Ever feel like no matter how hard you try, there’s never enough money left at the end of the month?
You budget (kind of), try to save (sometimes), and avoid the big splurges, but somehow, your bank account still feels like it’s holding its breath.
It’s frustrating, especially when you see other people who seem always to have their finances together. What are they doing differently? Do they know some secret you don’t?
Here’s the truth: it’s not about making more money—it’s about the habits you build around it.
The good news? These habits of people who always have money aren’t complicated.
In fact, most are super simple changes you can start making today.
Let’s talk about 20 habits of people who always have money and how you can make them work in your real, everyday mom life.
Key Takeaways
- They’re intentional, not impulsive. – From shopping with a list to saying no to unnecessary extras, they pause and plan before they spend.
- They make money habits part of everyday life. – Budgeting, meal planning, checking accounts—these aren’t one-time things. They’re part of the weekly rhythm (like laundry and school drop-off).
- They simplify their systems. – No complicated spreadsheets or financial app overload. Just simple lists, reminders, and routines that actually work.
- They think long-term, even in the small stuff. – They know small savings now can lead to big wins later.
- They stay in learning mode. – They’re always picking up new tips, adjusting what isn’t working, and growing their money mindset one habit at a time.
20 Realistic Habits of People Who Always Have Money
1. They Track Their Spending
Ever open your bank app and think, “Where the heck did all my money go?” You’re not alone. One of the habits of people who always have money is tracking what’s coming in and what’s going out.
You don’t have to do any fancy—just write it down using something like my Monthly Bill Tracker or check in regularly so there are no surprises at the end of the month. It gives you a clear picture of your spending, so you’re not left guessing or hoping your balance holds.
2. They Set a Monthly Budget
The habits of people who always have money are simple and consistent budgeting. A budget doesn’t have to be this big, complicated spreadsheet. Start with a notepad or use my Chaos to Control Bundle!
One of the most common habits of people who always have money is giving every dollar a job—so there’s less guesswork and way fewer “oops” moments during the month. It’s not about restriction. It’s about having a plan that works with your life.
3. They Save Automatically
Setting up an auto-transfer—even just $10 a week—takes the pressure off and helps you build a little cushion without thinking about it.
The people who always seem to have money usually make saving automatic because it keeps the habit going without extra effort. It’s one of those quiet, behind-the-scenes habits of people who always have money that builds confidence and stability over time.
4. They Meal Plan Consistently
The dinner scramble is real. But having even a basic meal plan for the week prevents those “Let’s just grab takeout again” moments.
One of the underrated habits of people who always have money is planning meals—they know food spending can sneak up fast.
Plus, it saves you time and mental energy during those busy after-school hours, and who doesn’t need a little more of that?
5. They Prioritize Needs Over Wants
It’s super tempting to grab that cute thing on sale “just because,” but for long-term money wins, people learn to pause.
Prioritizing needs is one of the habits of people who always have money—it helps them stretch their budget further without feeling deprived. It’s about choosing what supports your goals, not just what looks fun in the moment.
6. They Create Multiple Income Streams
People who always have money are not relying on just one paycheck to keep everything running. Maybe it’s a side hustle during nap time, a digital product they sell online, or even renting out something they already own—whatever it is, they’ve figured out ways to bring in extra money.
Creating multiple income streams is one of the habits of people who always have money that gives their finances more flexibility and resilience—especially when life throws curveballs.
7. They Buy Used When It Makes Sense
Kids grow out of everything so fast. So, if you can snag a gently used jacket or toy for half the price, it is a total win.
Buying secondhand is one of those low-key habits of people who always have money—it’s smart, practical, and keeps more money in your pocket for the stuff that really matters. And honestly, most of the time, you can’t even tell the difference.
8. They Delay Big Purchases
Impulse buys aren’t their thing, especially when it comes to bigger-ticket items. Instead of buying something right away, give it a day or two (sometimes even a whole week) to really think about it.
One of the best habits of people who always have money is learning to wait—they know patience can save hundreds. And half the time, you realize you didn’t actually want it that badly in the first place.
9. They Use the ‘Pay Yourself First’ Rule
Before the bills, the groceries, or the Target runs—they make sure to set aside money for themselves. Even if it’s just a small amount, they treat savings like a non-negotiable “bill” that gets paid first.
Paying yourself first is one of those foundational habits of people who always have money. It’s a way to put your future self first—without guilt.
10. They Set Money Goals With Deadlines
Having a goal makes saving feel way more exciting. Whether it’s a beach trip, paying off debt, or finally replacing that old washer, knowing what you’re working toward keeps you motivated.
People who always have money use clear goals to stay focused—it’s one of those habits that turns vague wishes into real results. A deadline gives you something to aim for, not just hope for.
11. They Use Rewards Cards Smartly
Credit cards can actually be super helpful—if you use them right. Think points, cashback, and perks on things you’re already buying.
One of the smarter habits of people who always have money is treating credit cards like tools, not traps. They don’t rack up debt—they use rewards to stretch their dollars even further. It’s all about using the system, not letting the system use you.
12. They Avoid Late Fees
Late fees are basically money down the drain. Whether it’s setting bills to auto-pay, putting due dates in your phone, or using a sticky note system on the fridge—find what works and stick with it.
Avoiding unnecessary fees is one of the easiest habits of people who always have money to copy. It protects your budget and your peace of mind.
13. They Always Have a Grocery Budget
Going into the store with a number in mind helps so much. You know your limit, you can make smart swaps on the fly, and you don’t leave wondering how your total ended up so high.
Grocery budgeting is one of those everyday habits of people who always have money—it’s not about being strict. It’s about being prepared. And when you stick to it, you’ll start to notice your savings grow every single week.
14. They Cut Down on Subscriptions
Subscriptions can sneak up on you—$7 here, $15 there—and before you know it, half your budget is going to stuff you barely use. One of the often-overlooked habits of people who always have money is regularly checking for those silent drains using an app like Rocket Money.
Canceling the ones that don’t bring real value frees up money for the things that do.
15. They Keep an Emergency Fund
Even just a few hundred bucks tucked away can make a big difference. Flat tires, vet bills, random kid sickness—stuff happens.
Building an emergency fund is one of the core habits of people who always have money. It means fewer moments of panic and give you confidence that you can handle money emergencies that may come your way.
16. They Include the Whole Family
Money habits stick better when everyone’s on the same page. People who always have money include their spouses and even their kids in the conversation.
Including your family is one of the habits of people who always have money because it turns budgeting and saving into a team effort—not just one person trying to hold it all together. It also teaches your kids good habits early on without them even realizing it.
17. They Know Their Numbers Without Obsessing
It might sound super basic, but checking in on your accounts regularly helps you stay grounded. You know what’s coming and going and can catch weird charges early so you feel more in control.
Being aware—not obsessive—is one of the steady, no-drama habits of people who always have money. A quick weekly glance can be all it takes to keep things on track.
18. They Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Instead of buying five cheap things that fall apart in a month, they save up for the one item that actually lasts.
One of the long-term habits of people who always have money is buying less but better. It reduces stress, clutter, and waste—while helping you feel more confident about the things you spend money on.
19. They Avoid Emotional Spending
Stress, exhaustion, or a rough day with the kids can make that “treat yourself” cart way too tempting. But instead of clicking buy, take a beat.
One of the mindful habits of people who always have money is recognizing when emotions are driving spending—and having a few go-to ways to ride it out. That pause can save your budget and your mood.
20. They Keep Learning Money Skills
Money stuff can feel overwhelming, but the people who always seem to have it together? They just keep learning.
A habit of people who always have money is staying curious—whether it’s podcasts like The Ramsey Show, books, or real-life convos. They’re not trying to become experts, just a little bit better than they were yesterday.
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If you’re ready to take things a step further, check out these simple habits of successful people who are more organized and whose habits make everyday life easier.
Want to feel more in control and less overwhelmed? These productivity lists to make will help you stay organized without stress. And don’t forget—you deserve to enjoy your life, not just manage it.
FAQs
Do I need to do all of these habits to see a difference?
Not at all. Even starting with just one or two—like tracking your spending or setting a grocery budget—can make a big impact. It’s about progress, not perfection.
What if I don’t have a lot of extra money to save right now?
It’s totally okay. The goal is to build the habit—even if it’s just $1 a week. Saving small amounts consistently still builds momentum and helps shift your mindset.
How do I stay motivated to stick with these habits?
Having a clear money goal (like a vacation or paying off debt) makes it easier to stay focused. Also, celebrate small wins—every little step forward is something to be proud of!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight to start seeing a difference in your finances.
The people who always seem to have money? They’ve simply built habits that work for their lifestyle—not against it.
And the best part? These habits of people who always have money are totally doable, even in the chaos of motherhood.
Start small. Pick one or two that speak to you and give them a try this week. You might be surprised how much peace, confidence, and breathing room you can create—just by being a little more intentional with your money.
You’ve got this, mama!
