Life moves fast, and it’s easy to avoid confronting our financial habits. But that avoidance—known as financial denial—can quietly wreak havoc on your budget and long-term financial well-being. Let’s unpack what financial denial looks like, why it’s so harmful, and how you can break free.

As the holiday season approaches, are you starting to feel the familiar stress of rising expenses? It’s the time of year when costs have a way of creeping up—whether it’s holiday travel, gift buying, or entertaining loved ones. Have you found yourself wondering how much you’ll end up spending this year, or are you prepared to handle the seasonal splurge without derailing your financial goals?

Let’s dive into Rule 4: Age Your Money. As a YNAB Certified Coach, I find it helpful that YNAB tracks the amount of time your deposits are in your account before you spend them – this helps you see if you are making progress on stopping the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.