(Because awareness is the first step to financial freedom)
You can’t manage what you don’t understand.
For years, I thought I was “bad with money.” The truth? I just didn’t know where it went. Rent, groceries, coffee (lots of coffee), kids’ activities, that “quick” Zara stop… My money was flowing — but not in the direction I wanted.
So, let’s change that. Together, we’ll learn how to see your money clearly, without guilt or judgment, just like a Scandinavian would — calm, honest, and beautifully organized.
🌿 Step 1: Start with Awareness
Before you can improve your finances, you need to observe them.
Track every expense for one month — not forever, just 30 days of clarity.
You can use:
- A budgeting app like YNAB, Spendee, or Emma
- A simple spreadsheet (I’ll share a Freja-approved template here!)
- Or a notebook — if you like to feel old-school and virtuous
At the end of the month, categorize your spending:
- Needs – rent, groceries, utilities
- Wants – dinners out, clothes, treats
- Future You – savings, investments, debt payments
💡 Step 2: Create Your Personal Money Flow Map
Now that you know where your money goes, let’s make it visual.
Imagine your income as a stream. You can divide it into three clear rivers:
- Living Flow: 50–60% → everything that keeps daily life running
- Joy Flow: 20–30% → things that make life lovely (because yes, you need them!)
- Growth Flow: 10–20% → savings, investments, debt repayment, or education
This is not a rigid formula — it’s a guide.
The goal? To make your money flow toward what matters most to you.
🧮 Step 3: Turn Awareness Into a Simple Calculation
Here’s a quick starting point (Freja-style math — no panic needed):
| Category | Example % | Example € (based on €3,000/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Living (Needs) | 55% | €1,650 |
| Joy (Wants) | 25% | €750 |
| Growth (Future You) | 20% | €600 |
Now, compare these numbers to your real spending.
Are you putting enough toward “Future You”?
Are you happy with what you’re spending on “Joy”?
Your goal isn’t perfection — it’s alignment.