The Power of a Spending Plan: Navigating Wants vs Needs
- S3E11
- 14:22
- January 8th 2025
In this episode of Spending Made Easy, Ron Fiedler sits down with budgeting expert Samantha Boardman to explore the crucial topic of distinguishing between wants and needs.
Sam explains that "needs" are the basics essential for survival—food, shelter, and water—while "wants" are non-essential items like the latest gadgets or extra shoes.
Sam suggests that the key to managing finances is shifting your mindset, rethinking how you categorise these purchases, and considering whether something is a genuine need or just a passing desire.
As we move further into the conversation, Sam offers practical advice for balancing indulgences with responsible budgeting.
By setting aside a fixed amount each week—whether it’s $20 or $100—listeners can enjoy the occasional treat without derailing their financial goals.
The idea is to plan for these wants, rather than impulse-buying, ensuring your spending aligns with your overall financial strategy. Sam encourages listeners to consider how future-proofing your financial plans can make space for small indulgences without neglecting essentials.
Here are short chapter summaries for the podcast episode on "Wants vs Needs," with one-line explanations and time stamps:
Chapter Summaries
Defining 'Wants' and 'Needs'(02:31 - 06:00)
Clarification of the key differences between essential needs and discretionary wants.
- Why It’s Important to Know the Difference (06:01 - 09:00)
Explaining how understanding the difference can help with budgeting and financial freedom.
- Strategies for Managing Wants in Your Budget (09:01 - 13:00)
Practical advice for balancing non-essential desires within a responsible financial plan.
- Real-Life Examples of Wants vs Needs (13:01 - 17:00)
Examples of everyday spending decisions illustrate the difference between wants and needs.
Overcoming Emotional Spending (17:01 - 21:00)
Discussing how emotions can influence our spending choices and tips for staying disciplined.
Host and Producer: Ron Fielder
Web: podcastcity.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0491 633 320
Co-Host: Samantha Boardman
Web: spendingmadeeasy.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0404 468 525
Spending Made Easy with Samantha Boardman on Podcast City Radio
🎧 Spending Made Easy with Ron Fiedler and Samantha Boardman
Money doesn’t have to be stressful — it can be simple, empowering, and even life-changing. Welcome to Spending Made Easy, the radio show and podcast that helps you take back control of your finances without the overwhelm.
Join host Ron Fiedler from Podcast City and budgeting expert Samantha Boardman, founder of Spending Made Easy, as they unpack practical ways to stretch your dollars, reduce financial stress, and make confident money choices.
Whether you're a single parent juggling expenses, a family trying to stay ahead, or just looking to finally understand where your money goes each week — this show is for you.
Each fortnight, we break down real-world money challenges with straight-talking advice, inspiring stories, and simple strategies that actually work. It’s not about restriction — it’s about freedom.
💡 Tune in and discover how easy it can be to master your money, ditch the guilt, and create a spending plan that works for your life — not against it.
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Visit spendingmadeeasy.com.au or call Samantha directly on 0404 468 525 for personalised help and support.