Ep 70: How to Define Your "Enough" Number
Description
In this episode, I open up about one of the most complex and personal aspects of wealth building—understanding when enough is truly enough. After achieving every financial milestone I once dreamed of—paying off six-figure debt, reaching millionaire status, and building a $4M+ net worth—I still found myself chasing the next number. Why? Because “enough” kept changing.
I share insights from deeply personal experiences, pivotal conversations with my mother-in-law and behavioral psychologist, and journal prompts to help you define your own version of success. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or already well on your way, this episode will challenge how you think about progress, satisfaction, and legacy.
Episode Timeline & Highlights
[0:00 ] - Why “enough” is the hardest number to define
[1:00 ] - Hitting financial freedom early—but still feeling like it’s not enough
[3:06 ] - The dopamine high of paying off $76,000 in debt
[5:12 ] - The scoreboard mindset and its hidden cost
[6:12 ] - Redefining success beyond money with wisdom from my mother-in-law
[9:16 ] - Breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing wealth adaptation
[14:05 ] - How helping others became a deeper source of fulfillment
[16:16 ] - Unpacking the emotional baggage behind our enough number
[20:08 ] - A step-by-step framework for defining your personal “enough”
[23:42 ] - Journal prompts to clarify what truly matters in your life
[28:21 ] - Why defining “enough” for yourself is the most powerful financial move you can make
Key Takeaways
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Enough Is a Decision, Not a Number – If your goals keep shifting, it’s likely you’re tying your worth or safety to an ever-moving financial target.
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Redefining Success Leads to Deeper Fulfillment – When you measure impact, time with family, or student outcomes instead of dollars, your purpose becomes clearer.
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Frameworks and Reflection Are Essential – Clearly defining your baseline, comfort, and aspirational “enough” levels can help you stay grounded and focused.
Quotables
“Enough isn’t a number. It’s actually a decision.”
“You adapt to wealth just like anything else in life. It becomes normal—so stop chasing the next high.”
“If you hit every financial goal and still feel behind, it’s time to check in with what you’re really after.”
“Money is a proxy for control, safety, and worth—but those needs can’t be fixed with a bigger bank account alone.”
Links & Resources
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Learn more or join BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com
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Book a strategy call with my team: https://budgetdog.com/academy
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My national bestseller, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom, supports Dravet Syndrome research: https://budgetdog.com/book
If this episode challenged your thinking or helped you clarify your goals, please rate, follow, and share it with someone else who needs to hear this message. Let’s keep building a life that’s rich in every sense of the word. Catch you next time.