The money habits keeping you broke and how to fix them

Let's be real. Your paycheck isn't the problem. It's what happens after payday that's keeping you broke. You're not alone if you ever feel like your money disappears way too fast. Most people aren't broke because they don't earn enough; they're broke because of bad money habits they don't even realise they have. And the worst part? These habits don't just hurt your bank account; they affect your stress levels, mental health, and ability to plan for the future.

So, let's call them out and, more importantly, break free from them:

These are the 9 money habits keeping you broke.

1. Paying yourself last = living paycheck to paycheck

Your bills, your rent, your weekend plans. Everything gets paid before you do. If you don't set aside at least 20% of your income for yourself before spending on anything else, guess what? You'll never "find" money to save at the end of the month.

2. Using debt as a backup for everything = constant financial stress

Swiping your credit card for "that one thing" because payday is around the corner? If you can't pay for it in cash, you probably can't afford it. The only good reasons to take on debt? Education and income-generating assets. Everything else? Think twice.

3. No emergency fund = constant anxiety over "what if" moments

If one unexpected bill could throw your whole month off, it's time to build a safety net. You should aim for 3-6 months of living expenses. If that feels difficult to achieve, break the big amount into smaller achievable targets until you've reached your goal. Life is unpredictable - your money shouldn't be.

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4. You don't actually know where your money is going

When was the last time you tracked exactly how much comes in and goes out? You can't build wealth if you don't even know where you stand. Take 5 minutes to go through your transactions today. You'll thank yourself later.

5. Earning more but spending more = feeling stuck, no matter what you earn

If your salary goes up but your lifestyle follows right behind it, you're stuck in the same cycle, just with fancier stuff. Break the habit: Save and invest more as you earn more.

6. Not talking about money

Money was never openly discussed in many of our households, so now we are out here trying to figure it all out alone. But if you're not having real conversations about money, you are missing out on valuable insights, advice, and accountability.

7. Focusing only on saving, not earning more = limiting yourself

There's a limit to how much you can save, but there's no limit to how much you can earn. Saving is smart, but don't forget the other side of the equation: multiple income streams = financial freedom.

8. Paying too much in taxes = leaving money on the table

Most people don't even realise they could legally save money on taxes. Using a tax-free savings account? Claiming deductions? Registering as a business? You might be leaving money on the table. For more resources, click here.

9. Letting lifestyle flex culture drain your wallet

Social media makes it easy to feel pressure to keep up. The luxury vacations, designer outfits, bottomless brunches… people are curating their best moments, but you do not see their credit card bills. Trying to flex when you do not have the budget for it is a fast track to financial stress.

So, what now?

The good news? You can break these habits.
The bad news? No one is going to do it for you.

Step 1: Pick ONE bad money habit to start fixing today.
Step 2: Take action. Whether it's automating savings, cutting a spending leak, or learning how to invest.
Step 3: Keep the momentum going. Start small but start now.

Your money habits shape your financial future and your peace of mind, confidence, and ability to live on your terms. The sooner you take control, the better you'll feel.

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