THE BROKEN WALLET

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The Only 3 Money-Saving Tips You Need! 

Most money-saving advice focuses on cutting corners, but the real key to saving money isn’t just in the little hacks – it’s in how you think about it.

Change your mindset, and saving won’t feel like a struggle. With that being said, these three shifts will completely change how you handle your finances.

1. If it takes mental gymnastics to justify a purchase, you already know it’s not a good buy

You know the moment well. You’re standing in the store, looking at something you didn’t plan to buy. It’s not a need – it’s a want. And instead of just putting it back, you start playing mental tug-of-war: “It’s on sale, so I’d actually be saving money.” “I don’t have this exact thing, so technically, I need it.” “I work hard..I deserve it.”

Here’s the truth: If you have to convince yourself to buy something, that’s already a sign you shouldn’t. The hesitation isn’t random – it’s your brain warning you that this purchase isn’t aligned with your actual priorities.

Yet, so many people ignore that inner voice, overriding it with excuses and artificial urgency – even when they’ve been down a similar road before and ended up with buyer’s remorse.

Your ability to enjoy stability isn’t just about how much you make. It’s about how many unnecessary purchases you don’t make. The easiest money to save is the money you never spend in the first place.

2. You can want something and still not buy it

Let’s be real: People act like the moment they want something, they have to get it. Like if you see a new pair of shoes, the fact that you like them automatically means you’re supposed to own them. That’s not true. You can want something, admire it, appreciate it… and still not buy it.

This doesn’t just apply to shopping. It applies to vacations, new cars, home upgrades – anything. There will always be something new, exciting, tempting. But just because something looks good now doesn’t mean it fits into the bigger picture of what you actually want for your life.

Financially secure people don’t let temporary wants control their long-term goals. They understand that instant gratification is just that – instant. It fades. But the stability and confidence that come from making smart money choices? That lasts.

The next time you find yourself caught up in the thrill of wanting something, take a step back. Ask yourself: Do I really want this, or am I just caught up in the moment? More importantly, will I still be glad I spent this money a week from now, a month from now, a year from now? If the answer isn’t a strong yes, the best move might be to walk away. (Related: Download your mindful spending Money Mindset Bullet Journal — it’s your personal spending coach). 

3. The more money you keep, the less you need

Most people think the key to financial security is making more money. But that’s only half the equation. The real secret? Keeping more of what you already earn.

Here’s why it matters: If your spending always increases when your income does, you’ll always feel like you need more. It won’t matter if you’re making $50K or $150K – if every raise, bonus, or windfall disappears as soon as it hits your account, you’ll never actually feel ahead.

This is why people who make six figures can still be living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not just about earning more, it’s about knowing how to hold onto your money.

Think of it this way: Every dollar you don’t spend is a dollar you don’t have to stress about replacing. The more you keep, the less pressure you feel to hustle, grind, or stretch yourself thin just to cover expenses. And that freedom? That’s what real wealth looks like.

Before you convince yourself that you need to make more money, ask if you’re truly making the most of what you already have. Sometimes, the biggest financial breakthrough isn’t earning more – it’s needing less.