I’ve noticed that too. The more you learn, the more your thinking changes, especially when it comes to money. You stop making decisions just because everyone else is doing it and start looking at what actually makes sense for your future. @Calvin Cowell I think that shift in mindset is one of the biggest steps towards building real wealth.

@Melinda Davis I can relate to this. I always feel better knowing I’ve put something aside before spending on anything else. But one thing I’ve come to appreciate is that saving is only part of the journey. Having a plan for what you’re saving towards and knowing when to put that money to work is where things start to get interesting. Even small amounts can open up opportunities when you stay consistent.

@Jana Frierson Definitely barbecue for me. I want to look back on 2026 knowing I made the most of it, not just worked hard but made some good moves with my money too. There are still goals I want to tick off, opportunities I want to explore and a few things I want to get better at before the year ends. No point waiting for January to start making moves.

@Calvin Cowell I’ve become more mindful of how I spend my money. When money comes in, I like to think about where it needs to go rather than spend first and figure things out later. I’m also learning to pause before buying things I don’t really need. For me, it’s not about holding on to every penny, but making sure my money is helping me build something for the future.

@Calvin Cowell Calvin, I love that we see it the same way. I’m learning that building wealth isn’t always about making more money; sometimes it starts with changing how we handle what we already have. Small, consistent decisions can make a real difference over time, especially when we give our money a purpose instead of letting it slip away.

@Andrea Ingram Andrea, I love this😂 Your husband has his NBA League app, and you have Hobby Lobby. We all need those little things that make us happy. I think the trick is enjoying them without feeling guilty, while still being mindful of where our money goes. It’s about making room for life now while preparing for the future. Have you found any little ways to save more without having to give up the things you love?

@Andrea Ingram Andrea, I get what you mean now, and I agree with you. Sometimes it’s not that we don’t have any extra money, but that we haven’t really stopped to look at where it’s going. Those small expenses can easily go unnoticed until you add them up over a month or a year. I like that the Latte Factor is about being more aware of our choices, not making life miserable by cutting out everything we enjoy. Even redirecting a few small expenses consistently could make a real difference over time.