Episode 402: Redefining Happiness through Intentional and Sustainable Spending with Kara Perez

This week on the Journey to Launch Podcast, I’m joined by Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go and author of Green Money. Kara shares her inspiring journey from paying off $65,000 in student loans to creating a financial education company. She emphasizes the impact of values-based budgeting and reducing waste as key strategies for building wealth. Kara also discusses how to use money as a force for positive change, including aligning your finances with ethical practices like switching banks, and introduces the concept of “financially secure YOLO,” offering practical advice on balancing financial goals with enjoying life.

In this episode Kara shares: 

• How to align your spending with personal values in a social media-driven world that may encourage overconsumption & strategies to resist unnecessary purchases.
• How individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability through financial choices, like moving money to ethical banks.
• Examples of collective financial solutions like babysitting co-ops and bartering services to reduce costs while fostering community connections.
• Her experience of maintaining separate bank accounts with her partner but scheduling regular money dates to ensure alignment on shared financial goals and upcoming expenses.

Other Links Mentioned in episode:

• Check out Kara’s book, “Green Money: How to Reduce Waste, Build Wealth, and Create a Better Future for All”
• Get your copy of my book: Your Journey To Financial Freedom now on sale for 50% off for a limited time!
• Join The Weekly Newsletter List to get a sweet Black Friday deal on Friday, 11/29!
• Leave Your Journey To Financial Freedom a review!
• Get The Budget Bootcamp
• Check out my personal website here.
• Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast!
• YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link.
• What stage of the financial journey are you on? Are you working on financial stability or work flexibility? Find out with this free assessment and get a curated list of the 10 next best episodes for you to listen to depending on your stage. Check it out here!

Connect with Kara:

• Website: BravelyGo.co
• Instagram: @WeBravelyGo
• Twitter: @BravelyGo

Connect with me:

• Instagram: @Journeytolaunch
• Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch
• Facebook: @Journey To Launch
• Join the Private Facebook Group
• Join the Waitlist for My FI Course
• Get The Free Jumpstart Guide