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If you’ve ever felt like no matter how much money you make, it just seems to disappear, you’re not alone. Many creative entrepreneurs and photographers struggle with the same issue. The problem isn’t always how much money you make—it’s the habits running in the background of your daily life that are quietly keeping you broke.

Financial freedom isn’t just about increasing your income. It’s about understanding where your money is going, managing it intentionally, and building the right habits to support long-term wealth.

Let’s dive into 10 of the most common money habits that keep people stuck in financial stress—and, more importantly, how to break them for good.

1. Living Beyond Your Means

Spending more than you earn might not feel like a big deal, especially when everything is just a swipe or tap away. But when your expenses constantly match or exceed your income, it creates financial stress that’s hard to escape.

This habit often comes from lifestyle inflation—every time you make more, you also spend more. It feels like progress, but in reality, it keeps you stuck in the same financial position.

How to Fix It:

• Track your spending for 30 days to identify unnecessary expenses.
• Avoid upgrading your lifestyle every time your income increases.
• Follow a budgeting method that allows you to allocate money intentionally.

2. Avoiding Your Bank Account

Do you avoid checking your balance because you’re afraid of what you’ll see? Ignoring your finances doesn’t make the problem go away—it keeps you stuck in uncertainty.

When you don’t know exactly what’s coming in and going out, it’s easy to overspend and feel overwhelmed by your financial situation.

How to Fix It:

• Set a weekly money check-in to review your accounts and transactions.
• Use a simple tracking system to organize your income and expenses (grab my free Wealth Dashboard to make this easy!).
• Shift your mindset—your bank balance isn’t something to fear; you can only change things once you’re willing to face them.

3. Making Only Minimum Payments on Debt

If you’re only making minimum payments on your consumer debt, you’re keeping yourself trapped in a cycle that benefits lenders, not you. Interest continues to grow, and what seems like a manageable payment now can keep you in debt for years.

How to Fix It:

• Use the Snowball Method to pay off the smallest debt first for quick wins, or
• Try the Avalanche Method to tackle high-interest debt first and reduce overall interest.
• Start building an emergency fund so unexpected expenses don’t force you to rely on credit.

4. Not Having a Plan for Your Money (A.K.A. No Budget)

Call it what you want but a budget isn’t about restriction—it’s about intentionally directing your money where you want it to go. Without a financial plan, your money disappears into random expenses, and you end up wondering where it went.

How to Fix It:

• Find a budgeting system that works for you, whether it’s:
  • Zero-based budgeting (assigning every dollar a job, my personal method)
  • The 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings)
• Use a tool like my Wealth Dashboard to make tracking your income and spending effortless.
• Regularly review and adjust your budget—flexibility is key!

5. Not Planning for Irregular Expenses

Some expenses feel like surprises—but they’re usually predictable if you plan ahead. Things like annual subscriptions, car repairs, or holiday and gift shopping shouldn’t be financial emergencies.

How to Fix It:

• Set up a sinking fund for non-monthly expenses (a separate savings category for these predictable annual costs).
• Automate deposits into these funds regularly throughout the year.
• Track upcoming expenses so you’re never caught off guard.

6. Not Having an Emergency Fund

Unexpected expenses will happen. If you don’t have savings set aside, you’ll end up relying on credit cards or dipping into savings funds. Having an emergency fund gives you financial security and peace of mind, which is priceless if you ask me.

How to Fix It:

• Start small—the habit matters more than the amount. Even small amounts will build up over time.
• Open a separate high-yield savings account to avoid the temptation to spend it. Keeping it separate is key!
• Use it only for true emergencies—not impulse purchases or convenience. A new pair of shoes is not an emergency!

7. Impulse Buying

Ever gone to Target for “just one thing” and left with a cart full of items? Impulse spending adds up quickly and often distracts from bigger financial goals.

How to Fix It:

• Follow the 24-hour rule—wait a day before making non-essential purchases.
• Unsubscribe from promotional emails that tempt you to spend.
• Differentiate between wants vs. needs before making a purchase.

8. Thinking Like a Consumer Instead of an Investor

Most people spend money on things that lose value over time—clothes, gadgets, cars etc. But if you want to build wealth, you need to shift your mindset from consumer to investor.

How to Fix It:

• Invest in real assets that grow in value—think your retirement fund, ETFs or real estate. Or all of the above, find what works for you and your risk tolerance.
• Invest in yourself and your skills to increase your income earning potential.
• Before making a purchase, ask: Is this getting me closer to or further from my financial goals?

9. Relying on One Source of Income

Having a single source of income—like only offering one service in your business—puts you at risk if that income stream slows down. Millionaires don’t rely on just one income stream, and neither should you.

How to Fix It:

• Explore secondary income streams like digital products, stock photography, workshops or mentoring.
• Look into investment income (ETFs, real estate, or other passive income opportunities).
• View diversification as a way to future-proof your income.

10. Approaching Money with a Scarcity Mindset

The biggest habit keeping people broke? Believing they’re bad with money. Your mindset plays a huge role in your financial success. If you constantly tell yourself you’re not good with numbers or that you’ll never get ahead financially, you’ll keep proving yourself right.

How to Fix It:

• Rewrite your money beliefs: “I am capable of managing my finances successfully.”
• Use daily money affirmations (grab my free 100 Abundance Affirmations guide!).
• Celebrate small wins—every smart financial decision you make is progress.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Shift Your Money Habits!

Breaking these habits isn’t about being perfect—it’s about becoming aware of them and making small, consistent changes that will transform your financial future.

Free Resources to Help You Take Control of Your Finances:

• Shift your money mindset – 100 Affirmations for Abundance
• Track your income & expenses – Wealth Dashboard