If you’ve ever felt like managing money is way harder than it should be — you’re not alone. Between budgeting apps, conflicting advice, and TikToks telling you to invest in 16 things before breakfast, it can all get a bit much.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to overhaul your life to be good with money. You just need a few solid habits — small shifts that actually stick and add up over time. Whether you’re trying to save, earn more, or just feel less stressed about money, these are the habits that matter.
Let’s break them down.
1. Know Where Your Money Goes (Like, Actually Know)
If you don’t know what’s coming in vs. what’s going out… you’re flying blind. Start tracking your spending — no need for fancy software.
Try This: Use a basic budget planner, Google Sheets, or a beginner-friendly budgeting notebook like this one on Amazon to jot things down. Awareness is everything.
2. Do a Weekly Money Check-In
Once a week, take 10 minutes to check your bank account, glance at your spending, and see how you’re doing. It’s like brushing your teeth — not thrilling, but way better than dealing with cavities later.
3. Start Saving (Even If It’s $5)
You don’t need a huge paycheck to start saving — you just need to start. Build the habit first, then increase the amount later.
🎁 Freebie alert: Grab my Saving Challenge Printable to help you save little-by-little in a way that feels doable (and fun!).
4. Learn a Little Every Week
Money doesn’t have to be boring or hard to understand. Commit to learning one thing a week — whether it’s how credit scores work, what an emergency fund is, or how to start a side hustle.
Need recs? Here are a few beginner-friendly books worth checking out:
- I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
- Financial Literacy for Young Adults Simplified
- How to Adult by Jake Cousineau
5. Upgrade Your Money Mindset
If you believe you’re “just bad with money,” you’ll act like it. Flip the script. Start saying: “I’m learning to be amazing with money.” Because you are.
Here’s the thing: money is a skill. Not a personality trait. The more you practice, the better you get — no shame allowed.
6. Automate the Boring Stuff
If remembering to save or pay bills is a struggle, don’t rely on willpower — automate it. Set up automatic transfers to savings or minimum payments on your credit card. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it hack for financial peace.
7. Spend with Intention (Not Just Emotion)
Emotional spending is real. We’ve all been there — adding random stuff to our cart at 11 p.m. just because meh vibes. Start asking yourself before every purchase:
“Do I really want this? Or am I just bored/stressed/avoiding life?”
Start Small, Stay Consistent
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. These habits might feel small now, but over time, they create massive results. More savings. Less stress. More confidence. And that’s the whole point, right?
Even if you’re just getting started on your money journey — or your blog-reading habit — you’re already doing the thing. You’re showing up. Keep going
👉 Want help saving your first $100? Download my Saving Challenge Freebie and make it fun (yes, fun!) to start building good habits today.