Habits to Stop Worrying and Start Making Money

We’ve all been there—lying awake at night, thoughts spiraling around unpaid bills, unexpected expenses, and the never-ending question of “Will I ever be financially secure?” It’s exhausting. The beneficial news? You’re not alone, and even better—you can change this narrative.

Imagine if, instead of stressing about money, you could focus that energy on building wealth. It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. In fact, it all boils down to changing a few key habits. Yes, habits. Because at the end of the day, financial security isn't about winning the lottery—it's about consistently doing the small things that add up over time.

Let’s dive into some simple, effective habits you can start today to stop worrying and build your financial future.

Start with Your Mindset

You might think this is a fluff suggestion, but it’s far from it. If you constantly feel like you’re “bad with money” or that you’ll never escape financial stress, then guess what? That’s exactly where you’ll stay. But change that mindset, and things start to shift.

Here’s the thing: Your brain believes what you tell it. So instead of thinking, “I’ll never have enough,” start saying, “I’m learning how to manage my money better every day.” It sounds small, but this shift in thinking helps rewire your brain from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance.

• Action Step: Write down one financial goal today—something achievable like saving $50 this month. Now, visualize what that success feels like. It’s not magic, but it sets the stage for bigger wins.

Create a Budget You Actually Enjoy

I know, the word “budget” probably makes you cringe. For many of us, budgeting feels restrictive, like a diet where you’re constantly depriving yourself. But what if your budget could be designed around the things you love? Imagine giving yourself permission to spend on things that bring joy while still saving.

Let me share a personal example: I used to hate budgeting until I started calling it my “spending plan.” That little change gave me control over my money. I knew I was setting aside cash for things I love—like traveling and going out to eat—while still ensuring I was saving for future goals.

• Action Step: Make a list of your priorities—fun and necessary. Then build your budget around them. Suddenly, you’ll feel less deprived and more empowered.

Automate your savings—out of sight, out of mind.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Pay yourself first”? It’s a game-changer. The easiest way to stop worrying about money is to make saving automatic. That way, you don’t even have to think about it—it just happens.

Statistics show that those who automate their savings are far more likely to reach their financial goals. Why? Because the decision is taken out of their hands. It’s automatic, just like your rent or Netflix subscription.

• Action Step: Set up an automatic transfer that takes a small amount—say $20—from your checking account to your savings right after you get paid. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it adds up.

Stop Impulse Spending

Let’s be real—how often have you bought something on a whim and regretted it later? Impulse purchases are sneaky little drains on your finances. It’s like a slow leak in your boat—you don’t notice it right away, but over time, it can sink you.

To avoid impulse spending, create a “cooling-off period.” When you see something you want, wait 24 hours before buying it. More often than not, you’ll find that the desire fades, and you end up saving money.

• Action Step: Next time you’re tempted to buy something unplanned, put it on a 24-hour hold. If you still want it tomorrow and it fits your budget, go for it. If not, your wallet will thank you.

Invest in yourself.

Here’s a secret: One of the best ways to start making more money is to invest in you. This doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands on a degree. Sometimes, small investments like taking a course, learning a new skill, or even networking can pay huge dividends.

A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that individuals who continually build their skills and education earn significantly more over their lifetime than those who don’t. So, if you’re not investing in yourself, you’re leaving money on the table.

• Action Step: Pick one area you want to improve in—whether it’s taking an online class or learning about investments. Start small, but start now.

Track your progress and celebrate your wins.

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you’re not getting anywhere financially? This often happens because we forget to track our progress. Overfocusing on what we haven't done makes us miss what we have.

Here’s a quick example: I once worked with someone who was paying off a mountain of debt. She felt discouraged because she still had so much left. But when she started tracking every payment and celebrating each one, her mindset shifted. What seemed impossible now felt doable because she could see her progress.

• Action Step: Start tracking your financial wins, no matter how small. Paid off $100 on a credit card? Celebrate it! Every little win brings you closer to your goal.

Surround yourself with positive influences.

They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, who’s in your circle? If you’re constantly surrounded by people who stress about money or make poor financial choices, it can rub off on you.

Instead, seek out people who inspire you to be better with money—whether it’s friends, mentors, or even following financial experts on social media. Surrounding yourself with positivity will motivate you to stick to your financial habits.

• Action Step: Find one positive influence you can learn from—whether it’s a book, podcast, or person—and commit to engaging with them regularly.

Conclusion:

Here’s the truth: Worrying about money doesn’t change your situation—taking action does. And while it might feel overwhelming at first, just remember that small steps lead to big changes. Don't finish right away, but start.

So, what’s one habit you’re going to begin today? Whether it’s automating your savings, creating a fun budget, or investing in yourself, the power is in your hands. Your future self will thank you.

Call to Action: Ready to stop worrying and start building wealth? Pick one habit from this list and take action today. Share your progress or challenges in the comments—let’s do this together!