You will NEVER Be Broke Again If You Do These 5 Things

Picture this: you work hard day in and day out to earn a living, only to find yourself stuck in a never-ending financial struggle. You live paycheck to paycheck, constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. Every dollar you earn goes into paying bills, leaving you with little to nothing left for yourself. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

You’re not alone. In fact, as of 2017, a staggering 78% of American workers say they live paycheck to paycheck. And it’s not just low-wage workers who face this problem. Even those making over a hundred thousand dollars a year find themselves in the same predicament. Nearly 1 out of every 10 of them live paycheck to paycheck, and 59% of them are in debt.

Living paycheck to paycheck feels like being trapped on a never-ending staircase. No matter how hard you try, you can never seem to get ahead. This financial constraint, coupled with unexpected expenses, has led 55% of Americans into credit card debt, with 10% having outstanding balances of over five thousand dollars.

Never Feel Broke Again With These 5 Wealth-Building Habits

So, how do you break free from this cycle? How do you work towards your long-term financial goals, such as buying a house or saving for college? Constant worry about repaying loans can become a huge mental burden. Studies show that individuals with higher debts tend to suffer from anxiety and depression. It’s not just about money; it’s about mental peace too.

Our decisions, driven by societal pressures or personal desires, often lead us into debt. But once we recognize the psychological triggers, we can start to control and eventually overcome them. Many folks find themselves caught in the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. But what if there’s a way out? And no, it’s not winning the lottery or hoping for a mysterious inheritance. It’s about making five fundamental shifts in your approach to money.

Track Your Spending

The first step in taking control of your finances is to track your spending. Trying to save money without knowing where your money is going is like trying to hit a target with your eyes closed. It simply won’t work. Take the time to figure out exactly where every penny is going.

For the next month, track every single expense, from your monthly rent payment to that dollar for a cup of coffee. You can jot down your expenses in a notebook or use personal finance software like Mint to keep track. Don’t forget to consider automatic payments and hidden costs like subscription fees or bank transaction fees.

Seeing all your expenses written down in black and white can be a revelation. You may realize that you’ve been spending more than you thought on ATM fees or convenience store snacks. Recognizing these budget busters will help you eliminate them, freeing up cash in your budget.

Make a Budget

Now that you know where your money is going, it’s time to make a budget. A budget helps you allocate your income towards different expenses and savings goals. There are various budgeting methods you can choose from, but let’s explore two of my favorites.

The first method is the 20-30-50 method. With this approach, you divide your income into three categories: 50% for living expenses like rent and utilities, 30% for entertainment costs like eating out, and the remaining 20% for savings.

Another simple budgeting method is the 80-20 method. With this approach, 80% of your income goes towards living expenses, while the remaining 20% goes into your savings account.

Choose the method that works best for you and make sure to include annual expenses in your budget. By creating a budget and sticking to it, you’ll have a clear plan for your finances and can prioritize saving.

Cut Expenses

Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to optimize your potential to save by cutting expenses. Start by identifying both fixed and flexible expenses. Fixed expenses are costs that remain the same every month, such as rent or car payments. Flexible expenses vary from month to month, like groceries or gas.

While cutting back on flexible expenses may seem obvious, don’t overlook the potential savings in fixed expenses. For example, finding an apartment that costs $300 less per month can have a significant impact on your savings compared to cutting out a few coffees.

To maximize your savings, evaluate each expense and ask yourself if it’s necessary. Challenge your spending habits and consider alternatives. Every dollar you save can help you achieve your financial goals.

Boost Your Income

If cutting expenses isn’t enough, or if you’re already on a tight budget, the next step is to boost your income. There are two main ways to do this: increasing your income at your job or finding ways to earn money on the side.

One way to increase your income at your job is to offer to work overtime if it’s available. You can also demonstrate your value to your employer and negotiate a raise. Explore opportunities for higher-paying roles within or outside your company.

If earning more from your job doesn’t seem feasible, consider taking on a second job temporarily. Working two jobs can provide the extra income you need to pay off debt or build your emergency fund. Alternatively, starting your own side business or freelancing can supplement your income in a more flexible way.

Put Your Money to Work

Once you’ve found ways to save more money, it’s crucial to put that money to work for you. Leaving it sitting in a savings account won’t yield much interest. Consider investing in common vehicles like equities or real estate, which historically have provided higher returns than a savings account.

If investing in stocks or being a landlord doesn’t appeal to you, there are other investment options available. Roth IRAs and 401ks offer tax advantages and can be managed with the help of robo-advisors or by self-managing your funds. The key is to start letting your money work for you and grow your wealth over time.

Finally Breaking Free from Financial Struggles

The journey from being broke to financial freedom is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And while these five strategies are your roadmap, the journey is uniquely yours. The challenges, the victories, the lessons – they will be yours. And believe in yourself, it’ll be a journey worth every step. Living paycheck to paycheck can be a daunting cycle to escape, but by following these five steps, you can break free from the shackles of financial turmoil. Track your spending, create a budget, reduce expenses, increase your income, and put your money to work. With determination and discipline, you’ll never have to live paycheck to paycheck again.