Let’s talk about the Gap. Not the clothing store “Gap.” Not the gap or space between your teeth. I’m talking about the space between your income and your expenses. That sweet spot where wealth is born and financial stress dies! I generally refer to it as the “Wiggle Room” in your budget.
You see, too many people are caught in a cycle of living check to check. They hustle hard, get paid, and two days later, they’re broke. Get paid on Friday and broke by Monday! Not because they don’t make enough—but because their money is leaving faster than it’s coming in. That’s where the gap comes in.
Your financial success ain’t about how much you make—it’s about how much you keep! That’s the Gap! You can earn six figures and still be broke if your spending’s out of control. But when you master that Gap—BOOM! You’re stacking your emergency fund like a fortress, crushing debt like it’s a finished beer can, watching your investments multiply, and turning your dreams into your lifestyle. The bigger your Gap, the faster you LEVEL UP!
That Gap is your power move—it’s what separates stress from security. It gives you breathing room, buying power, and boss-level confidence. No more robbing Peter to pay Paul. No more panic when life throws a curveball—you’ll be ready, steady, and in control.
Here’s how you GROW YOUR GAP and use it to take control of your money, your future, and your peace of mind!
MANAGE YOUR MONEY BETTER
Let’s keep it real—most people don’t have a money problem, they have a money management problem.
If you don’t tell your money where to go, it’ll disappear without a trace. Budgeting ain’t punishment. It’s a plan. A strategy. A roadmap for your money.
Start here if you’re serious about getting your money right:
- Make a monthly budget. Every dollar needs a job! If your money ain’t working, it’s walking out the door.
- Track your spending. If you don’t know where your money’s going, don’t cry when it’s gone. You can’t fix what you won’t face!
- Know the difference between needs and wants. Needs keep you alive and functional—think rent, utilities, groceries, basic transportation, insurance, and health care. If it keeps a roof over your head, food in your fridge, or your body moving—it’s a need. But let’s not get it twisted: you don’t need Netflix, DoorDash, Starbucks, or Amazon Prime packages showing up every other day. That’s lifestyle creep disguised as self-care. Handle your needs first—then earn the right to enjoy your wants!
Awareness is the first step. Once you see where your money is going, you can start making real moves. Control your money or your money will control you!
CUT EXPENSES
Don’t hit me with “I don’t have anything left to cut”—yes you do! Most people ain’t broke, they’re just over-subscribed, overindulged, and under-disciplined. You got folks out here crying broke with a $1,000 phone in one hand, $200 sneakers on their feet, seven streaming platforms draining their account, and eating out like they’re allergic to their own kitchen.
Let’s stop playing. Small leaks sink big ships. You ain’t gotta live like a monk, but you do need to live like you’ve got goals.
Here’s where to start trimming the fat:
- Kill those subscriptions. If you ain’t using it, cancel it. Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Prime—you don’t need all of ‘em!
Cut back on eating out. Meal prep saves you money and your waistline. Fast food is fast broke!
- Stop impulse shopping. Make a list, stick to it, and hit “unsubscribe” on those promo emails before they suck you into another “limited time only” trap!
The goal is progress, not perfection. Even cutting $100–$200 a month puts real fuel in your Gap. The key is intentional spending. Don’t waste your hard-earned money trying to impress people who don’t pay your bills!
BOOST YOUR INCOME
Let’s keep it 100—sometimes you don’t have a spending problem… you got an income problem! You’re not broke because you’re bad with money—you’re broke because your paycheck is too small to carry the weight of your responsibilities and your goals. If your job barely covers the basics and you can’t save, invest, or breathe financially—it’s time to level ALL the way up.
Here’s how to stack more coins:
- Pick up a side hustle. Uber, DoorDash, freelance work, babysitting, tutoring—get in where you fit in and get that money!
- Ask for a raise. You bring value? Then stop playing small and speak up. Closed mouths don’t get paid!
- Sell your clutter. That treadmill you ain’t used since 2020? That closet full of “one day” outfits? Turn your junk into cash.
- Monetize your gift. Can you bake, braid, cut hair, design, fix things, clean, organize, teach, or coach? That’s money waiting to be made. Turn your skills into side income and let your talent pay some bills!
Moral of the story? You don’t have to settle for “just enough.” You’re too gifted to stay broke. Find a lane, build a hustle, and grow your gap!
Consistency is the difference between broke talk and boss moves.
Use your growing Gap like a tool, like a weapon, like a key:
- Stack your emergency fund. Start with $1,000, then build up to 3–6 months of expenses—that’s your financial armor!
- Knock out your debt. Whether it’s snowball or avalanche—pick a strategy and stay on it. Don’t let debt rob you of your future.
- Start investing. 401(k), IRA, brokerage account—let your money clock in and work overtime for YOU!
Every time you stick to the plan, your Gap gets stronger. It becomes your shield, your sword, your path to peace, power, and options.
This ain’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. Winners show up—even when it’s hard, even when it’s slow, even when nobody’s watching. Stay locked in—and watch your money, mindset, and life transform!
Wealth ain’t about winning the lottery or waiting for some magic payday. It’s built brick by brick, decision by decision, paycheck by paycheck.
- You want to stop struggling? Grow your Gap.
- You want to take care of your kids and your future? Grow your Gap.
- You want peace of mind, options, and freedom? GROW YOUR GAP!
Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one thing and master it. Budget better. Cut one expense. Start one side hustle. Then build from there.
Every time you stick to the plan, your Gap gets stronger. It becomes your shield, your sword, your path to peace, power, and options.
(Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)