Friday

"I am enough, exactly as I am today."

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Can money buy happiness?

• Why not all debt is bad

• Vet bills shouldn’t break the bank

• How to do a fall finance checkup

• How to achieve any mood you want

Does Money = Happiness?

The old saying goes that money can’t buy happiness. Research suggests the truth is more nuanced: financial security often boosts life satisfaction, but it doesn’t guarantee lasting joy. Studies show that income can ease stress and improve access to healthcare, education, and opportunities, all of which support well-being.

A 2010 study found that higher income helps offset emotional strain from challenges like divorce or poor health. More recent work in 2023 suggests happiness continues to rise with income, though gains slow once basic needs and comfort are met. Beyond that, money provides diminishing returns, especially if the pursuit of more overshadows relationships or mental health.

True happiness, experts agree, often comes from less tangible sources. Strong social ties, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose consistently rank higher than financial rewards.

The bottom line? Money matters, but only as a foundation. What we build on top of that foundation determines how happy we actually feel.

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

Debt gets a bad reputation, but not all borrowing works against you. High-interest credit cards and personal loans for unnecessary purchases are examples of bad debt, since balances can grow quickly and strain your financial health. Ignoring those bills only makes them harder to manage.

On the other hand, good debt helps move you forward. Student loans, mortgages, and business loans can open doors to higher income, homeownership, or growth opportunities you couldn’t otherwise afford. Even a car loan can qualify if it enables you to get to work reliably.

To make the most of good debt, avoid borrowing more than you need, make extra payments when possible, and apply them to the principal balance. For faster progress, repayment methods like the debt avalanche (tackling the highest interest first) or debt snowball (clearing the smallest balance first) can help you stay motivated and save money.

Debt isn’t always the villain. It’s how you manage it that matters.

Vet Bills Won’t Break the Bank If You Have the Right Insurance

Surprise vet bills can certainly bite. But fear not, pet insurance can be your lifeline. Some plans cover major surgeries — which can cost up to $7,000 — so you can afford the best care for your pet. Check out our top-rated pet insurance providers, with some plans offering coverage for just $1 a day, multi-pet coverage, and reimbursement options of up to 90%. With the right coverage, you could keep your pet (and your wallet) happy.

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Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Do a Simple Fall Finance Checkup

With summer officially behind us, fall is the perfect time to give your money a seasonal reset. Think of it as tidying up before the busy months ahead. Small changes now can add up to big savings later.

Start with a paper purge. Gather any financial documents that piled up over the summer, then decide what stays and what goes. Tax records and warranties? Keep them. Old bills and pay stubs? Shred. Going paperless can help cut down future clutter.

Next, scan your checking and credit card statements for sneaky subscriptions or memberships you’ve forgotten about. Canceling what you don’t use is one of the fastest ways to free up cash.

And don’t overlook seasonal spending. Holidays creep up quickly, so set aside a little cushion for food, décor, and gifts now. Your future self will thank you.

A quick checkup like this doesn’t just save money, it helps you start the season feeling more in control.

Buying Cannabis Online Is Now Legal, And Incredibly Convenient

Thanks to changing laws buying THC online is now 100% federally legal.

And when it comes to quality, reliability and ultimate convenience, Mood is leading the way…

Because, instead of memorizing confusing strain names – you simply choose how you want to feel: Creative, Social, Focused, Relaxed, Happy, Aroused, and more.

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Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Tracking your spending for just one week can reveal patterns and habits.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Money can feel emotional, because it is. It’s tied to safety, choice, identity, and care. How you think about it matters just as much as how you spend it.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!