The S.I.M.P.L.E. Money Framework
Your Simple Guide to Financial Peace
In a world obsessed with more, bigger, and faster, it’s easy to get caught up in the race to accumulate wealth. I’m a firm believer that those who walk to wealth will not only be able to enjoy the journey, but be happier once they reach the destination.
We like to think of happiness as this magical switch that we’ll be able to turn on when our bank account hits a certain number. Deep down, I think we all know that’s not how it works.
When you do not appreciate what you already have and only focus on what’s missing, nothing ever feels good enough. Happiness remains elusive.
Morgan Housel, The Art of Spending
In his book, The Art of Spending, Morgan Housel describes money as a multiplier. If you’re already happy and become rich, you’re likely to become happier. But, if you’re unhappy and become rich, you’re likely to become even more unhappy.
Did you know? A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) found that around 70% of lottery winners end up losing their money or going bankrupt within a few years. That’s hard for us to fathom, right?
But let’s be honest. It’s incredibly difficult to not want the bigger, faster, and better life. We’re often told that happiness lies in having a seven-figure bank account, a brand-new luxury car, or a big home. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? What if the secret to a rich life isn’t about chasing more, but about defining your own personal “enough”?
This isn’t about giving up on your dreams or settling for less. It’s about a fundamental shift in perspective. It’s about moving from a mindset of constant striving to one of intentionality and purpose. It’s about crafting a financial life that serves you, not the other way around.
That’s where the S.I.M.P.L.E. Money Framework comes in. It’s a guide I came up with for my family and one that I hope will also help you redefine your relationship with money - moving away from the endless chase for more and toward a life of genuine freedom and contentment.
Let’s break it down!
S: Spend Consciously
Most of us spend on autopilot. We see a sale, we click “add to cart.” Conscious spending is the act of bringing awareness to every dollar you spend. Before you buy something, ask yourself:
Does this purchase align with my values?
Am I buying this out of necessity, or out of a desire to impress others?
Could this money be better used to support a future goal, like paying down debt, saving for a trip, or building up the nest egg?
By connecting your spending to your values, you begin to see money not as something to be spent frivolously but as a tool to build the life you truly want.
I: Invest Intentionally
When we think of investing, we often picture complicated stock charts and high-risk gambles. While those have their place, intentional investing is about more than just numbers. It’s about putting your money to work for the life you’re building.
For some, intentional investing might mean putting money into a retirement account or a dividend portfolio to secure your future. For others, it might be saving up for a down payment on a home or investing in a skill that will help you earn more. The key is to invest with a purpose that goes beyond just earning a return.
M: Minimize Debt
Debt can feel like a heavy anchor, weighing you down and holding you back from the life you want to live. It steals your future earnings and adds a layer of stress to your daily life.
The goal isn’t to become 100% debt-free overnight, but to actively work toward minimizing it. Start with high-interest debt, like credit cards, and create a plan to pay it down. The less debt you carry, the more freedom you have to make choices that truly matter to you - whether its taking a job you love over the money, starting a business, or simply working less.
P: Plan for Freedom
Financial planning often feels rigid and restrictive, but what if we reframed it as planning for freedom? This is about setting goals that will unlock a more flexible and fulfilling life.
Whether it’s saving an emergency fund to create a safety net or mapping out a plan for an early retirement, this is where you connect your day-to-day actions with your long-term vision. This plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to exist. It’s your roadmap to a life that isn’t dictated by your next paycheck.
L: Live with Gratitude
This might sound like a simple platitude, but it’s arguably the most powerful part of the framework. We live in a culture that constantly tells us we don’t have enough. Enough money, enough success, enough possessions.
Cultivating gratitude is the antidote to our constant wanting. When you can find contentment in your current situation, you break free from the cycle of comparison. A rich life isn’t found in a larger house or a fancier car; it’s found in the simple moments you already have. By appreciating what you have, you realize you might already be richer than you think.
E: Exchange Value
Money is a medium of exchange, not a measure of worth. It’s the way we exchange the value we create in the world for the things we need and want. This step is about shifting your focus from “getting money” to “creating value.”
When you focus on providing value - whether it’s through your job, a side hustle, or a service you provide - money becomes a natural byproduct. This perspective can transform your work from a dreaded chore into a meaningful way to contribute to a mission bigger than yourself.
The pursuit of “enough” is a deeply personal journey. It’s about tuning out the noise of what society says you should have and listening to the quiet voice of what truly brings you peace, joy. and value. By following the S.I.M.P.L.E. Money Framework, you’re not just managing your finances, you’re building a foundation for a truly rich and meaningful life.
Here’s a question to kick off the framework in your own life…
Is there a piece of the framework you already do well?
S: Spend Consciously
I: Invest Intentionally
M: Minimize Debt
P: Plan for Freedom
L: Live with Gratitude
E: Exchange Value
Start with that one. Lean into it and slowly start adding other pieces. It doesn’t need to be hard - just one step at a time!
Until next time, keep walking!
Jeremy ✌️
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, broker, or tax professional. The information provided reflects my personal opinions and experiences as an individual investor and may not be accurate or current. All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Any ideas presented may not be suitable for all investors and may not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified financial professionals before making any investment decisions.