This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Your financial future is 100% within YOUR control
First, stop eating out for 1–2 quarters a year. Dining out will compromise the amount of change you keep in your pockets. Secondly, grocery shop only for the food you will eat. Did you know we waste 40% of our food every year? Imagine how much money we are wasting. Buy what you need, and buy what you like. If you know you’re not going to eat Brussel sprouts, don’t buy them. Also, freeze leftovers or other foods before they spoil!
Stop buying clothes. Most of us have too many clothes. So many clothes, we struggle to decide what to wear because we have too many options. Downsizing and keeping a limited selection of clothing saves you money and gives you time back since you won’t have to spend it pondering what you’re going to wear for the day.
Drop the expensive coffee habit. Instead, drink more water and make your coffee from home.
Limit your streaming services. If you haven’t used a streaming service all month, cancel it! Use free trials or bum off someone from your network of people you know. Streaming services add up quickly – especially with their consistently escalating prices. I know a lady who uses her third cousin’s streaming services; she pays for nothing.
Keep stuff in your house that you use. It’s easy to fill our homes with junk, but the reality is that we don’t need it. We don’t need most of the stuff in our homes. And there is a thing called “overdecorating.” Save yourself money and time on having to consistently “straighten up” by implementing a minimal look in your home. Embracing minimalism is also embracing more money in your pockets.
Don’t buy the newest version of your technology every year. Upgrades are kool – especially if you can afford them, but they aren’t necessary. Furthermore, the changes made to technology each year are minimal at best. Save some time shopping and some bucks by infrequently upgrading your technology and other gadgets (e.g., your car). You don’t need the newest version.
Watch your addictions. Many unproductive addictions (e.g., porn, sex, drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, impressing others, etc.) can become quite expensive. Implement self-discipline, therapy, and a 12-step program to defeat your addiction, saving you megabucks in the long run.
Increase your income yearly while keeping your costs exceedingly low. Not only will you pocket more money each year than you can invest, but your net worth will exponentially skyrocket.
Stop trying to impress people with your clothes, the car you drive, the house you live in, etc. It’s not worth it. The only person you need to impress is yourself. It’s an expensive lifestyle when you’re constantly trying to impress others. Lastly, don’t covet what others have. Be grateful for what you have now. Gratitude is a virtue that will take you far.
Desire less. The less you desire, the more you’ll have, and the more control you’ll have over your life.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.