THE BROKEN WALLET

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You’re NOT Bad with money – you just refuse to change! 

When asked why their finances are in bad shape, some people might respond with, “I’m just bad with money.” And deep down, they might actually believe this.

But while some people use this as an excuse to justify overspending and maxing out their credit cards on things they don’t need, the honest truth is that many of these individuals are not necessarily bad with money — they just refuse to change. And that’s a big difference.

“Bad with money,” the mighty scapegoat

Being “bad with money” is often a scapegoat, yet some make it sound like a personality trait they can’t fix or a special skill they can’t develop.

But in reality, managing money isn’t about talent because nobody is born knowing how to do this. And while it’s true that some people might have a special knack for numbers, being responsible with money — even if you don’t have a lot — isn’t beyond your ability.

And if you’re struggling financially, chances are you already know what needs to change, you just don’t have a plan in place to do it.

A lot of people don’t need more financial advice. They don’t need another book on how to budget, another podcast about saving money, or another spreadsheet to track their expenses. They already know the basics, which are:

• Don’t spend more than you earn.
• Save for emergencies.
• Pay off debt.
• Invest for the future.

But, of course, knowing and doing are two different things.

Unfortunately, some people stay stuck because they get caught in a loop of complaining with no action.

Or they might blame their circumstances, such as their low-paying job or the rising cost of living. Things that, while real, aren’t always insurmountable obstacles.

Because for every person struggling with money, there’s someone in the exact same situation who is figuring it out — or at least trying to figure it out.

If you’re constantly complaining about these things while simultaneously swiping your credit card for things you don’t need, eating out multiple times a week, saying yes to every invitation, and then juggling bills or avoiding looking at your bank balance, it’s not because you’re bad with money.

It’s because you’re avoiding the changes that would actually improve your situation.

And the sad part is… a lot of people would rather be comfortable in their bad habits than uncomfortable making better choices.

So…

• It’s easier to say, “I’ll start saving next month” than to actually start saving today.
• It’s easier to keep using Afterpay than to wait until you can afford something.
• It’s easier to say, “I don’t make enough money” than to change jobs, start a side hustle, or adjust your spending.

Next steps for the so-called “bad with money”

In the end, making better financial decisions often means doing things that feel inconvenient or restrictive in the short term. And yes, if you’ve been used to living a certain way, that change can feel uncomfortable.

But here’s the thing — avoiding that discomfort is what’s keeping you broke.

And if you want to break the cycle, the first step is admitting this.

Now, that doesn’t mean outside factors don’t play a role, because of course they do. Wages, inflation, and unexpected expenses all make an impact.

But there’s a big difference between recognizing challenges and using them as an excuse to stay stuck.

The most financially successful people aren’t necessarily the ones who make the most money. They’re the ones who take responsibility for their financial situation, no matter what.

So ask yourself:

• Do I actually track where my money is going, or do I just assume I don’t have enough?
• Am I making conscious financial decisions, or am I spending on autopilot?
• Do I set financial goals, or do I just hope things will work out?

Taking accountability is powerful. Because once you own your decisions, you can start changing them.

Some people think fixing their finances means making drastic changes overnight, but that’s not true. It’s really about making small, consistent decisions that add up over time.

So instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, start with one habit.

• Cut out one unnecessary expense per week. If you’re currently eating out five times a week, cut back to two days. Even if it’s only a $40 savings per week, that’s a $160 cushion at the end of the month that you didn’t have before.
• Save a small percentage of every paycheck. Take $25 off the top and pay yourself first—treat it like a bill. If you’re paid biweekly, that’s another $50 a month.
• Set a rule for yourself, like waiting 24 hours before making a non-essential purchase.

These changes might seem minor, but they build discipline. And discipline is what actually improves your finances.

Because the bottom line is that if you want to change your finances, you have to start thinking long-term and understand that temporary discomfort ultimately leads to long-term freedom.

So no, you’re not bad with money. You just have habits that don’t support financial success. But the good news is that habits can change.

But only if you decide to change them.

No raise, bonus, or sudden stroke of good fortune is going to put you in a better place financially if you don’t first take control of your decisions. And the sooner you stop blaming circumstances and start owning your financial choices, the sooner you’ll see real progress.

So, what’s one change you’re going to make today?