Think you’re just “bad with money”? Think again.These 5 practical steps can help anyone gain control, improve their financial habits, and build a better future.

Do you avoid looking at your finances because you feel like you’re just “not good with money”? You’re not alone—but that mindset can hold you back from building the life you want.

Here’s the truth: being good with money isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you learn. And it doesn’t require a finance degree or a huge income. You just need to start with a few simple habits that can shift your perspective and strengthen your financial foundation.

These five practical, beginner-friendly steps can help anyone improve their relationship with money—starting today.

1. Track Your Spending (Every Cent Counts)

You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

If you feel like your money disappears without knowing where it went, it’s probably because you’re not tracking your spending. The good news? It’s easier than ever to do.

Try using tools like:

Rocket Money– Great for seeing your income, expenses, and investments in one place
You Need a Budget (YNAB) – Ideal if you want to go deeper and build a proactive budget
Working with a financial planner – Many offer modern apps alongside personalized guidance

When you track where your money goes, you’re better equipped to make intentional decisions, not just reactive ones.

Or you could take it a step further and not just track your spending, but build a budget to keep that spending on track. You Need a Budget is a popular option to help you control your cash flow.

2. Align Your Spending With What You Truly Value

Once you start tracking your money, you’ll likely have a few lightbulb moments. It’s important to stay honest with yourself and face the truth about how you’re spending money (rather than hiding from it!).

Maybe you spend way more than you thought on nights out with friends or shopping and delivery apps. Or you constantly feel like you’re short on cash—yet your budget reveals it’s being drained by things that don’t add lasting value. Little purchases can add up fast!

That’s where mindful spending comes in.

Ask yourself:

Is this expense supporting the life I want?
Would I rather use this money toward something bigger?

Spending isn’t bad. But spending without intention can cost you opportunities, like saving for a home, traveling, or reaching financial freedom.

3. Shift Your Money Mindset

Changing how you think about money can make a powerful difference.

Comedian Whitney Cummings shared that she started replacing the word “money” with “freedom” when making financial choices, leading to a major perspective shift:

“For example, if I was wondering about putting money into my 401(k), which I’m always hesitant to do because I want to see the money in my account now, I’d ask myself ‘Should I put some freedom into my 401(k) so I have some freedom when I get older?’…All of a sudden, it was a no-brainer.”

This small mindset shift helped her prioritize long-term goals over short-term wants.

Try it for yourself. When you see money as a tool to gain freedom and choice, it becomes easier to stick to habits that build that reality.

4. Automate to Make Saving Effortless

Being good with money doesn’t mean being super disciplined—it means working smarter, not harder.

One of the smartest habits? Automation.

Set up:

Direct deposit into checking and savings accounts
Automatic transfers to savings or retirement accounts
Recurring contributions to investment accounts

By automating your finances, you’re paying yourself first—and making good decisions without relying on daily willpower.

The less you have to debate whether to spend or save the money in your account, the easier it becomes to stay consistent.

5. Don’t Do It Alone: Get Support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help.

Modern financial planners do much more than investment management. Many specialize in helping young professionals and everyday people take control of their money.

A good financial planner can help you:

Set realistic financial goals
Create a flexible, achievable action plan
Support you through big financial decisions
Keep you accountable—like a coach for your money

And today’s advisors aren’t just for the wealthy. Many offer flat fees or subscription pricing that’s accessible for people just getting started, regardless of age or income level.

It’s Time to Take That First Step

You don’t need to master everything overnight. You just need to start.

Whether it’s tracking your spending, building a simple budget, setting up one automatic savings transfer, or hiring a fee-based financial planner, each step adds up—and gets you closer to feeling confident and in control of your financial life.

The best time to get better with money is right now!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Finivi Inc. makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of linked third-party content and assumes no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from its use. External links do not imply endorsement.