Why your time budget matters as much as your money budget

Picture of a Clock

As a financial coach I often talk about being intentional with your money – tracking expenses, making mindful purchases, and investing in what truly matters to you. But today, I want to discuss another precious resource that deserves the same careful attention: your time.

Just as we audit your spending to ensure it aligns with your values, it’s crucial to examine how you’re spending your hours. Are you investing them in activities that fill your cup, or are you depleting yourself with endless commitments?

The Wealth of Rest

Many of us have internalised the message that constant productivity equals success. As a financial expert, I see parallels between this mindset and unhealthy spending habits. Just as impulse purchases can drain your bank account, saying “yes” to every commitment can deplete your energy reserves.

Think of rest as compound interest for your wellbeing. Each moment you invest in genuine relaxation and rejuvenation multiplies, creating returns in creativity, productivity, and joy.

Time for Self-Reflection

I invite you to treat yourself as thoughtfully as you would treat your financial portfolio. Take a moment to consider these questions:

“What feels nourishing for me right now?”
This is like asking which investments bring you the best returns. Maybe it’s a morning walk, creative writing, or coffee with a friend.

“When do I feel my absolute best and happiest?”
These are your high-yield moments. Identify them, then intentionally create more space for them in your calendar.

“What’s draining my energy right now?”
Think of these as the “expense leaks” in your time budget. Which commitments or activities are giving you diminishing returns?

“My cup feels full when __.”
Complete this statement, and you’ll discover your personal “wealth metrics” that go beyond monetary value.

Finding Your Balance

Just as a diverse investment portfolio provides stability, a well-balanced life needs both productive time and restorative rest. Consider these strategies:

  1. Schedule rest like you schedule important meetings
  2. Set boundaries around your time as firmly as you set financial boundaries
  3. Invest in activities that energise you, not just obligations that deplete you
  4. Create a “time emergency fund” – buffer space in your calendar for unexpected needs

The Bottom Line

Being purposeful with your time is indeed as crucial as being purposeful with your money. Both resources are finite, both need careful management, and both contribute to your overall wealth – not just financially, but in wellbeing, joy, and fulfillment.

Your Next Steps:

Remember, true wealth isn’t just about having money in the bank – it’s about having the time and energy to enjoy what matters most to you.

I’d love to hear what you discovered about your own “time portfolio” through these reflections – message me or consider how we can work together

If your reflections have sparked a desire for deeper financial confidence and freedom, I’d love to support you on that journey. I want more women to feel confident making the most of their money and more. Here’s how we can work together:

→ Dedicated 1:1 Coaching Partnership (£3,000 for 3 months) Think of this as having a committed ally in your corner, completely focused on your success. Together, we’ll craft your personal wealth vision and walk step-by-step toward making it real. Want to see what this support feels like? Book a Wealth Strategy session as a taster for a focused Money MOT to begin your journey with confidence.

→ Higher-Income Group Experience (for women earning £100k+) Next cohort kicks off in March: Join an exclusive community of ambitious women for 6 weeks of intensive learning and growth. Connect, learn, and thrive together. Details here.

Wealth Starter Pack (for women earning £30-80k) Your foundation for financial success: 6 comprehensive modules over 12 weeks, plus weekly wins in out WhatsApp group and monthly live coaching calls to ensure you’re implementing and progressing with confidence.

Ready to explore? Let’s chat about which path best aligns with your goals. Book your complimentary Discovery Call now here – your future self will thank you.

I’m Philly Ponniah, Chartered Wealth Manager and financial coach, and mum of 2. I’ve helped hundreds of women get confident with their finances and more, over the 13 years I’ve been in Wealth Management and look forward to who I’m going to support in 2025.