The Financial Habits That Helped Me Achieve My Goals

When I look back on my journey—building a career, supporting my family as a single mom, and chasing my dreams—there’s one thing I know for sure: none of it would have been possible without a few solid financial habits. Money can feel like a roadblock when you’re trying to grow, but it can also be a tool for freedom and opportunity if you use it wisely.

Here’s a look at some of the financial habits I’ve developed over the years that have been game-changers for me.

I Got Honest About My Spending

There was a time when I avoided looking at my bank account because, honestly, it stressed me out. But I realized that burying my head in the sand wasn’t helping me get ahead. So, I started tracking everything.

I created a simple spreadsheet (nothing fancy!) to track income, bills, and every coffee run or impulse buy. Seeing where my money was going helped me cut out unnecessary expenses and focus on what mattered. It wasn’t about depriving myself—it was about making intentional choices.

I Built a Budget That Worked for Me

I used to think of budgets as restrictive like they’d suck the fun out of life. But I learned that a good budget isn’t about saying "no" to everything—it’s about saying "yes" to your priorities.

For me, that meant focusing on things like saving for my daughter’s future, building an emergency fund, and setting aside money for experiences we could enjoy together. I also gave myself a "fun" category so I didn’t feel guilty about treating myself occasionally.

I Learned to Save Before I Spent

I adopted the mindset of "paying myself first." As soon as I got paid, I’d transfer a percentage into savings before touching anything else. At first, it was just 5%, but I gradually worked my way up.

This habit built my emergency fund and helped me invest in opportunities I once thought were out of reach—like getting my MBA, starting my business, and even taking trips that enriched my life.

I Got Comfortable Saying ‘No’

One of the hardest lessons I learned was saying "no" to things that didn’t align with my goals. Whether it was an expensive night out with friends or buying something just because it was on sale, I started asking myself: Does this bring me closer to my goals or pull me further away?

It’s not always easy to say no, especially when you want to keep up with others. But I reminded myself that every “no” was a “yes” to something bigger—like my dreams of owning a home and creating financial stability for my family.

I Focused on Building Multiple Income Streams

Relying on one source of income felt too risky. Over time, I started exploring ways to diversify my earnings. Whether it was freelance work, a side hustle, or investing in skills that could lead to promotions, I kept looking for opportunities to grow.

Building multiple income streams not only gave me financial security but also helped me feel more empowered. It taught me that I wasn’t stuck—I could create options for myself, even when things felt tough.

I Invested in Myself

One of the best financial decisions I ever made was investing in me. Whether it was taking courses, attending workshops, or starting my own business, I viewed these expenses as stepping stones to something greater.

It wasn’t always easy to spend money on things that didn’t provide an immediate return, but I knew I was playing the long game. And let me tell you—it paid off.

I Set Clear Goals and Stayed Focused

I used to think financial freedom was this big, abstract concept. But when I broke it down into specific goals—like saving $10,000 for an emergency fund or paying off a credit card—it became so much more achievable.

I kept my goals visible (literally—I wrote them on sticky notes!) and checked in on them regularly. Every time I hit a milestone, I celebrated, which motivated me to keep going.

The Payoff

These habits didn’t just help me reach my goals—they gave me a sense of control over my life. I’m proud to say I’ve been able to achieve things I once thought were out of reach, like buying a home, starting my own business, and building a stable foundation for my family.

Most importantly, these habits taught me that financial success isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how you use what you have to create the life you want.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by finances, start small. Pick one habit to focus on, and build from there. Trust me, little by little, those small changes will add up to something incredible.