The $0 reward that changed everything...

A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way 🦃

Hey everyone, it’s Ren here…

Just had an amazing few days away and it got me thinking of gratitude this time of year. We all have a lot to be grateful for…

You know that feeling when you hit a goal you've been working towards forever?

That little burst of joy, pride, and accomplishment all rolled into one?

I had one of those moments this week during a short getaway with my husband.

We'd set ourselves a pretty strict budget for our mini-break (you know me, always planning!) and I'm proud to say we actually stuck to it!

We found this gorgeous spot inland, surrounded by rolling hills and the kind of peace you can only get when you're far from the city buzz.

We enjoyed some amazing local food, and even splurged on a fancy dinner one night - all while staying within our planned spending.

The best part? We enjoyed every moment just as much as if we'd blown the budget!

It got me thinking about how we reward ourselves for hitting financial milestones...

🎯 Celebrating Success Without Breaking the Bank

Here's the thing - when we're focused on paying down debt or building savings, we often forget to acknowledge our progress along the way.

We're so fixated on the destination that we miss celebrating the journey.

But those celebrations?

They're not just fun - they're fuel for our financial journey.

Or any goal for that matter!

✨ Making Milestones Meaningful

Let me break down how I structure rewards for different financial wins (without emptying the wallet we've worked so hard to fill!)...

Get creative with these as the below are just a few ideas. There really is no limit to how what you can reward yourself with!

For Sticking to Your Budget:

First week: A favorite home-cooked meal

• I'm talking about that special recipe you save for guests, but this time it's all for you! In my case, it's my secret recipe pasta that my husband swears is better than any restaurant version (he might be biased, but I'll take it! 😊)
  

• The best part is, because you’re sticking with your budget you don’t need to all of a sudden splurge on something you don’t need.

First month: A movie night with all the snacks

• Not just any movie night - we're talking premium snacks, your comfiest PJs, and complete control of the remote (no compromising on that rom-com you've been dying to watch!)
  

• Pro tip: Buy your snacks in advance when they're on sale. Your wallet will thank you, and future you will have a fully stocked snack drawer!
  
  Seems like a minor detail, but it can help you save even more.

Three months: That small item you've been eyeing

• You know that thing you've had in your online cart forever?
  
  The one you keep talking yourself out of? If you've stuck to your budget for three whole months, it might be time to hit 'buy'
  

• Just keep it reasonable - we're talking about that new cookbook, not a new car! 😉

Six months: A special experience of your choosing

• Maybe it's a day trip to that cute town nearby
  

• Or that cooking class you've been curious about
  

• Heck, even a fancy picnic in a new spot (with actual plates, not paper ones!)

For Debt Payoff:

First $1,000: Treat yourself to a nice coffee

• And yes, you can get the fancy syrup. You've earned it!
  

• Take a moment to sit and enjoy it too - no rushing off with takeaway. This is a celebration!

25% milestone: Movie night with friends

• Host a celebration movie night (cheaper than going out!)
  

• Make it potluck style - everyone brings a snack
  

• Share your success story - you might inspire others!

Halfway point: Weekend picnic adventure

• Pack your favorite foods
  

• Find a new spot you've never been to
  

• Take lots of pictures - this is a memory worth capturing!

75% complete: Mini celebration dinner

• Cook something special at home
  

• Set the table properly (you know, those napkins you save for 'special occasions'?)
  

• Light some candles and celebrate how far you've come!

Debt-free: Plan that reward trip!

• This is the big one - but plan it smart!
  

• Use all those budgeting skills you've learned
  

• Make it meaningful rather than just expensive

For Savings Goals:

First $100: Your favorite takeout

• Yes, the one with extra spring rolls
  

• No, you don't have to share (unless you want to!)
  

• Enjoy every bite - you've earned it!

$1,000 milestone: Buy that book you've wanted

• Or maybe two books if they're on sale (once a bargain hunter, always a bargain hunter!)
  

• Take yourself on a date to your favorite bookstore
  

• Spend time choosing - this is part of the celebration!

25% of the goal: Special self-care day

• DIY spa day at home
  

• Your favorite face mask
  

• Maybe even a nap (is there anything more luxurious?)

50% of goal: Weekend adventure

• Explore somewhere new
  

• Pack a picnic
  

• Take the scenic route home

Reaching your target: Something meaningful from your wishlist

• Choose something that will remind you of your achievement
  

• Make it special, but not budget-breaking
  

• Consider something that will help you reach your next goal!

Remember: The key is making the reward match the milestone, but never letting it derail your progress.

Think of it like having dessert after eating your vegetables - sweet enough to be exciting, but not so much that it undoes all your good work!

💝 Speaking of Giving...

I've been feeling extra grateful lately for this amazing community we're building together. Your emails, success stories, and even your struggles have made this journey so meaningful.

And in the spirit of gratitude and giving, I wanted to share something special...

Remember that Christmas Gifting Guide from our last issue? For those who missed it, you can grab your free copy right here:

FREE CHRISTMAS SAVINGS CALCULATOR

Consider it my early holiday gift to you! Because sometimes the best presents are the ones that help us stress less about presents! 😉

💡 A Quick Note About Smart Credit Choices

Hey, while we're on the topic of rewards and milestones, I wanted to share something that might help make those celebrations even sweeter...

You know how I'm always talking about making our money work smarter? Well, this extends to how we choose our credit cards too.

I recently discovered Compare Credit, a super helpful platform that makes finding the right credit card way less overwhelming. (And no, this isn't like those sketchy comparison sites that flood your inbox with offers!)

What caught my eye about them is they're completely independent - meaning they're not pushing specific cards, just helping you find what actually works for your situation. Kind of like having a financially savvy friend who keeps up with all the latest card offers so you don't have to!

They've been featured in major publications (always a good sign!), and they make it super easy to compare different cards side by side. Whether you're looking for:

• Travel rewards (hello, milestone celebrations!)

• Cash back options (who doesn't love free money?)

• Balance transfer deals

• Or just better rates than what you currently have

You can check out all your options in minutes. Pretty neat, right?

If you're interested in seeing what cards might work better for your situation, you can explore your options by clicking below…

Top Card Offering 0% Interest until Nearly 2026

This credit card gives more cash back than any other card in the category & will match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year.

Learn More

💭 Final Thoughts

Remember, every financial win - no matter how small - deserves recognition.

It's not about the size of the celebration, but about acknowledging your progress and staying motivated.

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or crushing major money goals, take time to appreciate how far you've come.

That gratitude might just be the fuel you need for the next leg of your journey.

To your success (and celebrations!),

Ren

P.S. Don't forget to download your free Christmas Gifting Guide. It's my way of saying thanks for being part of this community! 🎁