Start Making Money Decisions Your Future Self Will Thank You For
- Brainz Magazine
- May 20
- 3 min read
Written by Jonathan Dubrulle, Healer-Influencer
Jonathan Dubrulle is a Healer-Influencer in Madrid who likes to help people create 'paso a paso' a better life.

Controlling impulses is one of the important steps to take to financial maturity. Before clicking on the Buy Button, you need to have that one minute of cool connection with yourself. Do I really need it now? What will it add to my life? What will my credit card bill look like? In this article, you will find 8 tips to focus on that could get you ahead in life.

Don’t do student debt
I was talking to an American in Madrid, and she was considering an $80K Master's of Psychology in the US. They promised unlimited earning potential. I don’t know who believes these things, but I suggested studying here in Spain at a public university.
Unless your parents are funding a $400K degree at NYU, it’s best to take a frugal approach. Life changes, and before you know it, you’re indebted for life and into a different career.
Avoid relying on your parents
It gives pride when you can manage your finances on your own. It is easy to ask to pay phone bills or to ask for money. Parents usually love to help if they can, but when you take the easy way, life gets harder. When you take the more difficult steps, life gets easier after a while.
Be careful
There can always be financial setbacks, like falling income. According to the Federal Reserve, 40% of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency expense. A prudent approach to finances with a couple of thousand set aside can make the difference between managing on your own or having to beg for money. The people in the street know it can be humiliating and no fun.
Love yourself
We all make mistakes. I once enrolled for an Online Master’s at King’s College London, changed my mind and lost a €1600 deposit. In those instances, it’s important to acknowledge you made a mistake. Learning from mistakes is one of the best things you can do for yourself on the road to living the life you always wanted.
Honesty is key
Endless people are living way above their means. Ignoring the conversations with themselves and their potential (ex-) partners. Just be real. Acknowledging you have only debt is a first step. Having awareness of what you can afford and what not is huge.
Find a sustainable career
Some companies will squeeze you like a lemon. Depending on what stress levels you can sustain, it is best to look for a realistic work-life balance. Stable income-generating companies will offer more stability and working 80 hours a week for a normal full-time job is a rip-off. Look into alternatives, talk to people, and find the niche that makes you happy. Financially and in your soul.
Making consistently good choices
Going to a discount supermarket like Aldi or Lidl can be a lifesaver. Researching companies with ChatGPT is a marvelous idea. A simple search for ‘Affordable Tax Advisors’ in Madrid helped me find the perfect one at the best possible pricing. Before a purchase, you can always have a moment of reflection, meditation, or prayer: Is this purchase the one for me?
Don’t wait
Start today by improving the decisions you make on a daily basis. Like a crash diet never works out, it’s best to take it one step at a time. If you love the way that I look at things, you can always follow me or reach out on Instagram. Focus on the real deal and don’t get enticed by scammers. When promotions look too good to be true, they usually aren’t.
Read more from Jonathan Dubrulle
Jonathan Dubrulle, Healer-Influencer
I’m Jonathan (38y) and a Spinal Flow Practitioner in Madrid. I started as a high-potential at Thomson Reuters when I was 21. After Brussels and Geneva, I started the healing journey in Singapore and fell in love with my Chiropractor. I discovered I was gay in a country where it was still illegal at the time. With a broken heart, I moved to New York City, where I worked in Corporate Strategy. At 24, a revolt of the soul would happen at the Times Square Headquarters, and I was admitted to Bellevue Hospital.
Now I have a practice in the center of Madrid. I help clients heal and grow, develop good microhabits, and create strategies to impact the world. Beauty can rise out of ashes.