How to Save Money (Even If You Feel Like You Can’t)

Let’s be honest:
Saving money when you're already stretched thin feels like a joke.
Groceries cost more than ever, your utility bill keeps creeping up, and that “extra money” you thought you had? Gone—usually before the month’s halfway point.

But here’s the truth no one tells you:
You don’t need to be debt-free or making six figures to start saving.
You just need a new approach—and permission to start small.

Because saving money isn’t about having extra—it’s about creating safety.
Even if you’re starting with $5.

If you've ever said, “I’ll save when I make more money,” this one’s for you.

Why Saving Feels So Hard (and Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Most of us weren’t taught how to save.
We were told to “be responsible” and “put money away,” but never shown how to do that while paying off debt, covering rising costs, or recovering from life happening.

Maybe you tried saving before, only to have it wiped out by car trouble or a surprise bill.
Or maybe you’ve been told you’re bad with money—when really, you were just never given tools that actually worked for your life.

Let’s throw out the shame and start fresh.

Saving isn’t about deprivation. It’s about building your flexibility fund—one baby step at a time.

Step 1: Flip the Script—Start With What You Can

Forget saving $10,000 this year.
Start with five bucks.

Saving isn’t about giant amounts. It’s about building the habit of putting yourself first.
Even a weekly $5 transfer into savings tells your brain: “I’m someone who saves now.”

It builds identity. Momentum. Confidence.
And eventually, a financial buffer you can count on.

This ties directly to Money Rule #2 from my free guide:
👉 Start saving for the future as early as possible—even in small amounts.

Still need the guide?
📥 Download the 7 Money Rules Free Guide

Step 2: Track Every Dollar for One Week (No Judgment)

Before you can save more, you’ve got to see where your money is actually going.

Track every dollar—yes, even the $2 coffee or random gas station snack.
Why? Because money leaks are sneaky. And awareness changes everything.

This isn’t about guilt—it’s about clarity.

You might discover:

• You’re paying for 3 streaming services you forgot you had
• $30–$50 a week is vanishing on impulse buys
• You’re spending more on takeout than you thought

Don’t overcomplicate this.
Use a notepad, an app, or the expense tracker inside my Financial Planner Bundle—whatever keeps it simple and judgment-free.

📒 Grab the Financial Planner Bundle ($47)

Step 3: Do a 3-Category Clean-Up

You don’t need to cancel everything. You just need to clean up the biggest leaks.

Focus here first:

1. Subscriptions

✔ Cancel anything you don’t use
✔ Pause the “maybe someday” ones

2. Food Spending

✔ Replace one takeout meal per week with an easy home option
✔ Batch cook and freeze meals to save time and money

3. Impulse Purchases

✔ Add a 24-hour rule: if it’s not essential, wait a day before buying

This one shift alone can free up $50–$200 a month.

Use that found money to start a savings account called “Peace of Mind”—and watch how fast it grows.

Step 4: Automate Anything You Can

Here’s the truth:
We don’t save what we intend—we save what we automate.

Set up:

• $5/week auto-transfer to savings
• Round-up apps like Acorns or Qapital to stash spare change
• Rename your savings account something fun like “Freedom Fund” or “Emergency Chill Account”

Out of sight = out of temptation.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about stacking little wins that add up.

Step 5: Add a Low-Energy Side Hustle to Boost Your Savings

If you’ve cut what you can and you’re still struggling to save—it might be time to bring in more income.
But it doesn’t have to mean burning yourself out.

That’s why I always share SendIt—my go-to side hustle for people who need money now without the stress of building a whole new business.

Here’s how it works:

📬 You handwrite and mail sweepstakes entries
📬 You get paid up to $5 per envelope
📬 SendIt provides all the instructions, updates, and addresses

No tech. No sales. No stress.
Just calm, focused work you can do while watching Netflix.

💌 10 envelopes = $50
💌 100 envelopes = up to $500/month
That’s your starter emergency fund—without relying on another job or gig app.

👉 Click here to learn more about SendIt

Step 6: Track Your Wins (So You Stay Motivated)

Saving money isn’t just about the number—it’s about the progress.

Use a simple savings tracker to:

• See how far you’ve come
• Celebrate milestones (even small ones)
• Stay focused when motivation dips

The Financial Planner Bundle includes tools to do exactly that:

• Savings tracker
• Income log
• Budget planner
• Credit tracker

All printable. All beginner-friendly.
All designed for people like us who need clarity—not clutter.

📒 Get the Financial Planner Bundle here

Understand Why Financial Literacy Really Matters

Saving isn’t just about having money in the bank—it’s about having options, safety, and less stress.
But here’s the thing: most of us were never taught why saving is so important or how it fits into bigger money decisions.
That’s where this free ebook comes in. It explains how financial illiteracy keeps people stuck—and why learning even the basics can change your future.

📘 Download the “How Money Works” Free Ebook Overview
It’s short, clear, and actually makes financial concepts make sense.

And if you want help walking through your own situation—
👉 Book a free financial intro strategy call with me and my gal Joy.
We’ll help you build a simple plan that feels doable for your life.

From Someone Still Saving (Right Alongside You)

I’m not speaking to you from a yacht.
I’m speaking to you from the trenches—where saving is an intentional choice I make every single week.

I still have bills. I still get blindsided by unexpected expenses.
But I’ve built a habit of saving anyway—and that’s changed everything.

You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to begin.

Start small.
Be consistent.
Build the muscle—so when life throws something at you, you’re ready.

📌 Here Are Your Next Steps:

✅ Download the 7 Money Rules Free Guide
✅ Get the Financial Planner Bundle ($47)
✅ Read the How Money Works - Free Ebook
✅ Book Your Free Intro Strategy Call

You’re not behind.
You’re just getting started—with better tools this time.

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I am not a medical professional, and the information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your skincare or wellness routine.