A few of my financial advisor friends (shoutout Sam and Nas) and I were talking about money the other day, and I shared how tired I was of seeing that, so often, the response to financial stress and insecurity is to cut expenses.

Don’t get me wrong, reducing expenses and living within your means is usually a part of the solution, but it’s not the only solution. It’s one way to look at solving the problem of not having enough money–it is a good solution.

Although, it’s a solution through the lens of scarcity.

Another solution is to make more money–increase your means.

I know many will immediately dismiss this because it’s “not that easy” just to go make more money, and yes, that is true. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. In fact, I’d argue that everyone has the opportunity to improve their financial situation if they need to–the only real limiting factor is self-doubt, disbelief, and fear of change. There are countless examples of individuals who have overcome the same or worse situations that you might find your Self in, no matter what your circumstances might be.

It is possible.

And not enough people, especially the financial professionals that many look to for guidance and advice, are telling you this.

I’ll keep it real, though…it probably won’t be easy. It will probably require some sacrifice and change. You will have people who will try to discourage you. But it is 100% possible.

And at a certain point, cutting expenses isn’t easy, and it won’t lead to you feeling better or being happier. Increasing your income will—don’t believe the more money doesn’t make you happy narrative.

There comes a point where more money won’t make you happy, but if you’re looking to cut expenses to make ends meet or live a good life, I don’t think you’re at that stage yet. It’s also important to remember what I’ve written before that more aligned money will make you happier. If the reason you seek to make more money is aligned with your Authentic Life, then you should look to find ways to increase your means, not reduce expenses.

One place to start looking at how you can increase your income to bring in more aligned money is by focusing on your unique gifts and talents.

These unique gifts and talents allow you to do something you enjoy and bring to the world something only you can do. Find the people who want and need your unique gifts and talents and begin to provide them with it on the side of your career–maybe it’ll stay a side hustle or perhaps it grows into something much bigger.

Only time will tell.

But I’m confident it will grow into what you need it to be, and instead of having to continue living in a state of scarcity, stress, and fear, you can live from abundance and live the authentic life you want.

This is not permission to live a misaligned and frivolous life–I’m not saying you should focus all of your energy on increasing your means at the sacrifice of the important things and people in your life.

The key to this mindset is alignment.

Is my desire to increase my means aligned with my authentic life?

Is what I can do to increase my means aligned with my authentic life?

Am I seeking to increase my means for my Self (and family), or am I doing so because of societal pressures?

At the end of the day, the correct answer might be to cut back on spending–this will usually be in situations of misaligned spending and living. Don’t skip reviewing spending to see if it is part of the solution.

But, don’t assume that the answer always has to be live on less.

Shrinking your Self and budget doesn’t have to be the answer when expanding is also an option.

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See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC