3 Money Guilt-Free Zones: My Financial Planner Secrets

30 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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1:10

In this concise video, certified financial planner Louis Barajas shares the four categories of spending he refuses to feel guilty about, despite a career spent urging clients to save. He explains that experiences with his wife (travel, dining) enrich life and never generate regret, that health expenses (gym, nutrition, checkups) are investments in longevity and independence, that personal items he truly loves are permissible if they fit within a planned budget, and that his dog Roxy’s needs are an unconditional expense he doesn’t budget for. He frames these choices within a broader philosophy: the purpose of money is to build a life you love, balancing saving, investing, and enjoyment.

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3 things I refuse to feel guilty spending money on at my age. Now, I'm a certified financial planner, and I've spent most of my life telling people to save money. But now there are 3 things I absolutely refuse to feel guilty spending money on. Number 1, experiences with my wife. Traveling with Angie, taking the family out to dinner, because I've never heard a client come into my office and say, Louis, I really regret that amazing trip I took with my wife. Number 2, my health. The gym, eating well, regular checkups, whatever helps you stay strong, healthy, and independent. Now, at my age, taking care of my health isn't an expense, it's an investment in being able to enjoy everything else I've worked for. Number 3, things I genuinely love. Now, I'm not going to mention watches, but here's my rule: if I can afford it, I've planned for it, and buying it isn't hurting my future, I'm going to enjoy it. And actually, I have a 4th one. Yep, you guys know it— Roxy. Toys, treats, vet bills, whatever she needs. I don't even pretend to have a budget for that. 'Cause here's what I've learned after 35 years as a financial planner. The goal isn't to die with the most money. The goal is to use your money to create a life you actually love. Save some, invest some, and for God's sake, enjoy some.