Alright, welcome back, everyone!
Is personal finance really dependent upon your behavior? I get that question all the time.
My simple answer: Absolutely!
Today we’re digging into something foundational, something that underpins every choice you make with your money—your behavior.
Yep, we’re gonna talk about why personal finance is so dependent on your behavior.
Now, I know that when people think of “personal finance,” they usually imagine numbers, spreadsheets, or maybe an Excel sheet with budgets.
But at the heart of it? The core? It’s you—how you think, feel, and act with your money.
So let’s unpack that.
Why Behavior Matters More Than Numbers
Look, you could have all the knowledge in the world about interest rates, stock markets, and savings accounts. You could know exactly how to build wealth on paper, but if you don’t have the right habits, those numbers? They won’t mean much. Knowledge is powerful, yes. But it’s only as useful as your ability to apply it consistently.
So here’s the deal: personal finance is 80% behavior and only about 20% knowledge.
That’s right. So even if you’re someone who doesn’t love math or doesn’t have a background in finance, it’s okay!
The real magic lies in understanding yourself—your emotions, habits, and motivations around money.
Let’s Pause and Think: How Do You Feel About Money?
Take a moment and think about this: when you hear the word “money,” what emotions come up? Excitement? Stress? Fear? A bit of all of those? Those feelings tell a lot about your behavior. They shape how you spend, save, and invest.
The truth is, money touches everything in our lives. It’s not just something we earn, spend, or save. It’s deeply tied to our values, our sense of security, and our vision for the future. And because of that, money decisions are rarely, if ever, just about the numbers. They’re about our relationship with money.
Money is a reflection of our values.
It often shows what we prioritize, whether that’s family, travel, experiences, or security. It also taps into our sense of security and stability—Do I have enough? What if something happens? Am I on track?
Those questions reflect our drive for safety and control.
And beyond all that, money’s linked to our future dreams. It shapes our plans, our vision of success, and the type of life we imagine for ourselves and our loved ones.
So, in a way, money decisions are rarely just about math or logic.
They’re layered with meaning. And understanding that relationship with money—our emotions, our values, our sense of security—that’s a big step in taking real control of our financial lives.
Recommended: Reddit Personal Finance Beginner Tips
Understanding Your Money Behaviors
Okay, so let’s talk about some common behaviors around money. Knowing these patterns in yourself is the first step to making positive changes.
1. Impulse Spending
Ever been at the store, maybe Target or Amazon, and found yourself adding just one extra thing to the cart? Then another? And suddenly your cart’s full of stuff you didn’t even plan on buying? That’s impulse spending! And let me tell you, we’ve all been there.
Impulse spending isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing. But when it becomes a habit, it starts to sabotage our goals. Imagine this: you’re trying to save for a vacation, but each week you’re spending an extra $50 here and there on little purchases. By the end of the month, that’s $200 you could’ve saved. That’s a round-trip flight ticket in some cases!
So what drives impulse spending? Emotions.
We buy things to feel better, to reward ourselves, or maybe just to distract from stress. The key here is awareness. Once you recognize this pattern, you can start to control it instead of letting it control you.
2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
FOMO can be a sneaky financial trap. You’re scrolling on social media, and you see your friends going on vacations, buying new cars, or dining out at fancy restaurants. It’s tempting, right? You start thinking, “Well, if they can do it, why shouldn’t I?”
But here’s the thing: just because others are spending doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you. FOMO can push you to make financial decisions that aren’t aligned with your goals. It’s a behavior rooted in wanting to “keep up,” but in reality, it can drain your savings and lead to debt.
The solution? Start focusing on your own journey.
Remind yourself why you’re saving and what you’re working toward. Keeping your own goals front and center can help you resist the temptation to spend just because everyone else seems to be.
3. Avoidance of Finances
This one’s common too. Maybe you’re someone who avoids looking at bank statements, doesn’t check your account balance, or even shies away from monitoring your credit.
I get it; sometimes, it’s easier to not look than to face what’s in front of us, especially if we know we’ve overspent or suspect our credit isn’t where we’d like it to be.
But avoidance is one of the most damaging behaviors because it keeps us from taking control. It’s like driving a car without looking at the road—you’re just hoping for the best.
Ignoring your credit, in particular, can have long-term consequences that only get tougher to deal with over time. The good news? Taking one small step at a time, like checking your balance or reviewing your credit report once a week, can help you build confidence.
Baby steps lead to big changes. Signing up for a credit repair service if you see your credit is in bad shape.
The Power of Small, Consistent Habits
Now, let’s get into the real heart of changing these behaviors—habits.
Habits are the building blocks of financial success. Think of each small habit as a brick in a wall. The more positive habits you build, the stronger your financial foundation becomes.
Start with Simple Steps
You don’t need a dramatic overhaul to improve your finances. Small steps can make a huge difference over time.
- Automate Your Savings – Set up a small automatic transfer from your checking account to a savings account each payday. Even if it’s just $10, it builds the habit.
- Use the 24-Hour Rule for Big Purchases – If you’re considering a big purchase, give yourself 24 hours to think about it. Often, that pause is enough to realize you don’t actually need or want the item.
- Track One Expense Category – Start by tracking just one area of your spending, like dining out. This will give you insight into where your money is going without overwhelming you.
Good read: Guide to Spending Money Wisely and Credit Repair
Why Consistency Beats Perfection
You don’t have to be perfect with your money, but consistency is key. Imagine if you save just $5 a day. At the end of the year, that’s over $1,800! It doesn’t sound like much day-to-day, but over time, it builds up. Consistency creates momentum, and momentum builds wealth.
How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Stick To
One reason people fall off the wagon with financial goals is that they set ones that are too big or vague. Let’s make those goals more practical and achievable.
1. Start Small
Instead of saying, “I want to save $10,000 this year,” start with something smaller and more immediate: “I want to save $500 in the next three months.” Achieving smaller goals will give you the confidence to aim higher over time.
2. Make it Specific
If your goal is to “save more,” that’s a great idea, but it’s also too vague. Make it something concrete like, “I will save $200 per month by cutting back on eating out and redirecting that money into my savings account.” The more specific you are, the easier it is to follow through.
3. Track Your Progress
There’s something powerful about seeing your progress over time. Consider keeping a journal or using an app to track your financial journey. This can motivate you, especially during moments when you feel like you’re not making any progress.
The Role of Discipline in Personal Finance
Now, I know discipline sounds like a hard word. But discipline isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about making choices that serve your long-term well-being. It’s not easy at first, but it’s like any other muscle—the more you practice, the stronger it gets.
Imagine Your Future Self
A powerful way to build discipline is to imagine your future self. Think about where you want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years. What kind of life do you want? Do you want the freedom to travel, own a home, or start your own business? Every financial choice you make today is a step toward—or away from—that future. Keeping that vision in mind can help you stay disciplined, even when it’s tempting to spend.
Learning to Be Okay with Saying “No”
One of the toughest behaviors to change is learning to say “no.” It might mean turning down a dinner invite to save money or saying no to yourself when you’re tempted to splurge on something unnecessary. But here’s the silver lining: every “no” today is a “yes” to something better tomorrow.
Wrapping It Up: Why Your Behavior is Your Wealth
So, here’s the bottom line: you don’t need to be a financial expert to succeed with money.
You need to understand yourself, your habits, and your emotions around money. Every little habit, every choice, every “no” or “yes” adds up to create the life you want.
Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Each step you take to understand and improve your financial behavior is a step toward a more secure, stress-free future.
If credit issues are holding you back, that’s where we come in. At ASAP Credit Repair, we’re here to help you tackle those credit challenges so you can get back on track and build the financial foundation you deserve. Don’t let credit mistakes stand in the way of your financial goals. Reach out to ASAP Credit Repair today, and let’s start building that future together.
Alright, folks, I hope this conversation gave you some insight and inspiration! Take these ideas, reflect on them, and remember that small changes make a big difference. You’re building not just your wealth, but your peace of mind. Let’s keep growing together.