No Regrets: Money Well-Spent Stories

I spent a month of this year with severe vertigo. Lights out. On bed rest. Completely disconnected from the outer world. My brain was trapped on a boat inside a fun house while strapped to a trampoline. It truly sucked.

But you know what made it suck a little less? Spending money. 

I bought luxurious fuzzy socks, an impossibly soft Costco blanket (because those solve everything), and a pregnancy pillow (not pregnant, but now a believer). I added a white noise machine to pretend I was lounging by a bubbling brook instead of drowning in self-pity, upgraded my meditation app to calm the chaos, and treated myself to the fanciest dark chocolate I could find.

And when I just couldn’t anymore, I threw money at DoorDash so my husband could spend less time cooking for me and more time talking me down. Every intentional dollar felt like a hug to my bedridden, grumpy self. 

But spendfulness isn’t just about the “fun” stuff. The real relief came when I could pay my medical bills without blinking. Physical therapy, a hospital stay, those bougie self-care items—$1,874, gone in one stress-free swoop. Why? Because past me had been saving for moments just like this in my “Medical” and “Self-Care” categories. Future me could focus on healing. And present me? Grateful and cared for. 

That’s what spendfulness is all about: using your hard-earned money to support yourself—past, present, and future.

YNABers know how to do this better than anyone. All year long, we’ve heard stories from people who’ve used their money to create stability, joy, freedom, and some pretty weird-in-a-good way whimsy. They’ve rewritten their financial stories and built lives where every dollar has a job that matters. 

Those who drink the Blurple Kool-Aid are just a different type of people and I’m here for it.
‍-@phred90210 

Let’s celebrate getting to know yourself through your money. Here are some of the most joyful, heartwarming (and in some cases, beautifully bizarre) purchases from the YNAB community this year—proof that money really can make you happier when you spend it well.

We surveyed YNABers to ask, “What did you spend money on this year that brought you the most joy?” And the responses came in hot.

1. London Calling

I was able to go on an impromptu trip to London to see a performance last minute. YNAB made that possible because I already had money set aside for travel.
-Xanklotz G.

Why we love it: When you’ve planned ahead, a spontaneous adventure doesn’t come with a side order of buyer’s remorse.

You might enjoy: Hello, It’s Me (Minus the Money Stress): A Tale of Treats & Travel 

2. Keeping the Engine Running—Stress-Free

Knowing I have enough for a car repair, even though it was higher than expected.
-Chankingyi H.

Why we love it: Auto maintenance isn’t glamorous, but knowing you can handle a surprise bill? That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

You might enjoy: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Unexpected Expenses 

3. A Cozy Splurge for a Cause

I bought a dish brush holder on Etsy. It was more expensive than grabbing one from Amazon, but it supports a small business, fits my brushes perfectly, and is actually pretty cute!
-Annika A.

Why we love it: Sometimes, it’s worth spending a little extra for something that feels good and works perfectly. 

4. Unplanned Pizza Perfection

Unplanned pizza lunch date with my kids. There was no financial stress because I had budgeted for it (Family Fun) and KNEW the money was set aside for just such a treat! Felt wonderful and perfect. – Kristi R.

Why we love it: Sometimes, the best memories are the ones you don’t plan—just grab the pizza and enjoy. Seriously. Eat the pizza!

5. A Beach for the Soul

When I was unexpectedly laid off and paid out for my PTO, my daughter and I took a spontaneous three-day trip to the beach. It was so good for my mental health and good for my soul! Thanks to YNAB, my monthly expenses and bills were not affected.
-Anonymous (but valued!)

Why we love it: Life threw a curveball, and instead of panicking, this YNABer hit the beach. That’s what flexibility looks like.

You might enjoy: My Emergency Sunshine Category and 12 Other Ways to Take Care of Yourself with YNAB

6. Tax Time Triumph

Big tax obligations were budgeted and paid for easily. Now we can spend more on other categories, like a family vacation. We even have money left over—it feels so much better than scrambling!”
-Anonymous (but clearly a pro YNABer)

Why we love it: Planning ahead for the not-so-fun stuff makes room for more of the good stuff.

You might enjoy: Tax Time Prep Made Easy

7. The Joy of a “Creepy” Purchase

My creepy dog-shaped popcorn maker. It vomits popcorn and even has a hat. Best under $15 expense ever.
-Anonymous (but we wish to know you)

Why we love it: Because it’s a dog-shaped popcorn maker! Please hold while I put this in my ‘stuff I forgot to budget for’ category.

You might enjoy: YNAB’s Spending Personality Quiz

8. A SPAMtastic Souvenir

A SPAM pig key chain that lights up and oinks from my Minnesota trip!
–Anonymous (but can we be friends?)

Why we love it: Proof that the best souvenirs don’t have to be expensive. They just have to capture a memory.

9. A Blanket of Stardust

After my divorce, I took my kids into the mountains and stayed in a yurt for three days. We played games, made s’mores, and stargazed. It was magical!”
-Jem M.

Why we love it: With the right planning, you can create magic—even during life’s toughest transitions.

You might enjoy: YNAB Templates: Blueprints for Life’s Big Moments

10. Taking the Heat Off

I paid off some medical bills that had been weighing on me. It felt amazing to check them off.
-Gnea2011

Why we love it: Big bills don’t have to mean big stress when you’ve ready for them ahead of time. One of YNAB’s core questions asks: What larger, less frequent spending do I need to prepare for?

11. A Sweet Gesture

I treated my mum to a 60th birthday party she’ll never forget.
-Erin S.

Why we love it: When your money is aligned with your priorities, celebrating someone you love feels even better.

You might enjoy: “I Treated My Sister to a Bucket-List Trip” and Other Big Wins with YNAB

12. A Goal Four Years in the Making

Last month, I took a trip to Spain that I’d been saving for for four years. It lived up to every expectation.
-Ethan A.

Why we love it: Delegating dollars toward what truly matters to you? Yes! Spendful purchases are always worth it, especially when the payoff is a dream come true.

13. Peace in the Practical

My electric bill shot up unexpectedly during the heat wave, but I already had money set aside in my Utilities category. No stress, just paid it.
-Anonymous (but kudos on working the Method!)

Why we love it: This is the kind of boring, brilliant adulting that makes everything else easier.

14. Unplanned Adventures

Added fun onto a work trip: I rented a car and got to visit old friends in Oregon.
-Anonymous (but we like your style)

Why we love it: Being able to say “yes” to an unplanned moment? That’s what money well spent looks like.

You might enjoy: Experiences Age Like Wine, Things Age Like Milk

15. Morning Coffee Elevated

I treated myself to an espresso machine, and it’s already paying for itself!
-C.B. White

Why we love it: When you spend on what you love, even those brutally early mornings feel mindful and productive.

Money isn’t just numbers in an account—it’s you. Your dollars reflect what matters most, from the big dreams to the little joys and even the stuff you just need to get done. 

When you give every dollar a job, spending becomes less about “we can’t afford it” and more about “how can we afford it?” The YNAB Method is not about cutting back; it’s about spending in a way that feels good because it’s mindful, meaningful, and totally you.

Whether you’re spinning with vertigo or just spinning through the chaos of life, clarity with your money makes everything feel a little steadier. 

Ready to feel that kind of clarity and confidence with your money? Start your free trial of YNAB today, and see what it’s like to spend with no regrets.