I used to treat my bank account like a monster under the bed. If I didn’t look at it, maybe it wouldn’t be so scary. But ignoring a problem never makes it go away. It just grows bigger in the dark.
For years, my life was a cycle of unhealthy habits. I was overeating, gaming for hours, and just feeling stuck. My finances were a reflection of that chaos. Mindless spending on fast food and digital items was just another way to numb out and avoid what was really going on. Getting control of my health and my habits forced me to finally face my money.
It wasn't about becoming a financial genius overnight. It was about taking small, simple steps, one after another, until the chaos started to feel like order. If you feel overwhelmed by your finances, I get it. I’ve been there. But I promise you, creating a sense of peace is simpler than you think.
Here are 10 tips that helped me turn things around.
1. Know Your Starting Point
Before you can get where you’re going, you have to know where you are. For one month, just track your spending. Don’t judge it. Don’t try to change it yet. Just observe. Use a simple notebook or a free app to see where your money actually goes. You might be surprised. This isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness. It’s turning on the light so you can see the room you’re in.
2. Give Your Money a Plan
The word “budget” can feel restrictive, like a diet. I prefer to think of it as a spending plan. You are the boss. You tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. A simple plan might look like this:
- Income: How much comes in each month.
- Giving: The first portion set aside for the church and charity.
- Saving: Money for future goals.
- Essential Bills: Housing, utilities, food, transportation.
- Everything Else: Personal spending, fun, etc.
It doesn't have to be perfect. Just give it a try. A plan gives you control.
3. Pay Yourself First
This is a game-changer. Before you pay any bills or buy anything, set aside a portion of your income for savings. The best way to do this is to automate it. Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account the day you get paid. Even if it’s just a small amount, start the habit. You’ll be saving money without even thinking about it.
4. Tackle Debt with a Shovel, Not a Spoon
Debt can feel like a mountain. Instead of trying to chip away at all your debts at once, focus your energy. List all your debts from smallest to largest. Make the minimum payments on all of them, but throw every extra dollar you can at the smallest one. Once it’s paid off, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment. Then, take all the money you were paying on that first debt and attack the next smallest one. This creates momentum and keeps you motivated.
5. Stop the Small Leaks
A small leak can sink a big ship. The daily coffee, the forgotten subscriptions, the impulse buys at the checkout counter—they all add up. Take 30 minutes to review your bank and credit card statements. Cancel any subscriptions you don’t use. Challenge yourself to pack a lunch a few more days a week. These small changes free up a surprising amount of money.
6. Use the 24-Hour Rule
Impulse buying was a big problem for me. It was an easy, temporary fix for a bad mood. The 24-hour rule helped break that cycle. If you see something you want to buy that isn’t a necessity, wait 24 hours. Don’t put it in your online cart. Just wait. After a day, the urge has often passed. If you still truly want it and it fits in your plan, then you can make a clear-headed decision.
7. Build a Small Safety Net
Life happens. Cars break down, people get sick. An emergency fund is a buffer between you and life’s unexpected costs. Your first goal shouldn’t be saving six months of expenses. That’s too intimidating. Start smaller. Your first goal is to save $500 or $1,000. Just having that small cushion can lower your stress levels immensely. It keeps a small problem from turning into a major financial crisis.
8. Find Your "Why"
Managing your money feels like a chore when it’s just about numbers. It becomes meaningful when it’s connected to your values and goals. Why do you want to get your finances in order? Is it to provide for your family? To have the freedom to be more generous? To feel a sense of peace and stewardship over what God has given you? Write down your “why” and put it somewhere you’ll see it. It will keep you going when you feel like giving up.
9. Celebrate Small Financial Wins
When I was losing weight, I didn’t wait until I’d lost all 110 pounds to feel good about myself. I celebrated the first five pounds. I celebrated a week of sticking to my plan. The same goes for your finances. Did you pay off a credit card? Celebrate it! Did you stick to your spending plan for a whole week? Acknowledge that win. These small victories build the confidence and momentum you need to keep going for the long haul.
10. Practice Generosity
This might seem backward when you’re trying to save money, but it’s the most important tip of all. Our faith teaches us that everything we have is a gift from God. We are merely stewards. When we give back to the Church and to those in need, it shifts our perspective. It breaks the hold that money can have on us. It reminds us that our security doesn’t come from our bank account, but from Him. Generosity fosters a spirit of gratitude and trust, which are the true foundations of financial peace.
Getting your finances in order is a journey, not a destination. You will make mistakes. But every small, positive step you take moves you from a place of anxiety to a place of peace. You can do this.
What is one small, simple step you can take today to feel more in control of your finances?
