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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Ratgeber
- Sprache: Englisch
Discover the fun side of finance and watch your wealth grow
Most people think building wealth is tough, boring and definitely not fun. Personal finance expert Queenie Tan is here to change that! The Fun Finance Formula is all about helping you level up your money skills in a way that is both productive and joyful. Discover how to reframe your relationship with wealth — and love the process of growing it too. With Queenie’s simple but transformative principles for managing your money, you can balance saving and investing with the day-to-day spending that matters most to you.
People who have fun with their goals are way more likely to crush them. Just like Olympians love their sport, you can love building wealth. You’ll quickly see that growing your money can be exciting, rewarding … and even a little addictive! Through practical strategies, real-life examples and simple tools for making smart financial decisions, Queenie makes even the most daunting money topics feel manageable. From budgeting and debt to investing and planning for the future, The Fun Finance Formula has you covered.
- Smash your financial goals: Understand where your money goes and take simple, practical steps to manage it more effectively.
- Feel good about money: Get confident about your financial decisions, overcome common fears and money myths and manage your finances with less stress.
- Build long-term wealth: Get started with investing in shares and achieve big goals like buying a home.
- Spend guilt-free where it counts: Saving isn’t just about hoarding cash — it’s about spending it on the stuff that really matters!
It’s time to stop stressing and start managing your money in a way that makes you happy. The Fun Finance Formula will empower you to make informed financial choices and build a future you can feel proud of.
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Seitenzahl: 300
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
Introduction
Chapter 1: DISCOVER that money is fun
The different types of money
Hard choices, easy life; easy choices, hard life
The four money types
Why we shouldn't chase the fun and lucky money
Here's the thing …
Finding your financial why: Amanda's story
Key takeaways
Chapter 2: Master your money MINDSET
Why limiting beliefs matter
Rewrite your money story
Understanding your money filters
Your shadow self and what it teaches you
A story of the shadow self in action
The role of self-sabotage
How to use your shadow self
Your new money mindset
Key takeaways
Chapter 3: Choose GRATITUDE over comparison
Neighbours of lottery winners and increased bankruptcy rates
How to make envy your teacher
The mirror effect of envy
A new perspective on envy
The role of luck in success
Understanding your unfair advantage
Let people be successful
Why it's important to let people shine
Practise gratitude
Key takeaways
Chapter 4: Set GOALS that excite you
How to visualise your dream life
The fun in finance
Accountability tips
Key takeaways
Chapter 5: Spend with INTENTION
What actually makes us happy?
What makes people happier over time?
How to buy happiness
The Uluru trip that turned into a comedy special
Find what brings you joy
How to be more intentional with gifts
How spending more upfront can (sometimes) save you money
Spending with intention is spending with happiness
Key takeaways
Chapter 6: BALANCE the 3Fs: Foundation, fun and freedom
The 3Fs of budgeting: Foundation, fun and freedom
Finding the right balance for you
Why you need to find the right balance in all three categories
Budgeting is making a plan for your money
How to create your budget
Budgeting methods
Which budgeting method is right for you?
Managing money as a couple
What we've learned about managing money as a couple
How to manage finances as a couple (without fighting over money)
Key takeaways
Chapter 7: SAVE without sucking the fun from life
Why you need to set meaningful savings goals
The science behind meaningful goals
The power of small rewards
How we made saving exciting without blowing our budget
Have a dual savings pool
Key takeaways
Chapter 8: INVEST with confidence
The biggest investing mistake is not investing at all …
What we learned about keeping it simple
Should you save or invest?
Before you start investing: Get these things sorted first
Why it's important to keep it simple
Warren Buffett's million-dollar Wall Street bet
Passive investments vs active investments
How to start investing step by step
Compound interest: Why building wealth gets easier over time
The takeaway: Wealth building is like a snowball
We are our own worst enemy when it comes to investing
Market crashes: A brief history of freak-outs (and recoveries)
Key takeaways
Chapter 9: Win the PROPERTY game
What kind of property are you after?
Apartments vs houses
Getting help from a buyer's agent
Set a target
Saving for your deposit without sacrificing everything
Investing for your home deposit
Navigating mortgages with this simple trick
Getting a buyer's agent for an auction
The auction trap first-time buyers fall into
Real estate vs stocks: What's the better investment?
The hidden costs of buying a home
Inspect, negotiate and inspect again
How to pay off your mortgage faster
Key takeaways
Chapter 10: TRACK your wealth for fun
So how do you actually keep track of where you're going with your finances?
How to find your net worth
Free net worth tracker
How often should you track your net worth?
Budgeting tools
Keeping motivated on the journey
Key takeaways
Chapter 11: Take MINI-RETIREMENTS
Science backs it: Burnout and boredom are real
Dual savings pools
The two types of savings (and why you need both)
How to afford your mini-retirement
Key takeaways
Chapter 12: PAY IT FORWARD
Noah's story
The ripple effect of kindness
The ripple effect in action
The science of paying it forward
Generosity is contagious (yes, like a good kind of virus)
The pay-it-forward experiment: The chain reaction of kindness
Why does this happen? The psychology behind paying it forward
The long-term game: Why ‘share’ beats ‘steal’ in life
Why it's important to pay it forward
The heart of paying it forward
The abundance mindset: Why sharing makes everyone richer
Why it's important to share your knowledge (and this book!)
Key takeaways
Living the Fun Finance Formula
Let's bring it all together
References
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 6
Table 6.1: Example budget breakdown
Chapter 8
Table 8.1: Australian investing apps compared
Chapter 9
Table 9.1: FHSS vs. savings account
Table 9.2: Interest rates compared
Table 9.3: Calculating the upfront costs of buying property
Table 9.4: Calculating the ongoing costs of buying property
Table 9.5: Calculating your exit costs on a property
Chapter 10
Table 10.1: a sample net worth calculation
Table 10.2: Calculating your worth
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
Figure 1.1: The four money quadrants
Figure 1.2: Example of mapping the four quadrants
Chapter 8
Figure 8.1: Compound interest growth: Investing $1000 per month at 8 per cen...
Chapter 11
Figure 11.1: The ikigai balance
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
Introduction
Begin Reading
Living the Fun Finance Formula
References
End User License Agreement
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First published 2025 by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2025
All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial intelligence technologies or similar technologies. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review) no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
The right of Queenie Tan to be identified as the author of The Fun Finance Formula has been asserted in accordance with law.
ISBN: 978-1-394-34610-3
Registered OfficeJohn Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. Level 4, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of WarrantyWhile the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. The fact that an organisation, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and author endorse the information or services the organisation, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
Cover and inside cover design by Andy Warren Design
To my little daughter Gia: May you have the courage to explore and chase your dreams, live life on your own terms and be true to the amazing person who you were always meant to be.
To my partner Pablo: Thank you for being my rock, my biggest ally and my sounding board. Your support (and letting me include some real-life stories about you in here!) means the world to me.
To my parents: Thank you for teaching me two very different but equally important lessons about money. Dad, you showed me the power of saving and investing. Mum, you reminded me that money is meant to be enjoyed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Queenie Tan is a personal finance content creator, entrepreneur and mum dedicated to making money fun and accessible.
Through Invest With Queenie, she helps others break free from financial stress and build wealth effortlessly. When she's not creating content, she enjoys travelling, trying money-saving hacks and spending time with her partner, Pablo, and their daughter, Gia.
Follow Queenie for more money tips: @investwithqueenie on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this book was written, the Eora Nation, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
This book would not have been possible without the love, support and encouragement of so many incredible people.
To the team at Wiley: Thank you for believing in this book and helping me bring it to life.
To the Invest With Queenie community: Your support, engagement and questions have shaped so much of this book. I hope it helps you on your journey to financial freedom.
And, finally, to every person who picked up this book: I'm so grateful to be a small part of your financial journey. Here's to making money fun!
DISCLAIMER
The information in this book is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial circumstances. It is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute personal financial advice or any other professional advice. You should always do your own research and seek professional advice that is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information provided is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no responsibility is accepted for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person relying on the information contained in this book.
Queenie Tan is an authorised representative (Number: 1301362) of MoneySherpa Pty Ltd (ABN 32 164 927 708), which holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL 451289).
The author, publisher, and associated entities disclaim any and all liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book or any errors or omissions in its content.
INTRODUCTION
Growing up, whenever someone at school asked what my dad did for a living, I never quite knew how to answer. My dad didn't have a job — not in the conventional sense anyway. He wasn't rushing off to a 9 to 5 or working late nights in an office. My dad was a single, stay-at-home parent who had retired early. And while most people equate not working with being lazy or struggling, he was far from either of those things. He had achieved what so many people dream of: the freedom to spend his time however he wanted.
As a kid, it didn't feel like we were rich. I went to public schools, we never took holidays, and my dad drove an ancient, loud car that was so embarrassing I'd ask him to drop me off a few streets away from school. We didn't have the flashy stuff other kids had, and I remember wishing we could afford ‘nicer’ things.
Yet, despite that, I always felt we had enough. We had food on the table, bills were paid and I never felt like we were struggling. But behind that sense of stability was a constant tension. You see, my parents had very different approaches to money that were more than just quirky contrasts — they were the main reason they divorced.
After my parents divorced, I lived with my dad and my mum would come visit and stay with us from time to time. It was during these visits that their different philosophies around money became more apparent. My dad, a Malaysian Chinese immigrant, treated saving like a sport. To him, frugality wasn't just a habit — it was a virtue. He'd scour three different shops just to save a few dollars, and every expense was carefully considered. Early retirement was his ultimate prize, and he achieved it through years of meticulous budgeting and self-discipline.
My mum, on the other hand, had a completely different philosophy. As an Australian with Irish-Scottish roots, she believed that money was meant to be enjoyed. She'd spend freely on things that made life fun and comfortable — long phone calls with family, a toasty warm house in winter and little indulgences that brought her joy.
Side note: back in the early 2000s, phone calls were priced per minute. So it wasn't uncommon for those long phone calls to rack up bills of $100 in today's dollars! To Mum, staying connected with loved ones was worth it, but to Dad, the thought of spending so much on a phone bill was unbearable.
While they both approached money in ways that reflected their values, those differing values led to endless arguments. For example, Mum would turn the heating on to make our home cosy during winter, but Dad would insist we wear extra jumpers instead. For Mum, comfort was worth the cost; for Dad, it was an unnecessary expense. These debates may seem small, but they symbolised a deeper divide.
And it's not just my parents — money is one of the leading causes of relationship breakdowns. Studies show that financial disagreements are a major reason for divorce, and it's easy to see why. When two people have vastly different views on spending and saving, it creates tension, resentment and, ultimately, distance.
Growing up, I often felt caught between their opposing worlds. From Dad, I learned the importance of saving, planning and building financial security; from Mum, I learned to appreciate the present and spend money on what truly matters. But, as a child, I didn't understand why money caused so much friction between them, and I didn't understand why they couldn't just find a balance.
It wasn't until I was older that I began to see how their conflict around money shaped me. I became obsessed with finding a balance — something they never quite managed. I didn't want to live so frugally that I missed out on life's joys, but I also didn't want to spend recklessly and jeopardise my future.
More importantly, I didn't want money to dictate my life or my relationships. I wanted the freedom to make choices without having to constantly think about money.
When I got my first job at McDonald's at 14, I thought I was finally on the path to financial independence while earning a solid $10 an hour. Most of that went straight to overpriced smoothies, concert tickets and clothes, but, hey, it felt like freedom. Best of all, I didn't have to ask my dad for money anymore, which felt like asking a brick wall to give you $20. After a few years of working in hospitality and retail, though, I realised one thing: I didn't want to spend my life standing for hours and smiling through awkward customer interactions. My feet were sore, my patience was running thin and I started to wonder … surely there's a better way?
At first, my paycheques were all about instant gratification — I was living in the moment, just like Mum. But after a while, the thrill of spending started to fade, and I began asking myself, Where is all my money going? That's when I stumbled across the concept of investing and passive income. The more I learned, the clearer it became — wealth isn't about hoarding money or pinching every penny, it's about the freedom and flexibility it gives you. It's the ease of knowing you're not chained to a paycheque or stuck in a job just to make ends meet. Real wealth means you get to choose what you do simply because you enjoy it, not because you're worried about how much it costs.
Suddenly, Dad's frugal ways began to make sense. His sacrifices weren't about deprivation, they were about building a life of freedom and not having to rely on a job.
So, you might be wondering — who am I, and why am I writing this book? I'm Queenie, a licensed personal finance content creator (meaning I've earned a licence to give general financial advice). For the past five years, I've been creating educational videos on social media, sharing my journey with money and the lessons I've learned. Over time, I've grown a community of people who want to take control of their finances without sacrificing the things they love. This book is an extension of that journey — a deeper dive into the principles and practices that have helped me build wealth while living a joyful and fulfilling life.
What we've been told about building wealth is wrong. In this book, I'm here to show you that wealth isn't about endless spreadsheets or giving up your daily coffee. It's about making intentional choices, spending on what matters most and enjoying the journey along the way. Whether it's saving for your first home, investing for your future or simply feeling less stressed about money, I'll show you how to master your finances and have fun at the same time.
Because here's the thing: money doesn't have to be stressful. It doesn't have to be a source of guilt or fear. When managed well, money can bring freedom, joy and fun! Just like getting fit means finding an activity you love, building wealth is easiest when you enjoy the process.
This isn't a book about saving and sucking all the happiness from your life. It's about creating a life where money works for you, and I mean literally — you'll learn how to get your money working for you, so you can focus on what truly makes you happy. I'll share stories, strategies and ways to help you get there without sacrificing the things that make life rich right now.
The heart of this book is the Fun Finance Formula, a game-changing tool designed to transform the way you think about money. It will help you build lasting financial confidence and set yourself up for a stronger, more secure future.
In each chapter you're going to learn one piece of the Fun Finance Formula, so by the end of the book, you'll be ready to build wealth on your own terms, and enjoy your life at the same time.
So, let's get started. Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or you've been building wealth for years, this book will show you that building wealth and having fun don't have to be opposites. In fact, they go hand in hand.
Chapter 1DISCOVER that money is fun
I always thought my dad was a bit sad when it came to money, because he didn't enjoy spending money like other people did. His showers aren't really showers. He turned on the water so slightly you'd think there was a plumbing issue. And his toothbrush looked like it had survived an explosion. And don't get me started on the free McDonald's napkins he's been hoarding since I was a child. To me, money was meant to be enjoyed; to him, spending was something to be avoided. And I saw that as a problem until one night at dinner when I had a realisation that completely flipped my perspective — and, honestly, it blew my mind.
I had my dad over for dinner, and we were sitting across from each other, both buzzing with excitement but for completely different reasons. He was describing his latest project: landscaping his front yard. He spoke with the kind of energy most people reserve for their latest adventure, talking about the perfect spot for a lemon tree, how he contacted three different landscapers and managed to find one within his budget.
Meanwhile, I was equally excited, sharing my latest investment plans for my baby daughter. I had recently started building a portfolio for her with the ambitious goal of making her a millionaire. As I talked about investing, compound interest and my strategy for her financial future, it hit me:
We were both having fun
.
The way my dad and I talk to each other about money is the way some people talk to their dads about sport.
For my dad, saving money and hunting for deals wasn't just about being frugal, it was his version of a treasure hunt. He found joy in every dollar saved, every clever bargain and every well-thought-out decision. For me, building wealth through investing wasn't a chore, it was exciting.
That moment reframed everything I thought about money. It doesn't have to be sad, stressful or dull; it can be creative, fulfilling and fun. Saving, investing and spending wisely aren't just about the end goal, they're about enjoying the process, finding excitement in the journey and aligning your financial choices with what you value most.
That realisation changed how I view wealth-building. It's not about deprivation — it's about fun. And when you approach money with the right mindset, it becomes not just a means to an end, but a source of joy.
What's coming up next …
In this chapter, we'll:
redefine your relationship with money, focusing on joy and purpose
explore the idea of purpose-driven finances, aligning your spending and saving with what truly matters to you
introduce practical exercises to help you uncover your
why
and create financial goals that excite you
share real-life examples of how reframing your mindset can transform how you approach wealth-building.
By the end of this chapter, you'll see money as a tool to build the life you want, rather than a source of stress or limitation.
The different types of money
When you ask people to describe money, you can get some very different responses. To some people, money is the root of all evil, and to others, money is good and can be used to help them achieve their dreams.
But here's an idea that will change how you think about money: all these perspectives are correct because there are different types of money. There's happy money and sad money, as money and happiness expert Ken Honda would say, but I believe there's more to it. I like to think of it as fun money and heavy money, but money can also be lucky or skilful. Let me explain.
Fun money vs heavy money
Fun money is the kind you earn or spend with joy. Think of a Christmas gift from your grandma or a paycheque from a job you love. It's money that feels good, uplifting and positive. For example, when I set up an investment account for my daughter on her birthday, I felt so much joy knowing I was doing something meaningful for her future. And when she receives that money, she will feel its happy energy. That's fun money. Whenever you can, aim to give and receive fun money.
On the other hand, my parents spent a lot of money in court when they got divorced, and this was money they both regretted spending. That was heavy money — money tied to stress and unhappiness. Like paying for a parking ticket or earning money from a job that drains you, it leaves you stressed, frustrated or regretful. Heavy money weighs you down. It makes building wealth feel like a burden, draining your motivation. This perpetuates the cycle of heavy money.
This is why some people think money is evil, because sometimes it can be. To them, money might only remind them of sad experiences. But as we've seen (and I'm sure you've felt this too), money can also be good. It can bring happiness and be used in ways that feel uplifting, positive and joyful.
The goal is simple: try to create and use as much fun money as possible. Sometimes, heavy money is unavoidable — life happens after all — and sometimes things happen that you can't predict, but when you make an effort to earn, spend and give money in ways that feel good, money becomes something positive — not just for you, but for others too.
This shift makes building wealth easier and guilt-free. When you earn fun money from work you enjoy, it feels fulfilling. When you spend it joyfully, you pass that positive energy to others, creating a cycle of fun money.
So, in short, strive to earn and spend fun money. Not only will it help you build wealth with ease, but it will also spread positivity and joy to those around you, continuing the cycle of happy money.
But here's the thing: not all fun money is in your control. Some money takes effort, while other money feels lucky. That's where the real magic happens — understanding the overlap of these types.
Lucky money vs skilled money
Lucky money feels effortless and happens by chance. You have little control over this money: it might come from winning the lottery, receiving an unexpected gift, making a risky investment on a random meme coin and doubling your money overnight, or inheriting money from a rich Nigerian prince you didn't know you were related to. Lucky money flows naturally, without much effort or planning on your part.
The downside to lucky money is its unpredictability. It's hard to replicate or scale, and since it's tied to external factors, you can't control when it happens or if it happens again.
Skilled money, on the other hand, is money earned through deliberate effort, knowledge or expertise. It's the money you work long hours for, learn new skills for and figure out ways to build creative systems for.
Skilled money takes effort upfront but, once mastered, it can often transform into something more consistent and reliable. Of course, some luck is still involved in order to succeed, but you have much more control over it compared with lucky money. For example, building a business or learning to invest takes time and dedication, but over time, it creates opportunities for consistent returns. Skilled money is more fulfilling because it's tied to your abilities, giving you more confidence in your financial future. And the best part is, it gets easier over time.
Hard choices, easy life; easy choices, hard life
There's a personal development quote from Jerzy Gregorek that I love: ‘Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.’ The way I interpret it is that taking the easy path now often makes life harder in the long run, while making hard choices today sets you up for an easier future.
Let's think about something as mundane as brushing your teeth. If you skip brushing for a day, it's no big deal. Nothing disastrous happens. You're not going to wake up the next morning with your teeth falling out. But what if you didn't brush for a year? Or five years? Things start to change. You might get cavities, your gums might bleed or you may even lose teeth. Suddenly, what seemed like a small, easy choice in the moment has snowballed into painful dentist visits, costly treatments or permanent damage. The ‘easy’ choice of not brushing becomes the ‘hard’ reality of dealing with the consequences.
Now let's apply this to money. Spending everything you earn in the present often feels easy. Treating yourself, eating out and buying things you don't really need can feel good in the moment. But if you consistently choose to spend instead of saving or investing, future you ends up with a much harder life. Unexpected expenses, missed opportunities or a lack of financial freedom can weigh you down when it matters most.
On the flip side, making the hard choice to save, budget or invest today takes effort. But those small, disciplined actions add up to big rewards over time. Hard choices such as sticking to a budget, paying off high-interest debt or investing lead to financial freedom, stability and the ability to live life on your terms.
The lesson here isn't about deprivation or living in fear of the future; it's about finding balance. You don't need to give up all the joys of today for tomorrow's security. Instead, ask yourself: How can I balance enjoying life now while still setting myself up for the future I want?
This principle applies to both money and life in general. The choices you make today shape the life you'll have tomorrow. The key is to be intentional, even when it's hard, because those hard choices are what make the easy life possible.
The four money types
Imagine drawing a line down the middle of a piece of paper. At the top, you write fun money, and at the bottom, heavy money. Then, draw another line across the middle. To the left, write lucky money, and to the right, skilled money.
Now you've got four quadrants:
Fun and lucky money
Fun and skilled money
Heavy and lucky money
Heavy and skilled money
Let's have a look at each one (see figure 1.1).
Figure 1.1: The four money quadrants
1. Fun and skilled money
This is the most rewarding quadrant. It's money you've earned through effort, expertise or systems, and it aligns with your values and goals. This is exactly what author Simon Sinek means when he says, ‘Working hard for something you hate is called stress, and working hard for something you love is called passion.’
Some examples of fun and skilled money include:
working hard to save for your dream home
starting a passion-driven business
upskilling for a better-paying job
renovating your home to create your dream space
investing in your retirement.
Key takeaway: Fun and skilled money feels deeply fulfilling because it's tied to your abilities and efforts. Over time, it becomes easier to scale and replicate as you build skills and confidence.
2. Fun and lucky money
This is money that feels effortless and brings joy, but since it relies mainly on chance, it's tied to external factors you can't control.
Some examples of fun and lucky money include:
receiving a holiday bonus
getting a birthday gift
finding some money on the ground when nobody is around
winning a lottery prize.
Key takeaway: While lucky money feels great, it's not something you can rely on consistently. Treat it as a bonus and use it to support your financial goals or create joyful experiences.
3. Heavy and skilled money
This quadrant is tough. It's money you've worked hard to earn or manage, but it's tied to stress, unhappiness or misalignment with your values. Don't worry, I've been there.
You'll know you're earning heavy and skilled money when you're:
working long hours at a job you dislike
taking on a second job you hate to cover bills
paying off high-interest debt
covering unexpected medical bills
making overdue car or home repairs.
Key takeaway: Heavy and skilled money might feel draining in the short term, but it can often serve as a stepping stone to happy money. If you can redirect this money toward meaningful goals, you'll gradually shift to the fun money quadrants.
4. Heavy and lucky money
This is the most frustrating quadrant. It's money that comes to you unexpectedly but carries regret, guilt or emotional baggage.
Heavy and lucky money may fall into the following categories:
receiving an inheritance after losing a loved one
getting a severance package after being made redundant at work
getting scammed because you thought you were in a relationship with Brad Pitt
paying fines or fees for missed deadlines.
Key takeaway: Heavy and lucky money often feels fleeting and unsatisfying. To avoid this quadrant, focus on creating skills-based money systems that bring more stability and control.
Figure 1.2 (overleaf) shows how these quadrants map together.
