5 Money Tips Moms Regret Not Following

🔎 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. Always Pay Yourself First

You know that magical feeling when payday hits, and you think, “This time, I’ll save”? Then the bills, groceries, and kid emergencies eat it all up.

Paying yourself first flips the script. You treat saving like a non-negotiable bill.

Here’s what makes this so powerful:

• Automatic saving means you never forget (or “accidentally” spend it).
  
• Financial breathing room helps you handle surprise expenses without panic.
  
• Confidence boost knowing you’re actually growing your money, not chasing it.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Set up automatic transfers to savings the same day your paycheck lands, even if it’s just $25.

Make It Easy: Use a Betterment Cash Reserve Account to automate savings and watch your emergency fund grow without effort.

2. Track Every Dollar You Spend for One Month

Ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Where did it all go?”

Tracking every dollar for 30 days gives you X-ray vision into your habits.

And a reality check you didn’t know you needed.

You’ll quickly see:

• Hidden leaks like subscriptions or random snacks that add up.
  
• Overspending triggers. Hello, Target “just browsing” runs.
  
• Better control when you know exactly where your money’s going.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Write down or log every purchase for 30 days, then sort them into needs, wants, and “how did that happen.”

Make It Easy: Grab a small pocket expense tracker notebook to jot down spending on the go.

3. Make Smart Purchases That Save Long-Term

Buying cheaply often costs more in the long run, and you know it.

The real trick is thinking in cost per use, not sticker price. What’s worth paying more for now to save later?

Smart buys to consider:

• Quality appliances that last years instead of needing constant replacements.
  
• Reusable items like water bottles, storage bags, and cleaning cloths.
  
• Energy-efficient upgrades that lower your monthly bills.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Before buying, ask, “Will this save me money or time long-term?” If not, skip it.

Make It Easy: Try a smart energy-saving plug to automatically cut power when devices aren’t in use.

4. Build a Small Emergency Fund Before Anything Else

When life throws chaos at you (and it will), that emergency fund is your superhero cape.

Even $500 in the bank can stop a car repair or medical bill from wrecking your budget.

Here’s what you gain with one:

• Peace of mind knowing you’ve got backup for real-life surprises.
  
• Less debt since you won’t reach for credit cards in every crisis.
  
• Momentum. Saving gets easier once you see progress.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Open a separate account and set a tiny goal. $10 a week adds up faster than you think.

Make It Easy: Use Betterment Cash Reserve Account to automate transfers and grow your fund securely with high interest.

5. Stick to a Weekly Cash Spending Limit

When money’s tight, spending with cash keeps you accountable. and stops those “oops” swipes that sneak up.

Once you see the cash disappearing, you’ll think twice before buying another Starbucks cake pop for the kids.

Here’s how it helps:

• Built-in boundaries keep you from overspending without guilt.
  
• Better awareness of what things really cost.
  
• Less stress from unpredictable credit card bills.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Pull out your weekly spending cash on Sundays and separate it into labeled envelopes for food, fun, and extras.

Make It Easy: Use a cute envelope-style cash wallet to organize your weekly spending limits.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌