calendar

Media / Blog

Steps to Stop Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

Prev

Should You Delay Claiming Social Security Benefits by Drawing Into Your 401(k)?

August 24, 2022

While money should not be anyone's sole focus, life can be a lot easier when you do have some extra cash in the bank. However, it might seem like some people have easy financial lives while you struggle to get by. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take so you don't have to always feel like you are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Invest in Yourself

Investing your money in the financial market can be great if you want to take advantage of compound interest, but if you want to get the highest return on an investment, consider investing in yourself. Learning skills now allows you to take them with you for the rest of your life. It's a good idea to spend some time giving yourself the ability and knowledge to get a better career. You may consider listening to podcasts, reading books, going to trade school, or even getting your degree. For the biggest financial payoff, it is usually best to avoid going into debt, as this allows you to start earning and saving as soon as you land that high-paying job. However, you can still pay for some or all of your education by searching for scholarships online. Searching for eligible Going Merry scholarships for college students can make your degree much more attainable, in addition to taking on student loans.

Focus on Your Health

It can be tempting to work long hours or in extreme conditions to bring in more income. However, doing this consistently can run you into the ground. If all you do is work, you won't have time to take care of yourself, and your health may suffer as a consequence. Of course, you should still work hard, but you need to get better about taking time off and carve time into your schedule for self-care if you want to make a difference. If you become too worn down or ill to enjoy the results of your labor, why are you working so hard? Set aside time for healthy eating, doctor's appointments, and enough sleep each night. Taking care of your body can help your mind, as you may find that taking care of yourself allows your mind to function better.

Don't Be Afraid to Be Uncomfortable

Being uncomfortable and allowing yourself to try new things can be highly rewarding. You won't achieve much if you stay in the same place and don't take risks. Don't be afraid to push yourself to try something new or apply for a job outside your comfort zone. You won't gain anything if you don't risk anything. If you consistently push yourself to do more, you will fail every now and then. If you are a perfectionist, you might not like the feeling of failure. However, every time you do, you may find new doors open to you. Plus, you can learn a lot from failing, so treat it as an opportunity for personal growth. If one job interview went poorly, you can make sure you don't repeat the same mistakes in future interviews. Try to see everything as a learning opportunity.

Next

How To Minimize or Even Avoid the Medicare Means Testing Surcharges

About the author

Drew Allen

Drew is a financial enthusiast, seasoned blogger, music and sports fanatic. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter fishing and boating. He is dedicated to his 15+ year career in the banking, mortgage, and personal finance industry.

Sign Up

Sign up for our exclusive Sunday Paper with a weekly market commentary, insightful personal finance blogs, and life changing education guides.

Email sign up

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. oXYGen Financial is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Kestra IS and Kestra AS do not provide tax or legal advice. https://Bit.ly/KF-Disclosures

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered Representatives of Kestra IS and Investment Advisor Representatives of Kestra AS may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. For additional information, please contact Kestra IS Compliance Department at 844-553-7872.

PLEASE NOTE: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. Kestra IS and Kestra AS makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is Kestra IS and Kestra AS liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving our web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.