Hey Get Free Fam,

So much can happen in the space of a week. Last time I sat down to write a Get Free, the general chatter was about the renewed East Coast/West Coast rivalry (the state of the weather, that is) and a universal chorus of "OMG, how is it March on Sunday?!" This week, we are talking about war. War. Not a typo, I just had to write it twice in order for it to make some kind of sense (for the record, it doesn't make sense.)

While The Get Free Guide isn't a place for news analysis, I will say out loud: sadly for every single one of us existing in this here year 2026 (really 2020 onwards) we did not sign up for, nor receive the Living in Precedented Times package. To borrow a sentiment from the hilarious Phoebe Robinson, we're here waiting for Thanos to snatch us up, but he's not coming. So we have to acknowledge, all of this is … A LOT. Take care of yourself. We need you.

Speaking of taking care of yourself, we’re getting ready to launch The Get Free Conversation Series. We’re stepping out of the newsletter, and diving in with community. We’ll discuss all things work and life, and all the ways we can make things better. Get on the waitlist and be among the first to know when we go live! Click on the logo below…

So because we don't live in a Marvel movie, Thanos isn't handling business and we're all stuck here, we're going to talk about money. I know, I know. Going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing that most, if not all of us reading this aren't independently wealthy, or have to work in some way, shape or form. Yes? Me, too.

So why is money on my mind?

Because I had to pay an almost $200 parking ticket this week. Because I got talking to a friend and didn't return to my car soon enough after our epic kiki. Because I ignored the ticket when it came through the mail and then forgot about it. Because I'm a grown adult who knows better. Sigh.

Even though gas, groceries and just breathing air is expensive right now, you can still do something with $200: Google says we can fly roundtrip to Maui. Or to Cancun (I'm saying we — you're coming, too!) We can go to a concert. And yes, we can be practical and buy gas and groceries. But what we should not be doing is paying civic establishments $200 for literally nothing.

Well, let's talk about it.

There's the obvious answer which is, yes, money sets us free. Bills paid. Groceries covered. Some money to support what we believe in, and a few pennies for fun. We never worry about lack. But there's a question about the source of the money … and how we value ourselves through a financial lens.

Let's take the first part: the source of our money. As I said earlier most of us here are not independently wealthy so we need a j.o.b to keep us afloat. Now let's be honest: how many of you are in a job you don't really love or barely tolerate because you need a regular paycheck and benefits? There's no shame in it — we've got to live. But it's also not freedom. Our time is the only thing we truly own, and so spending many hours over many months and years doing something that is taking care of a financial need, but little else, is tough.

And let’s be real, in this season of layoffs, it almost doesn't feel right to talk about not liking a job, because a job is a job, and a job = security. But — and this is the second point — our identity is also wrapped up in our careers.

Something a colleague said many years ago stuck with me: For Gen X and older Millennials work is tied to our worth in unhealthy ways. We give ourselves no time to enjoy a promotion because no sooner does it happen, the "what's next?" question creeps in. Or we're striving for more because we "have to." Who said so? Work is no longer what we do in exchange for money, but it's who we are. Technology also feeds into this, making us accessible and always on in a way our parents never were. We're on a hamster wheel.

It's no mistake that folks are tired as a result. NYT bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones spoke to this point recently on LinkedIn and this one line hit me: What are we chasing, if not peace?

So yes, we need money to live, but at what cost? So many questions. Share some of yours - [email protected]

A disclaimer before we dive in here: If you’re a business owner, a freelancer, or solopreneur, all of this looks very different. I want to talk about the intersection of money and entrepreneurship in more detail in an upcoming issue. If you have insights on Getting Free while working for yourself, would love to hear from you: [email protected]

Since October I've been looking carefully at my calendar: what am I spending time on? What is driven purely by money? And what is truly benefitting my life? If time is the only commodity we have, then — I reason — we have to choose wisely.

Step one: I started saying no to things: invitations to volunteer, to sit on boards, to judge awards, to guest speak for free, have my brain picked — all of it — not to be stingy, but to make more space for the people, projects and causes I believe in and want to give my time and best efforts to. Sometimes in exchange for money, but often because it fills some other part of my soul. The Get Free Guide has brought real joy to my life in so many unexpected ways. But if this was about money, I would've stopped long ago (full transparency, I have made a full $31 from ads in the past two months. This newsletter is not a get rich quick scheme!)

Step two: I got gangster with my work calendar to separate my effort from my worth. My value isn't in being seen to be busy and clocking in over 40 hours per week. What I bring is my hard-earned expertise and insights that can save others time, money and reputation. I cut the Calendly link allowing people to book time unannounced. Colleagues (outside of my boss and boss's boss — they can do what they want!) who just drop time without asking first get an automatic decline (with a follow up from me to learn more about what they need and if a meeting is really necessary.) This creates time for me to do the work I'm uniquely placed to do, and not be in near constant reaction mode. I'm no longer exhausted and have more time for my real work. Sidenote: It's 2026, we shouldn't be in back-to-back calls.

If you can, go through your calendar and remove the meetings you really don't need to attend. Let's start there.

Step three: This step gets directly to where time and money intersect: know what you truly need to live. Budget mission creep is real. The raise comes, household expenses go up, now you can't leave if you want to. Also — because layoffs are real — it becomes harder to plan for an abrupt end to a paycheck. As best as you can, make a plan (more on this in another Get Free); try to support your future self, or just have a stash that lets you make a choice you want, rather than one you need.

We'll talk more about finances and getting free because there’s so much to get in to — but what do you think about money and freedom? How does this play out for you? If work is the primary way you fund life, how are you balancing the two? Let’s hear what’s on your mind: email [email protected]

This topic is ripe for a Get Free Work-Life Session. Get on the waitlist - we launch our conversations series soon!

🚀Get Your Life: Things to read, listen to, enjoy🚀

📚What I’m reading: I mentioned Luvvie Ajayi Jones earlier - seriously, if you haven’t already, check out her work. I’m Judging You is HILARIOUS, Professional Troublemaker is a great guide for life and business and if you have littles, her Little Troublemaker series is delightful. You can find more details via her website (and if you’re ordering books, also remember your favorite independent stores, like Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena!)

🎧What’s on the pod: I’ve mentioned this before, but worth putting on your radar again (and because this is basically a Luvvie appreciation post) but the final season - Season 5 - of the Professional Troublemaker podcast was 🔥🔥Real talk about entrepreneurial life. So good.

🎵 Soundtrack for the week: Fela Kuti’s classic, Zombie

✨ If you’ve got a recommendation drop me a line. ✨

If you got something out of this issue of The Get Free Guide, give us a follow or a shout out on Instagram and share the love with a friend. We don’t gatekeep around here!

See you next Friday!