🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.
1. Simplify Your Budget to Keep More Money
You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet to take control of your money.
You just need to see where it’s actually going every month.
A simple plan works best when you:
Stick to the same budget method each month instead of constantly switching.
Group your expenses into just three categories. Needs, wants, and savings.
Track your money daily for five minutes while sipping your morning coffee.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set up automatic transfers so your paycheck divides itself the moment it hits your account.
Make It Easy: Consider using a Betterment Cash Reserve Account to automatically split your savings into goals like travel or an emergency fund.
2. Eliminate Small Daily Spending Habits
Those $8 coffees and $15 takeout meals add up faster than you think.
It’s not about cutting joy. It’s about cutting autopilot spending.
You’ll save faster when you:
Replace one daily expense (like coffee) with a homemade version.
Set weekly “spending limits” for personal splurges.
Review bank alerts to catch recurring charges you forgot existed.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick one thing you buy daily and switch to a cheaper alternative this week. Start small but stay consistent.
Make It Easy: Consider grabbing a stainless-steel travel mug to make your coffee at home and take it to go.
3. Aim to Save 50% from Every Paycheck
It sounds wild, but saving half isn’t impossible. It’s just strategic.
You’ll hit that $50K mark way faster when you make saving automatic.
To get there, you can:
Start with 10% and raise your savings rate every month until you reach 50%.
Treat savings like a bill you must pay before anything else.
Keep lifestyle inflation in check when your income goes up.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Automate savings straight from your paycheck into a separate account the same day you get paid.
Make It Easy: Open a Betterment Cash Reserve Account to watch your savings grow and earn competitive returns while staying flexible.
4. Lower Your Biggest Monthly Expenses
If you can slash rent, car, or utility costs. Even slightly. You’ll save thousands a year.
These big wins matter more than skipping your morning latte (sorry, coffee lovers).
Look for smart cuts like:
Negotiating your rent or finding cheaper housing nearby.
Refinancing loans or car payments to lower monthly costs.
Comparing insurance providers to eliminate overpriced plans.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Review your three largest expenses and see which one you can lower this month through a call or switch.
Make It Easy: Try Insurify to compare insurance quotes instantly and find cheaper rates in minutes.
5. A Side Hustle Will Boost Your Savings Account
If you can spare a few hours a week, a side hustle can turn your goals from “someday” to “soon.”
The secret is picking something simple that fits your lifestyle.
Easy side gigs that work:
Delivery apps like Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart for flexible hours.
Renting out items on Neighbor.com or Fat Llama for passive cash.
Freelance services like writing, editing, or design for extra weekend money.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set aside two hours this weekend to sign up for one side hustle and complete your first gig.
Make It Easy: Use KeeperTax to track deductions and keep more money from your side hustle income come tax season.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).
