Stop Blaming the Economy (this is why you’re BROKE)
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Why Am I Broke?!
It’s easy to blame the economy for financial struggles. Prices are rising, wages feel stagnant, and everything seems more expensive than it was a few years ago. And while all of that is true, there’s another truth that’s harder to admit: a lot of people are broke because of their own financial choices, not just because of the economy.
Yes, inflation is real. Yes, wages haven’t always kept up with the cost of living. But blaming external factors without taking control of your own financial habits will keep you stuck. Because the reality is, no matter what’s happening in the economy, there are always people who are thriving — and they’re not just the ultra-rich.
They’re people who make smart financial choices, adjust when needed, and refuse to let circumstances dictate their future.
If you want to stop feeling broke, you have to stop making the decisions that are keeping you there.
Your Spending Habits Matter More Than You Think
One of the biggest lies people tell themselves is, “I don’t make enough money to save or get ahead.” And for some, that might be temporarily true. But for many, the real issue isn’t income…it’s spending.
Take two people making the same salary. One lives paycheck to paycheck, constantly relying on credit cards, and the other has a growing savings account and minimal debt.
What’s the difference? Simply put, their spending habits.
The first person buys things without a plan, making emotional or impulsive purchases, whereas the second person prioritizes saving, avoids lifestyle inflation, and lives below their means.
It’s not always about how much you make. It’s about what you do with what you have. If you’re constantly upgrading your lifestyle, spending beyond your means, or avoiding budgeting, no amount of income will ever feel like enough.
Excuses vs. Accountability
It’s easy to say:
• “Rent is too high, that’s why I can’t save.”
• “Groceries are expensive, so I have to use my credit card.”
• “I work hard, I deserve to treat myself.”
But those excuses don’t change your financial situation, they keep you stuck. So instead of blaming external factors, try asking yourself:
• Am I living in a place I can truly afford? If not, can I move, get a roommate, or find another way to lower my housing costs?
• Am I overspending on food because I’m not planning my meals? Could I cut back on takeout and impulse grocery shopping?
• Do I “deserve” luxuries more than I deserve financial peace? Because no amount of self-care purchases will make up for financial stress.
Inflation Is Real, But So Is Overspending
Let’s be real: inflation has made things more expensive. But that doesn’t mean overspending isn’t a problem. For example, streaming subscriptions have replaced cable, but now people are paying for five different platforms they barely use.
Buy now, pay later services make it easier to say yes to things you can’t actually afford. And DoorDash and Uber Eats make dining out effortless, but it adds up way faster than most people realize.
Inflation didn’t make you order takeout five times this week. It didn’t make you finance a new iPhone when your old one still worked. And it didn’t force you to put a vacation on your credit card.
Acknowledging that your own financial habits are part of the problem doesn’t mean the economy isn’t tough. It just means you’re willing to take control instead of staying stuck. (Related: Download your mindful spending Money Mindset Bullet Journal — it’s your personal spending coach).
Adjust, Don’t Just Complain
The people who thrive in any economy are the ones who adapt instead of just complaining. If prices go up, they find ways to cut costs, increase income, or change their habits. They don’t just sit around waiting for things to get better, they take action.
Here’s how you can do the same:
1. Audit Your Spending – Go through your last 30 days of transactions and highlight anything that wasn’t a necessity. Be brutally honest with yourself about what could have been avoided.
2. Make a Real Budget (And Actually Follow It) – A budget isn’t about restriction; it’s about control. You need a plan for your money, or it will keep disappearing.
3. Increase Your Income (If You Need To) – If your budget is tight even after cutting unnecessary expenses, look for ways to earn more. That could mean asking for a raise, starting a side hustle, or switching jobs.
4. Delay Gratification – You don’t need to keep up with trends, buy things just because they’re on sale, or upgrade your lifestyle every time your income increases. The people who build stability are the ones who practice patience.
5. Stop Blaming, Start Acting – The economy will always have ups and downs. The question is, will you let it control your financial future, or will you take ownership and make the best choices possible?
Bottom line: Yes, times are tough. Yes, the cost of living has gone up. But if you’re constantly broke, there’s a good chance your own financial habits are playing a bigger role than you want to admit.
The good news? You’re in control. And the moment you stop blaming external factors and start taking accountability for your money choices, everything changes.
So, what’s the first financial habit you’re going to change today?