Signs You’re Not Doing As Well As You Think (financially)
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Everyone loves hearing that they’re doing better than they think – and I’ve even done videos like this because it can really put things in perspective.
But let’s be honest, sometimes we can get a little delusional and need a reality check.
Staying afloat doesn’t always mean you’re thriving, and some signs of struggle are easy to overlook because they feel so normal.
But awareness is step one, and the first sign you’re not doing as well as you think is that…
1. You Have No Idea What You Spent Last Month
If you can’t even list your top three spending categories over the past 30 days, you’re not in control…you’re coasting.
It’s so easy to swipe and forget, especially when bills are getting paid and nothing’s bouncing.
But if you don’t know where your money is going, it’s probably slipping through your fingers, so you have to start tracking.
And don’t think you need a complicated system. Even if it’s just a note on your phone or in a notebook, the important thing is that you start paying attention.
2. You Often Rely on Credit Cards to “Bridge the Gap”
If your card is your fallback because you’re frequently running out of cash, you’re not managing your income, you’re borrowing from your future.
The “I’ll worry about it later” cycle can become a dangerous habit, and even if you’re not drowning in debt, this pattern can signal a bigger issue: either an overspending problem (if you’re spending too much on wants) or a cash flow problem (if you don’t have enough to cover needs).
Either way, you could be one unexpected expense away from a disaster.
An immediate priority should be to build a small buffer or a mini emergency fund, and then add to it. Because even $200 can break the cycle.
3. You’re Only Paying the Minimum, But Still Adding More Debt
Paying the minimum might keep you out of collections, but it’s a slow bleed if you’re continuing to use the card.
Because even though you’re doing something, you’re mostly covering interest, thus not making real progress. That’s a sign you’re stretched too thin.
It’s time to reassess, pull back on your usage, and look for ways to free up even $50 more a month to throw on top of your minimum payments. This way, your money can start working for you, not just for your lenders.
4. You’re Avoiding Checking Your Bank Account
That little bit of dread before opening your banking app is not a good sign – because avoidance doesn’t mean things are fine.
It usually means something feels off and you don’t want to face it.
If checking your balance feels like emotional labor, it’s time to rebuild trust with yourself. You can start with a daily money check-in: one minute, every morning. No shame, just information.
Awareness can make you feel more in control – and right now, you need that clarity more than comfort.
5. You Think Budgeting Means You’re Broke
If you avoid budgeting because it “makes you feel poor,” that’s not empowerment – that’s denial.
Many people who earn good money still have some type of budget, even if it’s just a mental one because that’s how they keep their money. And thinking you’re above one often leads to waste, missed goals, and lifestyle creep.
You’ve got to flip the script in your mind and remind yourself: budgeting isn’t punishment – it’s strategy.
Even a loose plan can keep you grounded and help you make spending decisions that match who you want to be, instead of just your mood in the moment.
6. You Own a Lot, But You Still Feel Financially Unstable
If your closet is full, your car looks good, and your apartment is cute, but you still feel anxious about money, then there’s a disconnect somewhere.
So many people base financial success on aesthetics. However, that doesn’t equal financial stability. Owning more stuff doesn’t mean you’re building anything.
It doesn’t matter if you take home $10,000 a month, if you’re spending every dime (and more) to look rich, you’re not building stability.
The person saving 30% of their $6,000 take-home paycheck is the one that’s truly winning, even if their lifestyle doesn’t look like much.
Because in the end, they know something that you don’t: trying to look rich won’t protect you when life gets expensive.