Obligatory vs Discretionary
Not every justified expense is obligatory. The Harm Test separates real obligations from things that are just inconvenient to cancel.
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More from Money Moves
The Emergency Fund (Your Freedom Fund)
An emergency fund isn't just savings, it's a Freedom Fund that keeps you from panicking when life throws curveballs. Start with $1,000, then grow it to 3 months of living costs.
The Freedom Fund
The Freedom Fund is the savings buffer that gives you options when opportunities or emergencies show up.
How to Work Out Your Monthly Expenses
You can't build a Freedom Fund if you don't know what one month actually costs you. Scroll your bank app, add up everything (essentials and sneaky stuff), and that honest number becomes your savings target.
Your Monthly Expenses
You don't know what you spend until you scroll every transaction. Your real monthly number is almost always higher than what you think.