<bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><p><em><strong>Welcome to Personal Finance Insider, a bimonthly newsletter that connects you with the stories, strategies, and tips you need to be better with money.</strong></em></p><p><em><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5f47c294db1ed000297143b7-1668/PFI Newsletter Thumbnail 4x3.png" border="0" alt="PFI Pig Newsletter Thumbnail 4x3" data-mce-source="iStock; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider"></em></p><h2>Here's what: Put your money where your values are</h2><p>As we approach the end of this year, there's so much I'm ready to let go of.</p><p>But there is at least one lesson the pandemic taught me that I'll be bringing into 2021: Put your money where your values are.</p><p>These past nine months of physical stagnancy, social deprivation, and mental distress have made my values abundantly clear. I value my well-being and that of my friends and family. I value good food. I value natural light in a home that can double as an office and my sanctuary. I value travel, and the ability to explore my city, state, and the world. And so much more. </p><p>The pandemic was like a storm that came along and blew away the trappings of a life well liveddinners out, socializing over drinks, new clothesto remind me what really matters. I feel my best when I spend (or save) my money accordingly. </p><p>The personal finance and career expert Ramit Sethi calls this behavior conscious spending. In the second edition of his fantastic book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Will-Teach-You-Rich-Second/dp/1523505745/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0'_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I Will Teach You To Be Rich</a>," Sethi implores readers to choose what "you love enough to spend extravagantly on" and cut costs "mercilessly on the things you don't love." </p><p>Health, quality time with my family, a comfortable home, personal growth, being prepared for surprise expenses today and planned expenses later, and travel are at the top of my list. I don't feel guilty spending money on these things because they simply make my life better. They form the heart of what Sethi calls my "Rich Life."</p><p>What makes your life better' What do you value, and how can you align those values with your money today and in the year ahead, when life eventually returns to "normal"' </p><p><em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/tanza-loudenback" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-analytics-module="body_link" data-analytics-post-depth="60" data-uri="bc6341f81c468415ce085061d8fee931">Tanza Loudenback</a>, Personal Finance Insider correspondent and certified financial planner</em></p><h2>Expert tip of the week</h2><p>"There's so much we can't control, but take what you can control and kick the crap out of it."</p><p>Kelly Lannan, the vice president of Fidelity Investment's Young Investors for Personal Investing, explaining how to face the financial challenges brought on by the pandemic</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/control-your-money-financial-hardship-advice-toolkit-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are 5 expert-recommended steps to gain control of your money during uncertainty </a></strong></p><h2>Stories you might have missed</h2><section><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/things-wish-known-before-becoming-landlord-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I've been a landlord for 14 years, and there are 4 things I wish I'd known before I bought my first rental property</a></strong></p></section><section></section><p>Owning a rental property can be an invaluable source of passive income. But the process of choosing tenants can be trickier than it seems, writes Business Insider contributor Dan Miller. </p><section><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/tricks-save-money-holiday-gifts-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 tricks I've been using for years to keep from spending too muchor too littleon gifts</a></strong></p><p>This holiday season might look different than usual, but the temptation to buy is as strong as ever. I outlined three strategies I use to keep my spending in check year after year.</p></section><section><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/raising-kids-doesnt-have-to-be-expensive-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I had a child at 18, and I can tell you: Raising kids doesn't have to be as expensive as they say</a></strong></p></section><section></section><p>Raising a child is expensive, but it doesn't have to be six-figure expensive, writes Business Insider contributor Chonc Maddox. Frugality and defining your values as a parent can go a long way in keeping costs down.</p><section><section><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/financial-planner-strategy-for-pay-raise-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A financial planner uses a 2-step exercise to help clients find the 'freedom' in getting a raise</a></strong></p><p>With a bigger paycheck usually comes a bigger lifestyleand less wealth down the road. To combat that, one financial planner performs an exercise that usually results in a gratifying "aha moment" for his clients.</p></section></section><p><em><strong>Enjoying this newsletter and want to recommend it to a friend' <a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/personal-finance" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-analytics-module="body_link" data-analytics-post-depth="100" data-uri="11c8ffc9623a75216c65815dd08330db">Here's a sign up link</a>. </strong></em></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/newsletter-pandemic-lesson-conscious-spending-2020-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story »</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-most-expensive-liquid-thoroughbred-horse-semen-2020-3">Why thoroughbred horse semen is the world's most expensive liquid</a></p>
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