More Money Challenge: Get Motivated by Ashley’s Journey

To know Ashley L. is to love her. On the @OrganizedWallet, she effortlessly combines her passion for growth with an incredibly aesthetic lifestyle that feels refreshingly within reach. Her pristine home, stylish wardrobe, meticulously organized YNAB categories, and the absolute haven she’s created for her sweet cats—it’s all a reflection of her intentional and joyful approach to spending.

But what truly sets Ashley apart is her relatability. She’s not just inspiring—she’s an encouraging virtual friend in your corner, guiding you with her approachable take on YNAB’s More Money Challenge. Her journey is all about making it work for you. 

For the last 30 days, Ashley followed three simple rules:

1. Track all spending
2. Only buy essentials
3. No dining out

Sure, it sounds simple, but it’s called the More Money Challenge for a reason. Isn’t everything easier when you have a little help from a friend?

Ashley documented her experience to show you that you can do it—and you can start anytime, whether it’s the 1st of the month, your birthday, or any random Tuesday. It’s always the right time to ensure your spending reflects the life you want. (Plus, a pantry clean-out is never a bad idea.)

Prefer to watch? Follow her journey on Instagram:

I’m one of the lucky ones who knows Ashley personally, so I bribed her to tell me about her experience. Just kidding, I sent her a Slack message with a request for a coffee chat. And, on behalf of her many followers, I also asked where she bought that stunning vase we see in her TikTok posts. (It’s from H&M, and yes, it would make a perfect addition to your Wish Farm.)

Aesthetics and interiors aside, she sat down with me to share her obstacles, challenges, and tips for making the most of the More Money Challenge.

Spoiler: she saved a whopping $1,117.19 that she’ll put toward an anniversary photo shoot and dinner. Well-deserved!

Grab a cup of coffee and hunker down to join us. Let’s dive into the conversation and hear from some other MMC finishers.

Q: What were your biggest (or more joyful little) takeaways from participating in YNAB’s More Money Challenge? How has it reshaped the way you look at your spending plan or priorities?

Ashley: The More Money Challenge has been a game-changer for me. Unlike other no-spend challenges that felt like punishment for past mistakes, this challenge was a refreshing reset. It was about getting back to basics and proving to myself that I can do hard things. 

One of the biggest joys was discovering new go-to recipes while cooking at home. It felt amazing to nourish myself with homemade meals for 30 days. Plus, by not bringing new purchases into my home, I found a renewed appreciation for what I already have.

Deleting the Amazon app off my phone was really a big deal in terms of not spending randomly. I realized how often I purchase simply out of convenience, boredom, or in response to an ad. — MMC Finisher

Q: We all face bumps along the way. What were some of the biggest hurdles you encountered during the challenge, and how did you overcome them?

Ashley: There were definitely moments of temptation and frustration. The toughest part was resisting the urge to dine out, especially on busy days. I learned the importance of planning ahead and keeping easy, no-prep meals on hand. These moments taught me resilience and the power of small, consistent efforts towards a bigger goal.

It helped me see that eating out is not the only solution when I’m tired or don’t want to cook. I will definitely do the challenge at least two more times this year. I really want to have a mindset shift instead of going back to old habits. — MMC Finisher

Q: Trade-offs can be tough but rewarding… like making a delicious pasta Caesar salad instead of dining out! Can you share some of the trade-offs you made during the challenge that you’re most proud of?

Ashley: Books are my weakness! Before the challenge, I’d instantly buy any book recommendation I received. But during the challenge, I focused on finishing books I already owned and made use of my local library. This not only saved money but also reminded me of the joy of rediscovering forgotten gems on my bookshelf.

The More Money Challenge taught me how easily I am influenced into buying something. I kept a tracker of all the things I didn’t buy, and it helped motivate me so much! — MMC Finisher

Q: How has the More Money Challenge influenced your financial goals?

Ashley: The challenge has had a profound impact on my financial goals. I’ve become more intentional with my spending, and my savings have grown significantly. It’s not just about the money saved during the challenge, but the lasting mindset shift towards valuing experiences over material things and making thoughtful financial decisions.

I am so glad I did The More Money Challenge. It has made me more conscious of where I spend money that I can reduce and save for other more important purchases. — MMC Finisher

Q: For those thinking about taking on YNAB’s More Money Challenge, what advice would you give?

Ashley: My top advice is to inventory your pantry and fridge—knowing what you have is crucial for meal planning. Keep emergency meals on hand for those inevitable lazy nights.

Make the process fun by experimenting with new recipes and treating yourself to small, specialty ingredients. Use a wish list to delay purchases and reassess them at the end of the challenge. And remember, perfection isn’t the goal; meaningful progress is. Allow for exceptions and don’t let them derail you. This challenge is about building sustainable habits, not about being perfect.

It was interesting to see what spending habits are the problem (mine 😅) and taking moments to pause before impulse shopping. I realized there’s other ways to have a feel-good moment than just shopping. It was also fun to reignite our passion for cooking, get creative with what we had in the pantry, and eat seasonally for the best deals. — MMC Finisher

Ashley’s journey through the More Money Challenge is a testament to the power of mindful spending and intentional living. Overcoming financial challenges or working toward big goals isn’t just about saving money—it’s about resetting your relationship to money, rediscovering joy in simplicity, and realigning your spending with your values. 

Doing this exercise made me realize that I need to be kinder to myself. Looking over my spending confirmed that I’m not a money-wasting decadent jerk, I’m a person struggling to recover from years of financial issues due to limited income, which was due to no fault of my own. — MMC Finisher

Whether you’re looking to kick-start your financial goals or simply want to see money in a new light, Ashley’s experience offers a roadmap to a more fulfilling financial future. 

I’ve done this six times this year and am STILL finding places to save! — MMC Finisher

Ready to take on the challenge yourself? Follow Ashley’s footsteps and embark on a journey that could transform not just your finances, but your entire approach to, well, life.

The right time is now! Sign up for the More Money Challenge to receive your free guide and series of motivating, often hilarious, emails.