Happy Money, Happy Life with Jason Vitug
As many of you know, I have a number of things on my plate from running the Financial Gym, to working with my own clients to working on this podcast and there are many days where I think I need to cut back on the podcasting, but then on days like today, I’m so thankful for this platform and this opportunity to share someone and a resource that I feel is truly beneficial and can help you live a better life. Joining me today is Jason Vitug, founder of the financial website Phroogal and author of the upcoming book Happy Money Happy Life. Jason is a personal friend from the financial blogging space whom I’ve known for over 9 years now. The last time he was on the podcast, he was promoting his book, You Only Live Once, the Roadmap to Financial Wellness and purposeful life. He’s back today to promote his second book, and I honestly feel as though Happy Money is the exact book we all need right now. The last few years of pandemic, inflation, and global unrest have made for some challenging times to manage our finances and maintain a healthy relationship with money. Jason’s book is the perfect guide to navigating your way around money and crafting a roadmap for success in all of your wellness pillars, not just money.
What are we drinking?
Jason - Mud Water (Jason’s coffee alternative)
Shannon - Black Cherry Schweppes
Podcast Notes
Shannon loved Jason’s last book and is thrilled to catch up and discuss the new one, Happy Money, Happy Life.
Jason and Shannon are friends in real life and on the internet. She hasn’t connected with him for the last few years and was wondering how things have been going. He then came out with a new book!
Jason needed to step back and was in a cocoon for the last couple of years. Shannon knew Jason was on a journey and would talk about it when he was ready.
His presence and energy were missing in the personal finance space, and Shannon is thrilled to talk about the book and everything else happening.
Jason wanted to write something other than a detailed, how-to textbook-style book. He wanted to share the successes and struggles of his journey. He had the idea for this book around 2016, but until the pandemic, most publishers were interested in something other than a personal finance book related to mental health and well-being.
Happy Money, Happy Life is a love letter and guide for people. We all deserve happiness.
As soon as Jason announced the book, Shannon reached out about having him on the podcast. She didn’t even need to read the book to know the world needed it. The last few years have been a challenge for everyone.
It’s essential to recognize the darkness as a gift. The light promises to come in the future.
When Shannon was on jury duty, she read the book, The Happiest Man on Earth. More than anything else, the human spirit needs hope. Hearing other people’s experiences when we’re going through a tough time, hearing other people’s experiences can provide hope.
Getting through tough times requires tools to get through it, and this book is an excellent resource to add to the box.
Sometimes we need to get things off our chest, but how often will you talk about something before taking action? Are you looking to vent and help let it go? Or are you looking for helpful insight?
If you feel at the bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up from there. The challenging times are when you can explore and uncover tools, such as a book, podcast, or coach.
Since April 2020, Shannon has seen challenge after challenge running The Financial Gym. She set out on this journey nine years ago, and her ultimate goal is for one million people to reach financial fitness. Whenever she doubts or wants to walk away, the universe pulls her back.
Community is important. Since 2020, many people have moved, and their communities have changed, even if they stayed. We’ve all experienced collective trauma, and people feel unhappy, depressed, and anxious. It’s safe to assume that most people are not in the best place.
Something that can help is adopting a growth mindset. It helps us learn and develop the tools to get us through dark times.
Jason’s book will be a resource for your toolbox, and you can pre-order it now.
Listen to Jason’s previous MYAM episode: The Road to Financial Wellness
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is the importance of finding a healthy and happy relationship with money as it literally helps inform all other areas of your personal wellness.
Random Three Questions
What is on your bucket list for travel destinations?
What is something you’ve been streaming lately?
If this was your last meal on earth, what would it be?
Connect with Jason
Website: https://www.jasonvitug.com/
Instagram: @jasonvitug
LinkedIn: Jason Vitug
The Book: https://www.phroogal.com/happy/
If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com, or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook group, and let me know what you want to hear.
We are fast approaching the end of another year and we need to start preparing for a new year. If you or someone you know would like to have a supportive best financial friend along the ride with you for this journey, please check out financialgym.com. With memberships starting as low as $35 a month, we are the inflation-proof source for financial wellness for anyone. So head over or send friends to financialgym.com and schedule a warm up call today. As a reminder, our warm up call team is staffed with amazing and current Financial Gym clients that can answer any of your questions about our program.