"به من نگو چه چیزی برایت ارزش دارد بودجه‌ات را نشانم بده تا بگویم چه چیزی برایت ارزش دارد"

At the heart of this quote, it's all about actions speaking louder than words. It suggests that what we spend our money on reveals our true priorities and values, often more accurately than our words do. It's a bit like saying, "Put your money where your mouth is." If you want to know what someone genuinely cares about, look at how they allocate their resources.

Now, let's dive into a bit of context. This quote has been attributed to various figures over time, including Joe Biden. The idea is that you can't truly understand someone's values just by listening to them talk. Instead, look at their financial decisions—those tell the real story. It’s something many of us can relate to, especially in times of budgeting or financial planning.

Imagine this: You have a friend who talks nonstop about the importance of health and fitness. They preach the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and even share tips on eating clean and exercising regularly. But then, you notice that their monthly spending is loaded with fast-food receipts, expensive gadgets, and subscriptions to multiple streaming services, with barely a dime spent on gym memberships or fresh produce. It’s clear that, despite their words, their spending tells a different story. Their actual priorities might lean more towards comfort or entertainment rather than health.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by taking a good, hard look at your own spending. Track where your money goes for a month. Are you spending more on dining out than on saving for that dream vacation? Do your shopping habits align with your stated goal of minimalism? Use this as a reality check. If there’s a gap between your professed values and your actual spending, it’s time to adjust either your budget or your values.

Let’s think of a relatable scenario. Imagine a young couple, Sarah and Tom. They often talk about wanting to retire early and travel the world. These are big dreams! But, when they sit down to look at their budget, they find that most of their income is going towards rent for a luxury apartment, dining out several times a week, and splurges on the latest tech gadgets. They realize their spending habits are more focused on immediate gratification rather than their long-term goals. This realization pushes them to make some changes—downsizing to a more affordable apartment, cooking more meals at home, and setting a strict budget for non-essential items. Over time, these adjustments help them save more money and get closer to their dream of early retirement and travel.

In essence, if you want to live by this quote, start by being brutally honest with yourself. Track your expenses, scrutinize them, and see if they reflect what you claim to value. If they don’t, make a plan to gradually shift your spending to align better with your true priorities. Remember, our budgets are a reflection of our values—make sure yours is telling the right story.

So next time you think about what you value, don't just say it. Show it in the way you manage your finances. It’s a practical, down-to-earth approach to living authentically and in alignment with your true priorities.