Hey hey,
I just got back from a trip to Milan 🇮🇹 — I’ve returned with more than just cute photos and a doughnut addiction 🤭.
Between the beautifully scented spaces, unexpected costs, and a slightly chaotic Uber ride, this trip reminded me of something I always talk about: spending with intention.
💭 Italy was… an experience
Here are a few things I noticed:
Driving is a little wild. Italians drive fast and often close. We saw drivers speeding past red lights, barely pausing at zebra crossings, and at one point, our Uber driver had to jerk to a stop because he got a bit too close to the car ahead 😮💨. In the UK, you’d typically keep a much safer distance — so that was a bit of a shock.
Black people were few and far between. We noticed that we were often the only Black people in a space. Restaurants, tourist spots, even walking around — it felt like we stood out a lot 😅.
Everything smelled amazing. Every shop, restaurant, even the toilets had a signature scent. One toilet had a diffuser so good, I literally took a picture (lol see the image below!). Italians don’t play with fragrance — it’s a whole vibe.
Milan is expensive. We went over budget — and this was without splurging. We didn’t do much in terms of tourist activities. We expected Milan to be a little bougie… but it is more expensive than London.
The food was hit or miss. Their pastries? Top tier 🤌🏽.
But for the supposed home of pasta, most places served very limited menus (2–5 options max) and the dishes were just… mid 😕. One seafood pasta dish redeemed the whole trip, but I expected more (Image below).
💸 Money Corner: What this trip taught me
1. Budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about flexibility.
Yes, we went over budget. But I wasn’t stressed, because I have a pamper/fun fund I could dip into — a separate pot for things like travel, brunch, or “just because” moments.
Intentional spending means planning ahead and leaving room for life to happen.
2. The cost of living abroad is relative
We assumed Milan would be pricey, but we didn’t realise just how much more expensive it would feel.
It was a good reminder that “expensive” is relative - you might be surprised by how quickly everyday costs abroad can eat into your budget.
3. Experiences > Perfection
Not every meal was great. We didn't tick off every “to -do” list. And yet, I don’t regret a single euro we spent. Why? Because intentional spending is about the experience — the memories, the laughs, the unexpected moments (like trying to decode an all-Italian train ticket machine 😂).
You don’t always get perfection, but if you're present, you’ll always find value.
4. Your finances should support the life you want — not restrict it.
Trips like this remind me why I budget and why I save. It’s not just to “be responsible” — it’s so that I can live fully. Whether it's building a pamper fund, investing in future goals, or taking time off without panic, money should give you options.
And the only way that happens? Planning ahead, checking in regularly, and allowing both joy and discipline to coexist.
Money should give you options.
And the only way that happens? Planning ahead, checking in regularly, and allowing both joy and discipline to coexist.
🎥 New Video for the Week
In this week’s video, I sit down with a qualified mortgage advisor to break down the costly mistakes people make when applying for a mortgage. We get into the real reasons applications get denied, especially for migrants, and practical steps you can take to avoid those traps.
👉 For example, Did you know that using an ajo (a revolving savings scheme) could get your mortgage application denied? Yeah, I was shocked too 🥲
🏠 House Buying & Mortgage Webinar
Got questions about buying a house or navigating the UK mortgage process? Join me on April 4th for a live webinar where we’ll unpack everything — from what lenders look for, to avoiding rejection, and how to position yourself as a strong applicant.
🎟 Use code APRIL4 for £5 off — only 7 discounted slots left!
And before I go, here are a few Italian words I picked up (yes, I was that tourist taking pics and notes 🫣):
Entrata – entrance, Uscita – exit, Buona sera – good evening, Buongiorno – good day, and of course Ciao – the always-cool hello/bye.
But my favourite? Grazie! It’s actually spelt without a “T”, but the way Italians pronounce it — with that sharp little “ts” sound at the end — hits deeper than a regular “thank you.” It’s giving... deeply grateful.
So on that note:
Grazie for reading.
See you next week,
Chidera 💛
Enjoyed todays dispatch email😊
So interesting