A messy room, endless payments, and not even knowing who I was—In my twenties, I stood frozen in anxiety. Yes, back then, I was a far more confused person than I am now. But it was precisely those days—when I desperately threw myself into self-reform, wanting to change the helpless version of me—that have now become my irreplaceable treasure. Because of that time, I believe I’ve gained the confidence and calm happiness I have today.
That said, the journey was anything but short. Which is exactly why now, I want to send a message to my past self: “If only I had watched this first, maybe life would’ve felt a little lighter.” With that thought in mind, I’ve selected two exquisite Netflix titles.
1. KONMARI: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
Naturally, we can’t begin without mentioning her. The queen of tidying who wrapped the world in “spark joy”—Marie Kondo.
I first learned about her ten years ago. (More on that later, but) it was precisely when I discovered a shocking truth for my younger self: “Everyone who can save money, without exception, lives in an organized space.” There are countless books on storage techniques and decluttering, but Marie Kondo was the first to teach me about our relationship with things—philosophically, yet charmingly.
A few years later, her “spark joy” method leapt from the world of books onto Netflix, brought to life through beautiful visuals and her own warm smile. Set in the United States, Marie visits the homes of people struggling with clutter and life itself. She captures, with care, the waves of emotion that arise as people acquire—and then let go of—their belongings. That exhilarating sense of refreshment when everything finally falls into place—It’s a privilege only those who have faced their possessions with sincerity can experience.
As a side note, pay attention to the brilliant work of interpreter Marie Iida. The way she bridges the feeling of Marie Kondo’s Japanese into English so vividly—it’s truly an art form. You can enjoy the first watch for Kondo’s method, and the second for Iida’s masterful interpretation. That’s one of the luxurious ways to appreciate this series.
In the sequel, we see Kondo visiting business owners—expanding both the scale and the depth of her “spark joy” philosophy in a broader world.
2. How to Get Rich
Next is a work that refreshingly updates the conventional wisdom surrounding money. Author and entrepreneur Ramit Sethi sheds light on people’s lives while offering empathetic guidance on household finances and money concerns. His witty storytelling and vibrant energy gently unravel what is often treated as a taboo subject—“money talk.”
The stories of the people who appear are all strikingly real and sobering: A seemingly perfect couple dealing with hidden investment troubles; a man about to marry while keeping his debts secret; a young person who suddenly comes into a large sum of money, only to lose it all after failing to manage it properly. Each story, tinged with pain, captures the undeniable reality of what it means to live.
I first watched this series around the time I finally felt in control of my own finances. Back when I had just started saving, I often felt lost—most financial information out there seemed geared toward experts.
If I had been able to hear the voices of real people, like in this series,
maybe it wouldn’t have taken me so long to believe, “Maybe I can do this too.”
That’s why I especially want those just beginning to save or budget to watch it. Organizing your money is the same as cherishing yourself.
And “Professor Ramit” teaches that truth in a way that’s both fun and kind.
In Closing
Even on down days—or as background noise while doing chores—these are two of my all-time favorite, feel-good Netflix series that I keep coming back to!
And one more side note: with the “Language Reactor” plugin, Netflix can be an amazing, cost-effective tool for language learning too!
Let these two shows offer you small sparks of inspiration to organize your days and fill your heart. May your daily life become lighter, brighter, and happier ♡