A gif of Tetris pieces falling into place to form the shape of a heart.

This week’s money mood: Playing budget Tetris

When you first start on a spending plan, you might find the Tetris theme playing in your head. Could you (and should you) cut back here so you can have a little wiggle room over there? Whoops, that thing cost way more than you thought it would … now what?

Two thoughts:

•	First, you’re already winning by taking steps to have more control over your money. There is no “game over” if everything doesn’t go to plan.
•	Second, decision fatigue is real, and stressful. We’re fans of ways to make fewer daily choices — things like finding your “one number,” auto payments and deposits, and the intentional spending approach.

Today, we’re also sharing our tips about two decisions that can trigger the Tetris theme: making room for donations and paying your student loans.

Happy spending (and sorry for the earworm),

Julie Ross Godar, she/her
Editor in Chief

A teal square with a teal button that says “donate” next to a heart, with an arrow cursor hovering over the button, ready to click.

“How to Fit Donations Into Your Budget”

You don’t have to give a lot to make a difference. Here are our favorite strategies to make room in your spending plan so you can donate to causes you’re passionate about.

GET THE TIPS >

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New Updates to Student Loan Rules

Through December 31, most federal student loans are automatically placed into forbearance with no interest. That means you don’t need to pay until then. Here’s how to decide what to do next.

HOW TO DECIDE >

in∙ten∙ti∙on∙al spend∙ing

Getting to know your personal values better, then aligning your goals and choices with them so that tradeoffs to fit your budget can feel easier and more meaningful.

An image of a text conversation with a CFP® pro asking, “Can you help me prioritize my money?” and the answer, “We’ll make a plan that works for you.”

Get 1:1 budget help

If you’re stuck on a spending decision, book a 30-minute call with a CFP® pro to work on a plan together.

BOOK IT >

Small $$ win of the week

“With student loans on hold, I finally have a solid emergency fund! What a woman can do with financial freedom.”

— Adrianna, an Elle Raiser from Washington, DC

Tell us about your latest small $$ win here.

Ellevest members get discounts on 1:1 budgeting sessions.

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All opinions and views expressed by Ellevest are current as of the date of this writing, for informational purposes only, and do not constitute or imply an endorsement of any third party’s products or services.

The information provided should not be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice.

The information provided does not take into account the specific objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any specific person.

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What The Elle - How to Make Room in Your Budget

This week’s money mood: Playing budget Tetris

“How to Fit Donations Into Your Budget”

New Updates to Student Loan Rules

in∙ten∙ti∙on∙al spend∙ing

Get 1:1 budget help

Small $$ win of the week

Ellevest members get discounts on 1:1 budgeting sessions.

This newsletter was brought to you while gazing at beautiful landscapes that are actually visualizations of stock market data. Forward it to a friend who appreciates the women+ artists drawing the way.

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