The Lie That Keeps People Broke
For years, I thought my money problems came down to one thing: I just needed to stop spending.
Every blog post. Every TikTok. Every financial guru was shouting the same thing:
"Just stop buying coffee. Just cancel the subscriptions. Just spend less."
So I tried it. I cut out takeout. I stopped buying clothes. I even skipped birthdays. And for a while? Sure—I saved a little. But the deeper problem? It was still there.
Because here’s the truth: spending less doesn’t fix the real issue if your money system is broken.
 |
| Cutting back hurts—but it hurts more when it still doesn’t solve the problem. |
Spending Less Is a Bandage, Not a Cure
Let’s say your paycheck is barely covering your bills. So you cut out the $5 latte. Cool. Now you have $5.
But what about rent? Debt? Emergencies? Your income didn’t change. Your habits didn’t shift. You’re still surviving, not building.
That’s why I say this: frugality can’t fix what financial clarity is supposed to handle.
You don’t need a tighter grip—you need a better plan.
In this post on financial planning for beginners, I shared what changed everything for me: tracking, purpose, and automation. That’s where your money starts listening to you.
The Real Reason Most People Stay Broke
You can’t out-save a broken system. You need to build one that works.
Here’s what I learned the hard way:
1. I didn’t know where my money was going.
Budgeting felt boring—until I saw how my bank account leaked cash like a broken faucet.
2. I didn’t give my money a job.
Every dollar just floated around, reacting to my moods. Groceries? Maybe. Impulse buys? Sure. A plan? Nowhere.
3. I only focused on saving—not earning.
No one told me that the fastest way to financial freedom isn’t cutting back—it’s earning more.
That mindset shift is why I wrote this guide to easy online hustles. Earning on the side changed my options, not just my budget.
 |
| Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about direction. |
Why “Just Save” Advice Feels So Empty
Because it’s out of context.
People say "spend less" without asking:
- How much do you earn?
- Are your needs even being met?
- Do you have debt, trauma, or responsibilities others don’t see?
One of my favorite quotes is:
"Telling someone drowning to just drink less water is cruel."
Saving works when your income allows it. Otherwise, it becomes another form of guilt.
Instead, I focused on this question: What do I want my money to do for me?
And suddenly, it stopped being about lack. It became about direction.
What Finally Fixed It for Me
Here’s what actually changed my situation:
✅ I tracked every dollar (without judgment).
Not to shame myself—but to see the patterns clearly.
✅ I created a 3-bucket system.
- Essentials (survive)
- Goals (grow)
- Joy (live)
Even $10 got split that way. It gave my money rhythm.
✅ I started earning with purpose.
That meant trying online hustles, selling skills, using ChatGPT for income—anything that gave me breathing room.
 |
| Every dollar has a job—and when it does, you breathe easier. |
So Should You Stop Spending?
No. You should start spending on purpose.
Ask these three questions before you buy anything:
- Will this help me survive?
- Will this help me grow?
- Will this make my life better in 7 days—not just 7 minutes?
The goal isn’t to spend less. The goal is to spend better.
Final Thoughts
They said "Just spend less."
But what they should’ve said is: Get intentional. Build a system. Change the story.
Cutting costs helps. But clarity? That’s what frees you.
And you don’t need to wait to start. One tracked expense, one better decision, one new side hustle—that’s how it begins.
FAQ
Q: Is saving even worth it if I earn very little?
Yes—but focus on building habits first. Even saving $1 builds the muscle.
Q: What’s the best way to track spending?
Try a free app, a note in your phone, or old-school paper. What matters is consistency.
Q: Should I pay debt or save first?
Do both if you can. A small emergency fund + minimum debt payments is a strong start.
Let’s Talk
What part of your money story are you ready to rewrite? What advice have you outgrown?
Drop a comment—I read them all. And if you want more no-fluff money posts like this, subscribe by email. I’ll send them straight to you.
Let’s build better—not just tighter.