Hey there, and welcome to Earnologie — I’m so glad you’re here!
If you’re just starting your money journey, or you’ve made a few mistakes along the way (we all have!), this post is for you.
The truth is, nobody teaches us how to handle money the right way. We’re thrown into adult life with bills, rent, debt, and no manual. But the good news? It’s never too late to learn, and small habits can make a huge difference.
Here are 10 simple money habits I wish I had started earlier, and I think you’ll find them helpful too.
- Start Tracking Where Your Money Goes
I used to wonder, “Why is my money always gone at the end of the month?” Then I started tracking every little expense, and wow. Those small things add up fast. Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or an app like Mint -anything that helps you see your money. If you don’t do it from now, you’re in danger. Knowing your expenses is an art that allows you to customize your cash. It will alert you every time in your mind when you’re about to do something with your money.
- Set Goals That Excite You
Saving just for the sake of saving? Boring.
Saving just for the sake of saving? Boring. But saving for something you want — like a trip, your dream car, or starting your own business — that’s powerful. Set goals that mean something to you. You’ll stick to them way more easily. After all, saving is saving, don’t touch them to spend, otherwise this point will be pointless. If you don’t have a habit of saving money, try using a fixed deposit account.
- Make a Budget That Works for You
I used to think budgeting was restrictive — but it gave me freedom. I knew where every dollar was going and finally felt in control.
Try the 50/30/20 rule:
50% for needs
30% for wants
20% for savings or debt
And tweak it however fits your life.
Well, besides these rules, if you can cut out 5% from any of them for personal investing, that will be a plus for you.
- Build a Safety Net (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
Emergencies don’t send calendar invites. Even just saving your first $500 can keep you out of panic mode when your tire blows out or your phone dies. Over time, aim to build up 3–6 months of living expenses. Today or tomorrow, that fund will help you to overcome the situation. Because I fall into these types of situations sometimes, even now! No one there will be sitting for you to lend you any amount, even though they have.
- Stay Away From Bad Debt
Let’s be real, swiping a credit card or doing “buy now, pay later” feels great in the moment. But that moment fades fast when the bills hit. Trust me, I’ve been there. What starts as a harmless purchase can turn into months (even years) of trying to dig your way out.
Bad debt — like high-interest credit cards, payday loans, or installment plans for things you didn’t truly need doesn’t just cost money. It steals your peace of mind. You feel stuck, stressed, and overwhelmed.
Here’s a mindset shift that helped me: if I can’t pay it off this month, I don’t buy it. No guilt. No fear of missing out. Just the confidence of knowing I’m building something better for myself.
- Use Credit Cards Like a Tool, Not a Crutch
Credit cards are powerful, but they’re also dangerous if you misuse them. I used to think of my credit card as extra income. It wasn’t. It was a trap.
Now I treat my credit card like a debit card. I only spend what I can pay off in full before the due date. No interest. No stress. And the benefits? They’re real.
- I’ve built a strong credit score (which helped me get better rent deals and cheaper car insurance)
- I earn cashback on things I was buying anyway
- I get fraud protection that debit cards don’t always offer
So no — credit cards aren’t evil. But they’re a bit like fire: helpful when you control it, destructive when you don’t.
- Start Investing — Even If It’s Just $20 a Month
One of my biggest regrets? Not starting sooner.
I used to think you needed thousands of dollars to invest. That’s simply not true. With platforms like Fidelity, Robinhood, or Vanguard, you can start with as little as $20 a month, seriously.
That’s less than a night out, but over time, it can grow into thousands thanks to compound interest. Investing isn’t about timing the market or picking the next big stock; it’s about consistency and patience.
Start small. Set it to auto-invest in a simple index fund like the S&P 500. Then just let it grow.
You don’t have to be rich to invest, but investing can help you become rich.
- Live Slightly Below Your Means
This one changed everything for me. For years, I earned just enough to get by, and I spent just enough to stay broke.
Then I made a small shift: I started living on 90% of my income. That extra 10%? It went to savings, investments, and debt payments. Slowly, I started to build a cushion. Then momentum. Then freedom.
Living below your means doesn’t mean being boring or never enjoying life. It just means making smarter, more intentional choices.
Instead of 5 food deliveries a week, I do 2 and cook the rest. I still buy clothes I love, but I wait for sales and skip the impulse buys. The goal isn’t to feel deprived. The goal is to feel in control.
- Learn Just Enough About Taxes
I used to ignore taxes until the last minute, and every year, I’d regret it.
Then I decided to understand just the basics. Not everything is just enough to make better decisions. Like:
- How tax brackets work
- What counts as a deductible expense
- Why tracking income and expenses helps if you freelance or have a side hustle
Now I keep simple records, use tools like TurboTax, and watch a few helpful YouTube explainers before tax season. That little bit of effort has saved me hundreds and lots of headaches.
You don’t need to be a tax expert. But don’t let the system take more from you than it should.
- Set It and Forget It — Automate Everything
This might be the easiest money habit on this list and also the most powerful.
Here’s what I did: I logged into my bank app and set up an automatic transfer of $25 from checking to savings every payday. That’s it. No stress. No “I’ll do it later.” No forgetting.
Six months later, I had hundreds saved without even noticing it.
You can do the same with:
- Savings: for emergencies or big goals
- Investing: through robo-advisors or brokerage accounts
- Bill payments: so you never miss a due date
Automation removes human error from your finances. You make the decision once, and let systems work for you in the background.
You don’t need to be perfect with money. You just need to be intentional. Start with one or two of these habits. Stick to them. Let them become your new normal. And before you know it, you’ll feel more confident, less stressed, and more in control of your future. Thanks for stopping by Earnologie, and stay tuned. I’ve got lots more helpful tips, stories, and guides coming your way.
