Let’s go ahead and get straight to it: I talk about this in another article I wrote titled, “You’re paying high prices for your vices!” Figured I’d revisit this with a slight twist to ensure in being heard.
It ain’t your job, your boss, or the government keeping you broke. It’s YOU. More specifically—it’s your habits.
I see people all the time talking about how they “don’t make enough money.” But when I watch how they spend, it’s clear: Money ain’t the problem. Priorities are.
Let’s be real—folks will find money for what they want. And they’ll spend their hard-earned money on those wants without hesitation.
- They’ll find money for bottles.
- For smokes.
- For gambling.
- For nails.
- For Jordans.
But when it comes time to talk about budgeting, saving, or investing? “I can’t afford it.”
Nah. You can afford it. You just choose not to. That ain’t a money issue. That’s a discipline issue.
Stop Blaming Your Income
One of the biggest lies people tell themselves is: “If I made more money, I’d be good.” Wrong.
More money without better habits is just a way to stay broke at a higher level.
You know how many people got raises, bonuses, tax refunds, side hustles—and still end up broke? It’s because they never change their habits. As their income goes up, so do their expenses. We call that lifestyle creep or lifestyle inflation. That’s when your expenses and lifestyle rise lockstep with your income.
- Got a raise? Cool. Now they leasing a Benz.
- Hit a lick? Now they hitting designer stores.
- Got a refund? That’s already “spent” before it hits the account.
Listen… If your money mindset and money management habits don’t change, your money situation won’t change, either. Expanding on a phrase made popular by Forrest Gump. “Broke is as Broke does.”
Your Habits Tell the Real Story
Money doesn’t lie. If I pulled your bank statements right now, I wouldn’t need to ask what matters to you—your spending would tell me.
- If every weekend you’re turning up but your savings account is sitting on $12.36… we got a problem.
- If you’re rocking new shoes every month but dodging your bill collectors like the plague… you already know.
- If you stay DoorDashing dinner but can’t drop $50 into your emergency fund… your math ain’t mathin’.
- If your hair, nails, and lashes stay on point but your rent is always late… your glow-up is built on financial quicksand.
Your habits expose your priorities.
Jesus said it best: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
You don’t need a vision board—your bank statement already shows what you value. If fact, if you stack up all the receipts in your wallet, you could write a book as to why you’re broke.
If it matters to you, you’ll make room for it. If not, you’ll make excuses.
Here’s what good money habits look like:
- You budget before you spend.
- You save before you splurge.
- You invest before you impress.
The Truth About “Affording”
People say “I can’t afford” like it’s a financial statement. It’s really an excuse.
You “can’t afford” to invest, but you can afford to eat out every day?
You “can’t afford” life insurance, but you’ve got the VIP package at the club every weekend?
You “can’t afford” to build wealth, but you’ve got the latest phone, tablet, and designer bag?
Come on now. Let’s stop playing.
Affordability is about choice. You chose to spend on certain things—and you chose not to spend on others. That’s on YOU.
How to Break the Cycle
Now I ain’t here to shame you. I’m here to wake you up. If you’re tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck, tired of the financial anxiety, tired of the broken cycle—here’s how you start fixing it:
- Track Every Dollar
Before you can change your habits, you gotta know what they are. Start tracking every dollar you spend for 30 days. I promise—the truth will slap you in the face.
- Create a Realistic Budget
A budget isn’t a punishment—it’s a plan. It’s YOU telling YOUR money what to do before someone else does.
Make sure your budget includes:
- Saving
- Debt payoff
- Bills
- Needs
- A little fun money (we’re not robots)
- Automate Savings & Investments
You’ll never feel like saving. That’s why you’ve got to do it automatically. Treat it like a bill. Pay yourself FIRST —every payday.
- Cut the Excess
If you’re struggling financially, you’ve got no business living like a baller. That’s not shade—that’s real. Cancel the unnecessary subscriptions. Pause the shopping sprees. Put a cap on the turn-ups.
You don’t have to live like this forever —but right now, sacrifice is required.
- Focus on Long-Term Goals
Do you want temporary pleasure or permanent peace?
- Freedom or flexin’?
- Wealth or waste?
- Legacy or liabilities?
You decide.
What’s it gonna be?
Let me leave you with this:
People don’t stay broke because of their income. They stay broke because of bad habits.
You can make $30K or $300K—if your money mindset’s trash, your money will be, too. If your priorities are outta whack, your wallet will stay empty.
Don’t tell me what you want. Show me what you’re willing to do to get it.
Start budgeting. Start saving. Start investing. Start being intentional with your money.
And cut the “I can’t afford” talk. Because the truth is—you just been affording the wrong things.
(Damon Carr, Money Coach & Tax Pro can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)
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