It’s one of the oldest anxiety-inducing experiences in the book. Periods of intense overspending are usually followed by shock, regret, guilt, and panic about whether you really could and should have gone so far. Whether it was a pricey vacation you booked during a particularly stressful day at work, dinner out one too many nights, …

2025 will be the year I turn 39. I like this late-thirties era. The increased maturity (most days), deepened perspectives, heightened self-acceptance, and what felt like an instantaneous inner calm the day I turned 38 have all contributed to making me appreciate this stage of my life far more than I anticipated. In contrast, I’ve …