1. I tracked every single thing I spent for a few months to get an idea of what my budget should be and where I can cut back.
2. I set up an auto transfer once a month into a HYSA and another one into an IRA, based on the budget from step 1. They are not huge amounts by any means, and sometimes it feels futile. But it keeps the money out of my checking and hopefully in time I'll be able to start saving more.
3. Anything I really like and want to buy I add to a Pinterest board as my wish list. I tell myself I can come back later and buy it if I really want it. I probably end up buying 1 out of every 50 things I put there. It's also humbling to look back it and see things on the list that I don't like anymore. Good thing I don't own them!
Dec 1, 2024
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I’m up in my bank account every week writing every transaction out in a spreadsheet and I’ve never been better with money in my whole life. Also helped me notice asap when a whole mess of fraudulent transactions slipped in while I was occupied moving and otherwise wouldn’t have seen them for a while. It’s absolutely more effective than a Mint budget tracker because you have to confront EVERY purchase and contemplate what actually has value to you.
Jan 6, 2025
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I'm gonna be so real with you guys. I have had an incredibly hard time with being responsible with my finances ever since I moved out on my own. I've basically been dead broke since 2018 completely at my own volition. Sometimes going as far as spending entire paychecks in under 15 minutes after they hit my account. I've obviously dealt with a lot of consequences to these actions. After a couple huge wake up calls in the recent years, I decided 2025 is where this betrayal of my own self needed to stop for good.
Ngl it's been very, very challenging, but its also already pretty rewarding knowing I am finally putting some effort into my future for once. I'm no longer ordering food, shopping in my leisure time, and getting an iced coffee and breakfast daily. I have already noticed, since I started this journey last month, that I am a LOT less anxious. I have a small amount of savings to fall back on for the first time ever, which I am so incredibly proud of myself over.
Yay for investing in your future!!!
Feb 13, 2025
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it's hard, I know, but just take 10% out of your paycheck immediately when it hits your account and Zelle or transfer it to an account that isn't as easily accessible. Savings accounts are good too, but you'd be surprised how fast it grows out of sight out of mind
Jan 27, 2025
Top Recs from @amlitwicki
Jan 9, 2025
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it's a small sketchbook with a survey of questions I ask everyone who comes over. Each person gets their own page to answer the questions and are required to draw a self portrait with it. People love doing it because everyone gets a spotlight moment, it generates conversation, and I get a fun memento
Feb 2, 2024
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I don’t care anymore how many people pass me on the road or about other people’s strava screenshots - I just enjoy being outside and listening to some tunes and moving around in the world
Jan 30, 2024