Part 2: Does it spark joy? Before you buy...

I cannot stress enough how important it is to put at least $100 away every paycheck. As a minimalist I pay my utility and cell phone bills one check and rent the next check. As you can see, I get paid every two weeks. Sometimes that means I get three paychecks in a month.

I hide it from myself. Just like my tax refund, I instantly put it into Acorns.

If you're terrible at saving money, like I am, you need to actively hide money from yourself. Sounds silly right? But if you see that extra money, you'll think it's OK to eat out "just one more time."

So, to recap:

1. Get paycheck from work.
2. Pay bills and buy necessities.
3. Fill gas tank back up.
4. Put remaining balance or $100 into unseen account.


Hopefully your next big purchase will be an asset. Having to finance a little or nothing at all will save you the most money in the end. Here's an snippet from Acorns:

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A way to track your spending

Are you looking for an easy way to track your spending habits? Don't know where your money is going? Need to budget your money? This is the app for you!

Download Mint, take 15 minutes to add your accounts and set budgets.

I use this app daily. I have fun categorizing transactions and looking where my next budget cut is. When that cash flow number is green and positive, boy, that's a great feeling!

I'm not affiliated in any way, this is just a great finance app. It's no doubt a must have!

It's always a good idea to step back and get a good look at the bigger picture. After a month or two, you'll see those small day-to-day expenses add up real fast!
My top spending category is still fast food!

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We need to break the cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck

I'm Guilty of doing it..

You have a mere $25 in your account, 1/4 tank of gas in your vehicle. Your cell phone bill and credit card payment were due 3 days ago..

Yet, you got to McDonald's to get lunch and spend $10.

Did you know that eating out everyday for lunch at just $10 a day, will turn into $300 in a typical month! Yes, that's easy math.. but, where did you stop before work? Convenience store, maybe?

You need to take some of that paycheck and put it away.

One more time..

You need to take some of that paycheck and put it away.

Start with $20, then $50... $80... $100. Just remember debts come first. Save now, play later. Maybe you should try Acorns to put away your "spare change." Then just simply forget about it!

Did you know that 40% of adult Americans can't afford a $400 emergency? (Source: Forbes) That really opened my eyes up. I was one of them and I needed to do something about it! I hope you do as well!

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