When I moved back to the Bay Area in 2010, I thought I’d find a new job within a few months. After all, I’d found work quickly before. But boy, was I wrong!

Relying on the tried and true methods no longer worked. I applied to dozens of companies and only heard back from a few. It was a tough economy, sure, and mid-management level jobs take longer to get than entry-level jobs. Still, the silence was crushing.

Eventually, I made it to a final round of interviews with three different organizations, but each time I was only the runner-up. A fresh round of disappointment followed.

Name: Alegria Beveridge

Locale: Denver, CO

Alma Maters: Mount Ida College and Bay Path University

By Day: Software Project Manager

SoFi Member Since: 2015

Approximate SoFi Loan: $37,000 (self), $250,000 (husband)

SoFi Savings: $7,000 on own loans, $30,000 on husband’s loans

When you work hard, you want to play hard. We get it. You deserve to enjoy the finer things in life, and you can have them—you just have to be smart and strategic with your spending. Sticking to a budget while saving toward financial goals doesn’t mean you can’t splurge a little. In this, our first story in a series on spending hacks, we get you started. With some savvy tweaks and an eye for planning ahead, you can have what you want.

There’s a reason that you consistently buy your coffee from the same place or insist on only using Apple products. Sure, part of it may be your great taste. But your favorite companies have also created successful and compelling corporate brands, which communicate exactly what they’re about and what you can expect.