How many times have you said the following, “I’m really going to focus on saving money this year,” only to find yourself doing quite the opposite? And then there are those sneaky costs in your spending, like countless subscriptions you might not even be using. As our guest, Anne Lester, a retirement expert, media commentator, top-rated speaker, and author of the new book Your Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want, says most people feel like they don’t have enough money to do the things they want to do, so saving money isn’t a priority. It’s not your fault; you are wired to want nicer things. You are wired to spend money to make yourself feel better - back to my point that money is emotional. Have you ever heard of the hedonic treadmill? It’s the idea that getting nicer things and spending more money doesn’t equate to happiness in the long term. So, if spending more money doesn’t mean more happiness, why not focus on learning how to become a better saver to afford the things you want to do? In this episode, Anne shares: How to master saving money in 2024 Why you need to consider a subscription cleanse Ways to build good savings habits like not spending your entire raise How to use your money personality to help you become a better saver Links Your Best Financial Life book Anne's website Thank you for being a part of our community! We couldn't do it without you. To support the show, please subscribe or share the word about this show in your circles. Sign up for our newsletter or follow me on Instagram to keep up with everything happening in the world of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money. You can download 10 Money Questions to Ask Yourself Free Money Guide https://etmpod.link/10moneyq and leave a 5-star Review here https://ratethispodcast.com/etm. SPONSORS Thanks to NerdWallet for sponsoring the show. Don’t wait to make smart financial decisions. Compare and find smarter credit cards, savings accounts, and more today at www.nerdwallet.com. Thanks to Monarch for sponsoring the show. ​​After trying out Monarch for myself, I understand why it’s the top-rated personal finance app. Listeners of this show will get an extended thirty-day free trial when you go to www.monarchmoney.com/ETM.  Thanks to Uncommon Goods for sponsoring the show. Get 15% off your next gift by going to www.uncommongoods.com/ETM.  Thanks to EarnIn for sponsoring the show. Just download the EarnIn app in Google Play of the Apple App Store and use code Talkin Money under Podcast. Thanks to Noom for sponsoring the show. Start taking control of your weight management and join the millions who have lost weight with Noom. Sign up for your TRIAL today at www.noom.com.   Thanks to ButcherBox for sponsoring the show. Sign up today at www.butcherbox.com/etm and use code ETM to get $20 off your first order. Topics covered: Financial Self-Control, Savings, Spending, Money Management, Hedonic Treadmill, Oversubscription, Subscription Habits, Financial Goals, Personal Values, Money Mistakes, Luxury Indulgences, Investment Journey, Compound Returns, Millennial, Gen Z, Financial Personality Types, IRA Setup, Money Trauma Management, Financial Tactics, Personal Wealth Challenges, Saving Money, Financial Habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices