You don’t need to be rich to build good money habits. In fact, the best financial habits are the ones you develop when your income is limited — because they stick with you as your income grows.
I know firsthand. When I was in grad school, I worked a part-time job earning $14/hour. After graduation, I landed a full-time role earning $50,000 a year. I didn’t get rich overnight — but I did get serious about my finances. I managed my money intentionally, improved my skillset, and built discipline. Today, I earn over $60/hour, and those same financial habits are still the backbone of my financial progress.
The truth? Financial growth isn’t just about earning more — it’s about managing what you have, no matter how much it is.
Let’s break down the exact habits I used (and still use!) to go from broke to comfortable — and how you can use them to start your own financial transformation.
💡 1. Weigh Every Purchase
When money is tight, every decision matters — groceries, gas, late-night snacks. I learned to ask myself if a purchase was worth it and whether it aligned with my goals.
That same habit still helps me today. It’s not about restriction — it’s about mindful spending.
Ask yourself before spending:
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Do I need this right now?
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Can I get it cheaper?
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Will this delay my financial goals?
📊 2. Track Your Spending Like It’s Your Job
Whether I made $14/hour or $60/hour, budgeting and tracking my spending has never changed. I started with pen and paper. Now I use a mix of digital and physical budget tools.
Knowing where every dollar is going gave me control and confidence in every financial season.
Bonus: Download my FREE [Student Loan Tracker Printable] to help you start today!
💼 3. Seek Out Better Income Opportunities
I didn’t settle. After grad school, I looked for roles that paid better and aligned with my long-term goals. I also invested in learning new skills, networking, and building a resume that demanded a higher salary.
Now I earn over $60/hour — but that growth started with intention and hustle.
If you want to change your financial situation, one of the best things you can do is increase your income — even if it’s slow and steady.
Ask:
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What certification or course could help me earn more?
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Is there a higher-paying job in my field?
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Can I add a side hustle?
💳 4. Use Credit Cards Carefully (Not Emotionally)
During my low-income years, credit cards were tempting — but dangerous. I used them only when necessary and made it a goal to pay them off in full.
Even now, I use credit strategically for rewards — not as extra income.
Credit Rule: Don’t swipe what you can’t pay off in full.
💰 5. Always Save — No Matter How Little
I couldn’t save hundreds back then, but I saved what I could. Even $5 a week added up and gave me peace of mind. As my income grew, so did my savings — but the discipline was built on small steps.
Tip: Automate your savings. Even a small auto-transfer each payday builds the habit.
📲 Bonus: Use Tools to Simplify
Personally, track everything manually, out of preference and habit. However, if you feel like you have more responsibilities and less time, use apps and automations to stay on track.
Apps to try:
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YNAB or EveryDollar for budgeting
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High-yield savings accounts for emergency funds
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Auto-transfers for savings and sinking funds
🙌 You Can Do It, Too
No matter your income today, these financial habits work at every level. From budgeting on $14/hour to building wealth at $60/hour, the secret isn’t more money — it’s more intention and consistency.
Remember:
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💡 Mind your spending
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📝 Track everything
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💼 Increase your income
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💳 Use credit wisely
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💰 Save what you can
If I did it, you can too. Your journey to financial comfort starts with the choices you make today.
Ready to take the first step?
📥 Grab my "Mo' Budget, Less Problems" Digital Planner to organize your finances with ease.
📺 Watch my latest YouTube video where I walk through my real paycheck budget breakdown.
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