The Wake-Up Call We All Need
Have you ever checked your bank account and felt your stomach drop? Maybe you expected more money to be there, or maybe you already knew things were tight—but seeing the actual number still hurt.
It’s easy to blame the bank balance itself. “I don’t make enough.” “Bills keep piling up.” “Unexpected expenses always mess things up.”
But here’s the truth: your bank balance is just a symptom, not the cause.
If your finances aren’t where you want them to be, the real problem isn’t the number on the screen—it’s the decisions, habits, and systems (or lack of) that led to it. Fix those, and your bank balance will follow.
Why Money Problems Are Usually Not About Money
Most people think their financial struggles come from not earning enough. But if that were true, wouldn’t high earners always be wealthy? The reality is that many people who make six figures are still living paycheck to paycheck.
The real reasons people struggle financially usually fall into two categories:
1. Lack of Information
Most of us were never taught how to manage money properly. We learn math in school but not how to budget, save, or invest. Without a clear plan, we end up making financial decisions based on emotions, habits, or what society tells us we should be doing.
2. Lack of Self-Discipline
Even when we know what we should do, it’s hard to stay consistent.
- We impulse buy things we don’t need.
- We take on debt to “keep up” with others.
- We tell ourselves we’ll save later… but later never comes.
How to Fix the Problem (So Your Bank Balance Fixes Itself)
Instead of focusing on the number in your account, shift your focus to the habits and decisions behind it. Here’s where to start:
1. Track Where Your Money Actually Goes
Many people have no idea where their money is going each month. Spend a little time looking over the transactions in your bank account(s) for the last 30 days—you’ll likely find areas where you can cut back without sacrificing your quality of life.
2. Have a Spending Plan (Not Just a Budget)
Budgets tell you what you should do, but a Spending Plan gives your money a purpose. A good plan ensures your bills, savings, and even fun money are all accounted for—before you even spend a cent.
3. Automate Your Savings
If saving is an afterthought, you’ll never do it consistently. Instead, treat your savings like a bill—set up an automatic transfer every payday. Start small if you need to, but make it a non-negotiable habit.
4. Stop Emotional Spending
Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
Do I actually need this? Will I regret this later? Is there a better use for this money?
If you take a moment to pause, you’ll avoid a lot of impulse spending regrets.
5. Invest in Your Financial Education
The best way to break the cycle is to learn how money really works. Read books, listen to podcasts, or work with a Spending Planner to build a system that works for you.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Results
Your bank balance is like a mirror—it reflects the financial habits and decisions you’ve made over time. The good news? You don’t need to make a huge income to have financial security. You just need to make better choices with what you already have.
Fix the root cause, and the numbers will take care of themselves.
What’s the first step you’ll take today?
Until next time,
David Wright