Wednesday

"I take care of myself in ways that last."

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

• Holiday budgeting tips

• Are you getting paid enough?

• Makeup you can live in

• Why so many people have money dysmorphia

• How to get paid early

Tips to Start Budgeting for the Holidays Now

The holidays tend to sneak up, and so do the expenses. Flights, gifts, dinners, decorations… it all adds up faster than a snowstorm. The good news? A little planning now can make December feel a lot lighter, both emotionally and financially.

Start by checking in on your finances. Look at what you’re already spending and set aside a small “holiday” bucket in your savings account. Even a modest weekly deposit can build into a helpful cushion by November. Then, make a gift list early so there are no surprises later, just a few strategic checkmarks as you go.

Early sales can be your best friend. Retailers rarely wait for Black Friday anymore, so grab good deals when they pop up and spread out your purchases. And remember, not every thoughtful gift needs to come from a store: DIYs, donations, or repurposed finds can feel even more personal.

The real goal isn’t to buy more, it’s to worry less. Budgeting early turns the holidays from a financial scramble into what they’re supposed to be: a season of ease, connection, and joy.

How to Know if You’re Paid What You Deserve

Knowing your worth at work isn’t just about money. It’s about confidence, boundaries, and the value of your time and skills. Yet figuring out what “fair pay” looks like can be tricky when few people actually talk about it.

Career experts suggest starting with research. Salary databases offer averages based on job title and location. Industry associations and recruiters can also provide insights that reflect current trends in your field. When you have a clearer picture of the numbers, bring the data to HR or a trusted mentor for perspective and feedback.

Once you know the range, prepare to advocate for yourself. Document achievements, quantify your impact, and be ready to show results when asking for a raise. If a company can’t meet your request, consider negotiating for benefits like flexibility or paid time off instead.

Understanding your market value doesn’t just strengthen your next negotiation. It reinforces that your skills and effort matter, and that asking for what’s fair is part of building a career that supports you, not just the other way around.

Makeup You Can Live In

We believe in creating impossible-to-mess-up products that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Our well-edited essentials are designed to help you do more with less, so you can look polished without spending hours getting ready.

MERIT focuses on high-performing, clean, and effortless formulas that enhance your natural beauty rather than covering it up. Infused with skin-loving ingredients, our products leave your skin looking better long after you take your makeup off.

From curated sets that make routines easy, to multi-use essentials perfect for busy mornings, MERIT is made for anyone who loves a less-is-more approach.

And of course — every product is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.

It’s no wonder MERIT has been worn by stars like Lauren Graham and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Shop MERIT now.

Thank you to MERIT for sponsoring Note To Self. 

What It Means to Have “Money Dysmorphia”

Money dysmorphia isn’t about how much you actually have, but how you feel about what you have. Behavioral scientists describe it as the gap between financial reality and financial perception: a distorted sense of security or scarcity that affects everything from spending to sleep.

Recent research found that over 40 percent of Gen Z and millennials experience this disconnect, even those with savings above the national average. For many, the roots lie in uncertainty. Years of financial instability, debt, and rising costs have made it harder to feel safe, even when the numbers say otherwise. Social media compounds it, constantly setting unrealistic benchmarks for what “enough” looks like.

Experts say awareness is the first step. Comparing less, tracking spending honestly, and defining personal goals rather than social ones can help ground perception in reality.

Feeling anxious about money doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong. It might just mean you’re human in a world that’s made money more emotional than ever.

What If Payday Got Here Early, Every Time?

Getting paid is good. Getting paid early is even better. When you deposit paychecks into Cash App, you can make that a regular thing.

As soon as we get your paycheck, it’s ready for you—up to 2 days earlier than many banks. You’re in control of what happens next—choose a percentage of your paycheck to save, invest, or even buy bitcoin.* And with no monthly fees, your money stays yours.

Plus, you can relax knowing your money is protected by 24/7 fraud prevention and real-time activity alerts.

Speed up payday.

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See Terms and Conditions. Direct deposit and overdraft coverage provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Brokerage services provided by Cash App Investing LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, subsidiary of Block, Inc. Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. Bitcoin services are not licensable activity in all U.S. states and territories. Block, Inc. operates in New York as Block of Delaware and is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Investing and bitcoin are non-deposit, non-bank products that are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including monetary loss. Cash App Investing does not trade bitcoin and Block, Inc. is not a member of FINRA or SIPC. For additional information, see the Bitcoin and Cash App Investing disclosures. *To earn the highest interest rate on your Cash App savings balance, you need to be 18 or older, have a Cash App Card, and direct deposit at least $300 monthly into Cash App. Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Savings yield rate is subject to change. ***No fee overdraft coverage of up to $200 for Cash App Card transactions is available when you direct deposit at least $300 monthly into Cash App. Eligibility requirements apply, see terms for details.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Most people underestimate how much they spend on food each month.

• 🌅 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: You don’t have to be perfect with money to be intentional. Even small shifts like tracking spending, pausing before purchasing, and asking questions can make a meaningful difference.

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]!