In Veggies We Trust
A Choice That Nourishes More Than Just Your Plate
Every Saturday morning, Georgia and I head to the farmer’s market, always waking up early to snag the best-looking produce before the crowds descend. In the peak of summer, the market is bustling with people eager to support local vendors, and sometimes, we invite friends or family to join us in exploring the stalls. Without fail, we hear the same remarks: "These tomatoes are so expensive!" and "Who would pay that much?”.
We could dive into the logistics — the fact that these tomatoes are pesticide-free, that the farmers live just 20 miles away and don’t receive the same subsidies as massive mono-crop agriculture operations in the midwest, but the explanation rarely changes their perspective. Their eyes glaze over, stuck on the simple math: a bunch of asparagus costs $7 here, but only $4 at Aldi down the road.
We’re fully aware of the cost of fresh, organic produce each month. I carefully track our food expenses, comparing what we spend at the grocery store versus the farmers market, so I can see the difference. There are moments when a higher-than-usual month makes me pause, but then I remind myself why we choose this. In the end, it’s not just about the price, it’s about aligning our spending with the values that shape how we live and where we invest our energy.
Every Saturday morning, when we head to the farmers market, we’re making a conscious decision to nourish our bodies with food we believe we deserve because to us, few things are more precious than health and the opportunities it allows us to embrace. But beyond nutrition, the market offers a sense of community. We see familiar faces, exchange stories, and hear about the challenges and triumphs of growing crops or baking bread. For us, the opportunity to shake the hand of the person that grows our food is priceless because it invokes the deepest authenticity that comes with living and spending money in agreement with our values.
Of course, not everyone shares this perspective. Fresh produce is available at the grocery store, often at a lower price. For some, convenience matters more than sourcing locally and balancing busy schedules is easier with the flexibility of supermarket shopping. Others might value independence and mobility, saving for a new car so that they can take more weekend trips to far away places. And that’s the reality of choices: every decision carries trade-offs. The things we invest in shape our lives, just as the things we forgo define what we’re willing to prioritize.
Despite the common misconceptions about financial coaching, true financial well being isn’t just about cutting expenses every chance you get, because that is not a sustainable way to live your life. Breaking free from harmful spending habits should come from a place of empowerment, not deprivation. Georgia and I choose to live below our means in areas that don’t bring us much joy, so we can invest more in what truly matters to us. It’s a constant balance between affordability and the financial goals we’ve set for ourselves. I firmly believe that nearly anyone can afford the things they genuinely want, as long as they are willing to accept the tradeoffs. The key is understanding whether what you’re pursuing brings lasting fulfillment or just temporary gratification because when something truly adds value to your life, the tradeoff becomes much easier to accept.