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Minnetonka Today
By the People, for the People
Joy-Based Budgeting: A New Approach to Spending
Experts say this budgeting method can help make saving feel more sustainable.
Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:09am
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A close-up view of the complex mechanisms that safeguard financial assets, symbolizing the intentional, values-driven approach of joy-based budgeting.Minnetonka TodayJoy-based budgeting is the practice of intentionally spending money on things that enrich your life, while still meeting your savings goals. Experts say this approach can make saving feel more sustainable, as it allows room for joyful spending on things like travel, hobbies, and experiences. The key is identifying what truly brings you happiness and aligning your spending accordingly.
Why it matters
In a world that can feel increasingly stressful, joy-based budgeting offers a way to manage finances with a focus on well-being and personal fulfillment, rather than pure restriction. This method aims to make budgeting feel less limiting and more aligned with an individual's values and goals.
The details
Joy-based budgeting involves tracking your spending for 60-90 days to identify where your money is going, then adjusting your budget to prioritize purchases that bring you joy and enrich your life. This could mean allowing room in the budget for things like travel, hobbies, or experiences, rather than strictly limiting spending. Experts say this approach can help make saving feel more sustainable, as people are able to enjoy their money in the present while still meeting long-term financial goals.
- The NerdWallet article was published on April 20, 2026.
The players
Kaylee McClellan
A certified financial planner with Innovative Planning Group in Minnetonka, Minnesota, who works with clients who value being able to travel and live abroad.
Ashley Bleckner
A CFP with financial services company Ellevest in San Diego who describes joy-based budgeting as 'spending intentionally.'
Nick Gertsema
A CFP and CEO of Gertsema Wealth Advisors in Saint Joseph, Missouri, who discusses the 'Red Car Theory' and how it applies to joy-based budgeting.
What they’re saying
“Without the travel, McClellan says, 'they'd be miserable. And they wouldn't be able to buy into the long-term savings plan.'”
— Kaylee McClellan, Certified Financial Planner
“'It's spending on purpose,' says Ashley Bleckner, a CFP with financial services company Ellevest in San Diego. 'Spending intentionally.'”
— Ashley Bleckner, Certified Financial Planner
“'There's a theory out there called 'The Red Car Theory,' ' says Nick Gertsema, a CFP and CEO of Gertsema Wealth Advisors in Saint Joseph, Missouri. If you're thinking about buying a red car, he says, you suddenly notice red cars everywhere.”
— Nick Gertsema, Certified Financial Planner and CEO
The takeaway
Joy-based budgeting offers a more holistic approach to personal finance, allowing room for spending on the things that truly enrich one's life while still meeting long-term savings goals. By aligning spending with personal values and priorities, this method aims to make budgeting feel less restrictive and more sustainable over time.
