

But let me tell you a secret: most millionaires started as everyday regular people. 

Studies show most millionaires didn’t inherit a fortune nor start MicroGoogleSoft2.0. Most millionaires worked regular 9-5s.

You’re probably wondering:

If they could do it, why does it feel so hard for me?

Maybe you’ve even asked yourself:

Am I just terrible at managing my money?

It might be the first time you’re really confronting that question. Or maybe it’s always been there, lurking in the back of your mind.

Facing money problems isn’t exactly fun. But recognizing they exist is the 1st step to fixing them.

So in today’s newsletter, I want to share 3 warning signs your money management isn’t working. If you say “yes” to any of these, it’s time to make a real change.

1. You find it hard to plan for your financial future

Do you know what you want your life to look like in 10 years? I mean the kind of house you want to live in, the experiences you want to have, the money you want in your bank account…?

If that’s tough to imagine, let’s make it easier. 

What about 5 years from now? Still fuzzy?

Alright, how about just 1 year?

If you’re still struggling, there’s a reason for that.

When you’re under financial stress, your brain’s ability to plan for the future shrinks.

And when you’re focused on surviving, there’s no room left to think about thriving.

2. You feel guilty when you spend, even if it's on something small

One of the most common things preventing people from living their best life is “spending guilt.” It’s not the worst thing in the world but it’s like having a fly buzzing in your room just as you’re about to fall asleep. Here are the symptoms:

• You overthink every purchase

  • Even a $5 coffee sends you spiraling. You’re standing there worrying about your financial future while the barista wonders why you look so stressed.

• You can’t enjoy what you buy

  • You finally treat yourself, and immediately feel guilty. That coffee turns into caffeinated anxiety as you gulp it down without even savoring it.

• You believe fun = irresponsible

  • You spend way too much time at home because you think going to a Bad Bunny concert or getting happy hour after work with friends is “wasting money.”

Saving money shouldn’t mean depriving yourself.

3. You don’t feel in control of your money

This is the hardest one to admit. That deep down, you’ve stopped trying. That you’ve accepted that struggling with money is “normal.”

But it’s not normal to constantly feel stressed about paying your bills. It’s not normal to be afraid to check your bank account. And it’s not normal to have trouble saving for your emergency fund. 

Money shouldn’t be a source of anxiety. It should be a source of possibility.

Anxiety comes from not feeling in control. If you’re always worried you won’t have enough, you’re not in the driver’s seat.

I’ve seen people accept this anxious way of living through their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Do you really want to feel like this at 70?

Possibility comes when you’re in control—knowing what you want and feeling confident money can help you get there.

Next week, I’ll show you how to get back in the driver’s seat and feel excited, not anxious, about your money. Stay tuned!

To making smarter money moves,

— Vincent Chan

Cool things I found this week

• Smart Money Tip of The Week: Why you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about money.

• Stop overpaying: Are you wasting hundreds every year on overpriced car insurance? Here's a free tool to help you find out. See how much you could save.

• Just a few millions: Darth Vader's ACTUAL light saber is up for sale and it's yours if you have an extra few millions lying around

Vincent Chan

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