- Stack small, repeatable actions; stop chasing perfect.
- See your money daily: quick account scan + spend log.
- Run a plan: simple budget, weekly review, pay target debt first.
- Plug leaks & earn more: cut 3 expenses, add a micro‑income move.
- Stay in the race: schedule rewards, family money huddles, and no new debt.
If you’re waiting to “feel ready,” debt will always feel bigger than you. Start small, stack wins, and let consistency do the flexing.
Why this works: These moves are simple on purpose. They’re built to be repeated (not perfected) so your progress compounds week after week.
Quick Start (2 minutes)
- Screenshot this post and set a reminder to review it every Sunday.
- Pick 3 moves to execute for the next 7 days. That’s it.
Money Move vs. Money Trap
Move: Repeat tiny actions.
Trap: Waiting for the “perfect plan.”
The 23 Money Moves
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Give yourself grace. Your journey won’t be perfect—only consistent.
Try this: When you slip, write one sentence: What did this teach me? -
Check your bank account daily. You can’t change what you don’t see.
Try this: 30‑second scan for errors, auto‑drafts you don’t use, and weird fees. -
Track your spending. Awareness beats willpower.
Try this: One category a day (groceries today, gas tomorrow) instead of everything at once. -
Surround yourself with people on the same mission. Environment > motivation.
Try this: Text a friend: “Debt sprint this month? 2 check‑ins a week.” -
Shift from poverty mindset to prosperity mindset. Scarcity says “I can’t.” Prosperity asks “How can I?”
Try this: Replace “I’m broke” with “I’m funding priorities.” -
Create a simple budget. Call it a spending plan if that feels lighter.
Try this: 50/30/20 is a starting point, not a rule—use your big‑picture bumpers. -
Review your budget weekly. The plan only works if it evolves.
Try this: 10‑minute Friday “money stand‑up.” -
Write a debt‑payoff plan. Name the balance, the payment, and the order.
Try this: Avalanche (highest interest first) or Snowball (smallest first)—just start. -
Cut 3 expenses this week. Tiny leaks sink big ships.
Try this: Subscriptions, delivery fees, duplicate streaming. -
Have the tough talk with yourself. Honesty ends drift.
Try this: Journal prompt: What’s one habit that keeps me stuck—and what’s the smallest next step? -
Hold a family money huddle. Clarity creates teamwork.
Try this: 20 minutes, same day, weekly. Wins, challenges, next actions. -
Tell the whole truth about your numbers. Numbers are neutral; hiding makes them heavy.
Try this: List balances, due dates, and minimums—all in one note. -
Increase your income. You can’t shrink your way to freedom forever.
Try this: Overtime, freelance shift, micro‑side gig, sell 3 items this weekend. -
Educate yourself—consistently. One new concept a week beats binge‑learning and forgetting.
Try this: 20‑minute “money lesson” on Sundays. -
Eat out less (no, really). Food creep is real.
Try this: Cap dining out to X times/week and pre‑decide where. -
Never shop without a list. Stores are designed to win impulse battles.
Try this: Notes app checklist. If it’s not on the list, it’s a next‑week maybe. -
If it’s not budgeted and not a need, put it back. Future‑you says, "Thanks!"
Try this: 48‑hour pause for wants. -
Stop adding new debt. You can’t bail water while drilling new holes.
Try this: Freeze cards—literally. Or remove them from autofill. -
Choose discipline over motivation. Motivation starts; discipline finishes.
Try this: Two non‑negotiables daily: account check + spend log. -
Treat yourself on purpose. Celebrate each win —no matter how small—by planning a little reward.
Try this: Maybe it’s a $10 treat, your favorite coffee, or a simple night in with a good book and glass of wine. -
Plan ahead. Unplanned = expensive.
Try this: Sunday meal map, gift fund, car maintenance sinking fund. -
Believe debt freedom is possible for you. Not for “people like you”—for you.
Try this: “I’m a person who follows my plan.” (Say it when you pay a bill.) -
Adopt a positive money mantra. Your words train your actions.
Try this: “Every dollar gets a job that serves my goals.”
The 7‑Day Sprint (bookmark this)
- Day 1: List all debts + minimums.
- Day 2: Build a simple budget.
- Day 3: Cancel 3 subscriptions.
- Day 4: Sell 3 items.
- Day 5: Family money huddle.
- Day 6: Meal plan + grocery list.
- Day 7: Pay an extra $XX to your target debt.
Money Moves | Money Traps
Move: Automate the minimums; schedule extra on payday.
Trap: Paying “what’s left” (there’s never much left).
FAQ‑ish (quick hits)
Q: Snowball or Avalanche?
A: The best method is the one you’ll actually do—pick and go.
Q: How often should I check my accounts?
A: Daily. It takes 30 seconds and saves $$.
Q: What if I mess up?
A: You’re human. Reset by completing the next one right step.
Final Thought
Forget perfect. Start with repeatable. Your future self is counting on the tiny, boring wins you stack today.