Don't Depend On Daddy

The start of a new year comes with a lot of pressure - to rebrand, overhaul your life, and fix everything all at once. In this episode, I’m sharing why I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, why I think they fail most people, and how I approach resetting in a way that actually lasts.We walk through a real reflection on 2025: what changed my life, what habits worked, what didn’t, and where I got in my own way. Then I share how I’m setting themes (not resolutions) for 2026 across money, wellness, routines, home, and career - plus the systems I’m putting in place to support them.Subscribe to Beyond Your Budget:https://breakyourbudget.substack.com/BREAK YOUR BUDGET RESOURCES:💸 Personal Finance Dashboard:https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard💸 Basic Budgeting Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template💸 FI/RE Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template💸 NEW RENT VS. BUY CALCULATORhttps://breakyourbudget.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator💳 Tools + Cards I Use:Rakuten Cash Back: https://shorturl.at/w0PcHSoFi HYSA: https://wealthlink.me/michela-sofi-hysaAmEx Platinum: https://tinyurl.com/mpf7u7uyBilt Rewards: https://tinyurl.com/4kd8s33aBlue Cash Everyday: https://tinyurl.com/yrcbr2acAll Other Resources: https://breakyourbudget.com/links👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: [email protected]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa💸 My ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/michelaalloccaTIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Intro: why I hate the pressure of New Year rebrands02:00 — Why New Year’s resolutions don’t work (and abandonment day)04:00 — No-buy years vs. no-buy January (and why extremes fail)06:00 — How I think about change: slow, intentional, lifestyle-based08:00 — Reflecting on 2025: what changed my life12:00 — Habits that worked: phone boundaries, sleep, cleanliness15:00 — What didn’t work: cooking ruts, hermit mode, adjustment periods19:00 — Setting themes for 2026 instead of resolutions23:00 — Who I want to be by the end of 202630:00 — January rituals, documentaries, and closing reflections

In this annual State of the Union episode, I’m sharing what’s officially in and out for me in 2026 - from habits and routines to mindset shifts, consumption patterns, and how I want my life to feel going into the new year. We talk about de-centering excessive scrolling, refining consumption, prioritizing sleep and mental health, and leaning harder into hobbies, creativity, and long-form content. I also share the wellness routines, lifestyle shifts, and creators that are inspiring me right now as I move into a slower, more intentional season.This episode is less about resolutions and more about direction — what I’m choosing to give energy to, and what I’m consciously letting go of.🎧 Topics include:👉🏻 My 2026 “outs” (habits, patterns, and energy drains)👉🏻 My 2026 “ins” (routines, hobbies, wellness, and creativity)👉🏻 De-centering scrolling, drinking, and over-committing👉🏻 Sleep hygiene, mental health, and early mornings👉🏻 Analog hobbies, classes, and learning for joy👉🏻 Creators I’ve been loving lately (on IG/TT)@glowwithella , @thewellnessprocesspod , @beccahimsworth , @gabrielleaihara , @kayliestewart, @plantbasedbabySubscribe to Beyond Your Budget:https://breakyourbudget.substack.com/BREAK YOUR BUDGET RESOURCES:💸 Personal Finance Dashboard:https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard💸 Basic Budgeting Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template💸 FI/RE Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template💸 NEW RENT VS. BUY CALCULATORhttps://breakyourbudget.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator💳 Tools + Cards I Use:Rakuten Cash Back: https://shorturl.at/w0PcHSoFi HYSA: https://wealthlink.me/michela-sofi-hysaAmEx Platinum: https://tinyurl.com/mpf7u7uyBilt Rewards: https://tinyurl.com/4kd8s33aBlue Cash Everyday: https://tinyurl.com/yrcbr2acAll Other Resources: https://breakyourbudget.com/links👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: [email protected]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa💸 My ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/michelaalloccaTIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Welcome + 2026 State of the Union overview2:30 – Gratitude, podcast growth, and leaning into long-form content5:15 – OUT: Excessive scrolling and low-value TikTok consumption8:45 – OUT: Drinking culture, over-committing, and overworking12:30 – OUT: Overconsumption and low-quality spending habits16:00 – OUT: Anxiety patterns, late nights, and decentering dating20:30 – IN: Elevated casual living and daily luxuries23:45 – IN: Tea rituals, bricking my phone, and analog hobbies27:15 – IN: Early mornings, reading, sauna, and wellness routines30:00 – Creators I’ve been loving + closing thoughts for 2026

We're walking through my favorite purchases from 2025 - both items and experiences - and reflecting on what they reveal about my consumption habits, priorities, and values. We talk through everything from wardrobe upgrades and wellness investments to the things that didn’t stand out as much as I expected (and why that matters). I also share how I’m approaching a January no-buy, the spending rules I’m carrying into 2026, and how I’m shifting from constant curation toward intentional refinement.🎧 Topics include:👉🏻 My favorite purchases and experiences from 2025👉🏻 Why most purchases fade into the background faster than we expect👉🏻 Buy less, buy better - what worked and what didn’t👉🏻 January no-buy intentions👉🏻 Consumption rules for clothes, beauty, and home in 2026Subscribe to Beyond Your Budget:https://breakyourbudget.substack.com/BREAK YOUR BUDGET RESOURCES:💸 Personal Finance Dashboard:https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard💸 Basic Budgeting Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template💸 FI/RE Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template💸 NEW RENT VS. BUY CALCULATORhttps://breakyourbudget.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator💳 Tools + Cards I Use:Rakuten Cash Back: https://shorturl.at/w0PcHSoFi HYSA: https://wealthlink.me/michela-sofi-hysaAmEx Platinum: https://tinyurl.com/mpf7u7uyBilt Rewards: https://tinyurl.com/4kd8s33aBlue Cash Everyday: https://tinyurl.com/yrcbr2acAll Other Resources: https://breakyourbudget.com/links👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: [email protected]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa💸 My ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/michelaalloccaTIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Welcome to Don’t Depend On Daddy + what this episode covers3:00 – Why my favorite purchases didn’t immediately stand out6:45 – What my long-term “favorite purchases” reveal about consumerism10:15 – January no-buy + why I’m focusing on refinement in 202614:00 – Favorite purchase: The Brick and breaking phone habits18:30 – Favorite wardrobe investment: a long-term everyday bag24:45 – Winter upgrades: coats, cold weather, and buying the right gear30:30 – Experiences worth the money: Pilates and tennis lessons36:15 – Kitchen + wellness favorites (knives, Oura Ring, skincare standouts)44:30 – My 2026 consumption rules: clothes, beauty, home

I’ve been wearing an Oura Ring for a few months now, and after countless questions about it I am finally sharing my full, honest review. In this episode of Don’t Depend On Daddy, I break down why I switched from traditional fitness trackers to the Oura Ring, how it’s impacted my sleep, stress, anxiety, routines, and overall wellness, and who I truly think this device is (and is not) for. This is not a sponsored review - just my real experience using Oura as someone who values intentional living, routine, and long-term health. We talk sleep hygiene, readiness scores, stress and HRV, cycle tracking, behavior change, and how understanding your body can completely change how you show up in your life. If you’ve been considering the Oura Ring and want a wellness-focused perspective rather than a fitness-obsessed one, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Beyond Your Budget:https://breakyourbudget.substack.com/BREAK YOUR BUDGET RESOURCES:💸 Personal Finance Dashboard:https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard💸 Basic Budgeting Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template💸 FI/RE Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template💸 NEW RENT VS. BUY CALCULATORhttps://breakyourbudget.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator💳 Tools + Cards I Use:Rakuten Cash Back: https://shorturl.at/w0PcHSoFi HYSA: https://wealthlink.me/michela-sofi-hysaAmEx Platinum: https://tinyurl.com/mpf7u7uyBilt Rewards: https://tinyurl.com/4kd8s33aBlue Cash Everyday: https://tinyurl.com/yrcbr2acAll Other Resources: https://breakyourbudget.com/links👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: [email protected]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa💸 My ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/michelaalloccaTIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Intro and why this Oura Ring review was so requested04:12 – Why traditional fitness trackers never worked for me08:35 – Wellness-first vs fitness-first wearables12:10 – How Oura changed my sleep habits and sleep quality17:45 – My full sleep hygiene routine and what actually helped23:05 – Stress, HRV, and what I learned about my anxiety27:40 – How Oura influences workouts, recovery, and rest31:50 – Cycle tracking and understanding monthly energy shifts35:45 – Why Oura changed my daily routines and behavior40:10 – Final thoughts: who the Oura Ring is really worth it for

Today’s episode is all about your winter everyday luxuries - I’m sharing my favorite winter products, cozy rituals, and elevated habits that make the cold months feel intentional rather than chaotic. From the exact robe + slippers combo I swear by to slow morning rituals, tea routines, skincare updates, sauna sessions, indoor hobbies, and more - this is your blueprint to feeling warm, grounded, and pulled-together all winter long.If you’re craving structure, inspiration, or a full Winter Arc Guide, let me know in the comments so I can build it into a future episode!TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to the Winter Arc00:44 Why I’m Pro-Winter Arc (and Anti Great Lock-In)02:18 How Chicago Changed My Relationship with Seasons04:40 Gear That Makes Winter Actually Enjoyable06:04 My Everyday Luxury Products (Lotions, Robes, Slippers)09:55 Pajama Sets, Loungewear & Feeling “Put Together” at Home13:50 Humidifier Season + Skincare Saving Tips15:58 My Favorite Winter Clothing Upgrades (Gloves, Sweatsuits, Wool Socks)20:55 Cozy Winter Routines: Slow Mornings, Tea Era, Sauna Time26:40 Indoor Hobbies, Self-Care Rituals & Embracing the SeasonBREAK YOUR BUDGET RESOURCES:💸 Personal Finance Dashboard:https://breakyourbudget.com/personal-finance-dashboard💸 Basic Budgeting Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/basic-budgeting-template💸 FI/RE Template: https://breakyourbudget.com/fire-template💸 NEW RENT VS. BUY CALCULATORhttps://breakyourbudget.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator💳 Tools + Cards I Use:Rakuten Cash Back: https://shorturl.at/w0PcHSoFi HYSA: https://wealthlink.me/michela-sofi-hysaAmEx Platinum: https://tinyurl.com/mpf7u7uyBilt Rewards: https://tinyurl.com/4kd8s33aBlue Cash Everyday: https://tinyurl.com/yrcbr2acAll Other Resources: https://breakyourbudget.com/links👩🏼‍💻 Inquiries: [email protected]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakyourbudget/📲 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakyourbudget📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/michela_alloccaa💸 Break Your Budget LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MichelaAllocca/💸 My ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/michelaallocca