Good morning {{first_name|Friend}}.

You're on your couch after a long day, scrolling your phone. Influencers in new cars. Beautiful homes. The latest gadgets. You think: I work hard too. I deserve this.

So you upgrade. Trade in the car that works fine. Book the vacation you can't afford. Buy the thing you don't need. All justified with three words: "I deserve it."

This week: why "I deserve it" costs more than you think, a budget GMT that actually delivers, and the price of $1,000 car payments.

(Thoughts on this newsletter? Send me your feedback)

You're on your couch after a long day of work, scrolling your phone. You see influencers in new cars. Gorgeous homes. The newest iPhone. Designer clothes. You think: I work hard, too. I deserve this. I should treat myself.

So you upgrade. Your car works fine, it's 4 years old, runs great, but you trade it in anyway. You're underwater on the loan, but that doesn't stop you. You justify it with three words: "I deserve it."

Here's the problem: working hard doesn't mean you deserve things you can't afford.

Everyone works hard now. Forty-hour weeks aren't special anymore. That's what adults do. The average new car payment is $767 per month, according to Experian data. More than 80% of new cars are financed, and 18.9% of borrowers are paying over $1,000 per month.

Those payments last an average of 68.9 months—nearly six years. That's six years of sending money to a bank for something that loses value the second you drive it off the lot.

But cars aren't the only thing you "deserve." Americans expect to spend an average of $10,600 on vacations in 2025, according to Empower research. 26% have gone into debt to fund vacations, and 13% have dipped into retirement savings to pay for trips.

The pattern is everywhere. Bad day at work? Treat yourself. Good day at work? Celebrate. Someone got promoted? You deserve something too. The problem isn't the purchases, it's using "I deserve it" to justify bad financial decisions.

Here's what "I deserve it" really means: I need to feel better right now. I need validation. I need proof that my hard work matters. And social media makes it worse. You're not just keeping up with your neighbors anymore—you're trying to keep up with influencers showing you a highlight reel of their lives.

I see this constantly. People at work, people on social media, all saying the same thing. "I work hard, I deserve it." Then six months later, they're stressed about the payments. And they're already eyeing the next upgrade.

Here's the hard truth: Americans owe $1.277 trillion in credit card debt as of Q4 2025, according to Federal Reserve data. Working hard doesn't make you unique. Or else the donkey would be the richest on the farm. Effort doesn't equal earnings. And it definitely doesn't equal entitlement.

Your current self might think you deserve it. But your future self deserves financial stability more than you deserve a new car.

What do you actually deserve after working hard? Not being stressed about money. Having choices. Retiring early. You'll feel way happier with those three things than the newest car payment.

Next time you think "I deserve this," ask yourself why. And don't say "because I work hard." Ask: Will my future self still want to deal with the repercussions of this decision? The payments? The maintenance? The stress?

Wait 72 hours before buying. You'll be surprised how often the answer changes.

What's at stake? Years of car payments equal years of no savings. You'll work until you die. You'll be rich with a high-paying job but never wealthy. To build wealth, you need to save more than you spend. Crazy concept.

You're looking for a GMT watch that doesn't cost Tudor money. Something that catches the eye without screaming for attention. Something that actually works when you travel.

The Citizen Promaster Land GMT BJ7150-50W might be it.

Price: $595

This is a 39.5mm GMT with a textured red dial, fixed 24-hour bezel, and Citizen's Eco-Drive movement. It's powered by any light, sunlight, indoor light, whatever. Basically never runs out of power. 200m water resistance, anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal, stainless steel case and bracelet. Comes in a Promaster tackle box instead of a standard presentation box.

What works:

What doesn't:

Is it worth $595? Absolutely. This is a great budget GMT for travelers. You're getting Eco-Drive, sapphire, 200m water resistance, and a unique look that's more conversation-starter than Tudor GMT clone.

Who should buy this: Budget-conscious travelers. First GMT buyers. People who want something different than the standard black-bezel GMT. Anyone tired of changing watch batteries.

Who should skip it: You want an open caseback. Red dials aren't your thing. You're saving for a Tudor Black Bay GMT.

Verdict: Buy (at $595). Great value, unique look, bulletproof tech.

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans who bought a new car in late 2025 committed to monthly payments over $1,000, according to Edmunds data.

That's $12,000 per year. Over the average loan term of 68.9 months? $68,900.

This isn't happening because cars suddenly became more valuable. It's happening because "I deserve it" became more powerful than "I can afford it."

The average new car payment hit $767 per month in Q4 2025. But 18.9% are paying significantly more—over $1,000. Some are stretching loans to 84 months (seven years) just to keep payments manageable.

Here's the reality: A $1,000 car payment means $12,000 per year isn't going into savings, retirement, or investments. It's going to a bank for something that loses value the moment you drive it off the lot.

The math is simple. That same $1,000 per month invested at 8% over seven years would be worth $109,000. Instead, you're spending $84,000 on a depreciating asset.

Working hard doesn't mean you deserve a $1,000 car payment. It means you deserve better financial decisions.

Three things this week: stop using "I deserve it" to justify bad decisions, a $595 GMT that punches above its price, and nearly 1 in 5 new car buyers paying $1,000+ per month.

They all connect.

Working hard doesn't entitle you to things you can't afford. The average person paying $1,000/month for a car is choosing years of payments over years of savings. That's not treating yourself, that's locking yourself in.

Your move: next time you think "I deserve this," ask why. Then wait 72 hours. Your future self will thank you.