Forever35 Podcast Episode 356: Anti-Budget Culture with Dana Miranda

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Dana Miranda, Author of You Don't Need a Budget

Introduction

In Episode 356 of Forever35, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu delve into the complexities of personal finance with their guest, Dana Miranda, the author of You Don't Need a Budget. This episode challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding budgeting and introduces an alternative approach to managing money with more ease and self-compassion.

Self-Care Practices

The conversation begins with a discussion on self-care practices. Dana shares her current self-care ritual:

Dana Miranda [20:56]: "Something that I kind of pick up and put down throughout my life is that I'm picking up right now is playing my flute for fun. I am not good at it... it's just something that I'm like, this feels good to do and it makes me happy."

Elise adds her connection to music:

Elise Hu [21:36]: "I am also a former flautist."

This segment highlights the importance of engaging in activities purely for personal joy, free from the pressures of monetization or optimization.

Origin Story

Dana delves into her personal journey with money:

Dana Miranda [23:31]: "Growing up in a working-class town, working in a working-class family... we just worked for money. And you needed money to get by day to day."

She explains how the lack of financial education and the pressures of living paycheck to paycheck shaped her early relationship with money. This background fueled her transition into personal finance journalism:

Dana Miranda [23:44]: "I just fell into personal finance as a niche as a freelance writer... I ended up really enjoying it. I really liked what I was learning in personal finance."

The Idea of Anti-Budget Culture

Challenging the traditional approach to budgeting, Dana introduces the concept of "Anti-Budget Culture":

Dana Miranda [27:05]: "The budget is often the first step. And that's kind of the attitude of 'you need to budget.'"

She draws parallels to diet culture, emphasizing how both approaches can be restrictive and perpetuate a cycle of restriction and splurging:

Dana Miranda [28:23]: "We continue to put it on the individual... It's not a one size fits all thing. It tends to add stress to people's lives, just like dieting does."

Intuitive Spending vs. Budgeting

Dana advocates for "intuitive spending" as an alternative to rigid budgeting:

Dana Miranda [29:33]: "I recommend people try something called intuitive spending... listening to yourself, buying what you want when you want."

This approach encourages flexibility and personal alignment with financial decisions, moving away from the constraints of predefined budgets.

Money Map

To assist listeners in navigating their finances without traditional budgets, Dana introduces the Money Map:

Dana Miranda [37:37]: "The basic idea of a money map is just getting the lay of the land, of your finances to help you make financial choices."

The Money Map involves:

1. Listing Income and Resources: Including community resources, debt resources, and credit.
2. Identifying Financial Commitments: Viewing bills as commitments that can be negotiated or adjusted.
3. Setting Financial Goals: Such as saving for a comfort fund or future opportunities.
4. Creating a 'Yes Fund': A safe-to-spend fund without restrictive buckets.

This tool provides a comprehensive overview, allowing for informed and intuitive financial decisions.

Addressing Impulse Control Issues

Dana addresses concerns about intuitive spending, particularly for individuals with impulse control challenges:

Dana Miranda [34:28]: "I can push back on that really hard... People can trust themselves to do what's right for them if they can quiet all of the noise that's outside of us."

She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and understanding one's financial landscape to mitigate impulsive decisions, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates psychological well-being with financial management.

Financial Education and Systemic Issues

Dana critiques the current state of financial education, highlighting its limitations:

Dana Miranda [44:02]: "But it still can't be balanced if you don't have enough money."

She points out that financial education often overlooks systemic barriers and assumes a level of financial stability that many do not possess. Dana calls for education that encompasses:

• Understanding financial systems and capitalism.
• Recognizing systemic inequalities.
• Providing practical survival strategies beyond individualistic solutions.

Listener Questions

A listener shares their paradoxical relationship with money despite financial stability:

Listener [49:35]: "I have both worked hard and been incredibly lucky... I'M incredibly stressed about money at all times."

Dana responds by acknowledging the lingering stress from past financial hardships and the pervasive pressure of living under capitalism. She advises:

Dana Miranda [50:18]: "Start with those personal mindfulness practices and self-care... recognize if you're feeling financial stress... give yourself some grace."

Practical Tools from Dana Miranda

Dana offers actionable strategies for managing finances with grace:

1. Mindfulness Practices: Journaling, meditation, walks to process thoughts and emotions related to money.
2. Money Map: As previously discussed, to gain a clear understanding of one's financial situation.
3. Filtering Financial Advice: Distinguishing between restrictive budget culture advice and useful financial information.

Dana Miranda [53:07]: "Start with those personal mindfulness practices and self-care... Use the money map to understand what's going on with your money."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with hosts expressing their appreciation for Dana's insights:

Doree Shafrir [56:38]: "Thank you so much, Dana. And now we enter the intention zone."

Dana provides her resources for further engagement:

Dana Miranda [56:27]: "The best place to follow me is through my newsletter, Healthy Rich. And you can learn more about the book at youdonotneedabudget.com."

The hosts conclude by reflecting on the value of Dana's approach, acknowledging the challenges of navigating personal finance without succumbing to budget culture.

Key Takeaways

• Challenge Traditional Budgeting: Traditional budgets can be restrictive and perpetuate stress, similar to diet culture.
• Embrace Intuitive Spending: Align financial decisions with personal needs and desires without rigid constraints.
• Utilize Tools like Money Maps: Gain a comprehensive understanding of your financial landscape to make informed decisions.
• Acknowledge Systemic Barriers: Financial education must address broader systemic issues, not just individual behaviors.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into your financial management practices.

Further Resources

• Dana Miranda's Newsletter: Healthy Rich (available on Substack or at healthyrich.co)
• Book: You Don't Need a Budget (youdonotneedabudget.com)

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments to focus solely on the valuable discussions surrounding anti-budget culture and intuitive financial management.