174 | Green Means Proceed

Carl Richards has a saying and sketch that says Profit = Permission.

Profit is the evidence that what you're doing is good and can continue to be freely pursued.

On the other hand, lack of profit is direct feedback that something must change.

Of course, there is insight for our own personal financial lives too.

Spending decisions (real and hypothetical!) come with a financial conscience that pesters us with the question...

Is this responsible?

And oftentimes, we imagine that better budgeting, more accurate projections, or more money will silence the little voice in our head.

But time and time again, we get discouraged by a missed "budget", we get lost in projections, and more leaves us feeling like we have less.

The only practical way that I know to answer the question is to see if the spending will allow you to keep saving.

If green will be gone, pause before you go on.

If you'll still have green, feel freedom to proceed.