THE BROKEN WALLET

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You might think you’re “managing” your money – but are you actually managing it, or just reacting to it?

Because winging it isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible or don’t care. In fact, a lot of people who are winging it think they’re doing okay because the bills eventually get paid. But living in survival mode isn’t the same as being in control.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or just unsure about why your money isn’t adding up, this list is for you. Let’s talk about what winging it actually looks like, even when it feels like you’re doing your best.

1. You Check Your Bank Balance Obsessively, but You Don’t Have a Plan

If your idea of budgeting is checking your bank app every morning to see what’s left, that’s not a plan – that’s panic.

And listen, I get it. You want to stay on top of things. But checking your balance 24/7 isn’t the same as having a strategy for your money. A clear spending plan means you already know what your money is supposed to be doing. You don’t need to constantly check because every dollar already has a job.

2. You Rely on Memory to Manage Bills

If you’re still “remembering” when your bills are due or guessing which ones already came out, you’re winging it.

Life gets busy. It’s easy to forget a due date or get hit with a late fee you weren’t expecting. Therefore, automating your payments or at least setting reminders gives your brain a break and keeps your finances running smoothly.

Don’t leave important things to chance (or your memory after a long day).

3. You Scramble When Something Unexpected Comes Up

A flat tire. A surprise medical bill. An invitation you forgot to budget for. If every unexpected expense turns into a full-blown crisis, it’s a sign you don’t have a buffer.

No one loves emergencies, but they hurt a lot less when you’ve got a basic emergency fund to fall back on. If your first reaction is “what card can I put this on,” it’s time to stop winging it and start planning for the “what ifs.”

4. You Spend Without Thinking About Your Goals

If you’re making purchases because “you deserve it” or “you’ve been good lately,” but you have no idea how those purchases fit into your long-term goals, that’s a red flag. Treating yourself is fine, but treating yourself without a plan is how goals get delayed and debt piles up.

So before you swipe, ask: does this support the life I’m trying to build, or is it just filling a moment?

5. You Avoid Looking at Your Accounts

If logging into your bank account gives you anxiety and you keep pushing it off…you’re not in control of your money, your money is controlling you.

Ignoring your finances won’t make the problem go away – it just delays the stress. The longer you avoid it, the harder it becomes to fix. Facing your numbers is the first step to taking charge.

6. You Have Debt but No Clear Payoff Plan

Having debt is one thing. Not having a plan to pay it off? That’s winging it.

If your strategy is to just pay the minimum and “see what happens,” you’re dragging the debt out longer and spending more in interest. A real plan means knowing your numbers, deciding what to pay off first, and sticking to it – month after month.

7. You Bounce Between Saving and Spending With No Structure

One month you’re saving like a pro. The next month, you’re spending everything and dipping into what you saved. If you don’t have a system, or any priorities, your money’s just going in circles.

Consistency doesn’t have to mean being perfect. But it does mean having a plan for your money and adjusting it when needed instead of swinging from one extreme to another.

8. You Rely on Credit Cards to Stay Afloat

If credit cards are how you “make it through” each month, that’s not budgeting – that’s borrowing from your future self. And she’s already tired.

Credit cards can be a tool, but they shouldn’t be your backup plan every time you’re short. If you’re swiping to cover gaps, that’s a sign something in your spending or income needs adjusting.

9. You Don’t Review Past Spending

If you’ve never looked back at your bank statements to see where your money actually went – start there. You might be shocked.

The little things add up fast, and until you see it all in one place, it’s easy to underestimate. Reviewing your past spending isn’t about feeling guilty, it’s about getting honest so you can do better moving forward.

10. You Keep Saying “I’ll Figure It Out Next Month”

We’ve all said it: “Next month will be different.” But next month turns into next year, and nothing changes. If you’re always waiting for some perfect moment to finally get your finances together, it’s time to stop waiting and start deciding.

You don’t need a new job, more money, or a fancy spreadsheet. You just need to stop winging it and start with a plan, even a small one.