7 Simple Ways to Stay Motivated and Take Control of Your Finances
Have you ever found yourself feeling super motivated to check your bank account, pay off that bill, or finally sit down to budget—only to have that motivation disappear as quickly as it came? Trust me, you’re not alone! The truth is, motivation to improve your finances doesn’t always last long. Some days it feels easy, and other days, it can feel like a mountain to climb.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. You can take simple, actionable steps to stay motivated and make lasting progress toward your financial goals. In this post, I’m sharing seven strategies that will help you build better money habits, stay on track, and stay motivated—even on the tough days.
So if you're ready to take control of your finances and start feeling more confident about your money, keep reading. These tips will make financial improvement feel less overwhelming, more achievable, and—dare I say—fun!
1. Commit to Yourself: Make Your Financial Goals Non-Negotiable
The first step toward any lasting change is commitment. And when it comes to your finances, this means clearly defining what you want to achieve and writing it down. Yes, you read that right—write it down!
Whether you want to save for an emergency fund, pay off debt, or simply get better at budgeting, having a clear goal is crucial. Take it a step further by making a commitment to yourself. One of the most powerful things I did was write down a note and stick it on my bathroom mirror that reads: “I am committed to changing my relationship with money to one that feels abundant and empowered.” Every time I see it, it reminds me that I’m worthy of financial freedom—and so are you!
Action Step: Grab a piece of paper or use your phone’s notes app and write down your financial commitment. Place it somewhere you’ll see it daily, like your mirror or even as your phone’s wallpaper. It’ll keep you focused and motivated!
2. Set Aside Time for Your “Money Minutes”
Life is busy—especially for moms, entrepreneurs, or anyone juggling multiple roles. But setting aside regular time to focus on your finances is key to staying motivated. You don’t need hours; sometimes, just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
I like to call these Money Minutes. Schedule them into your calendar and treat them like an important meeting. Use this time to look at your bank accounts, track your spending, or brainstorm ways to save more. You can even take this time to journal about your relationship with money and how you want to feel about it in the future.
Action Step: Find pockets of time throughout your day and dedicate them to Money Minutes. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee or after the kids go to bed. Consistency is key!
3. Make Your Money Time Fun (Yes, Really!)
Let’s face it: working on your finances can feel boring or even stressful at times. But what if you could turn it into something you actually look forward to? I do this by adding little touches of joy to my money time.
For me, it’s something as simple as making a creamy cup of coffee or blasting my favorite playlist. It’s the same concept as making any act of self-care feel good—like a face mask or a bubble bath. When you associate your money time with pleasure, it won’t feel like a chore.
Action Step: Next time you sit down to work on your finances, make it an experience you enjoy. Light a candle, grab a snack, and put on some music that lifts your spirits. You’ll feel more motivated to dive in!
4. Just Begin: Small Goals = Big Wins
One of the hardest parts about tackling your finances is simply starting. Whether it’s checking your bank balance or reviewing a subscription, getting started is often the hardest step.
Here’s the trick: start small. Don’t pressure yourself to accomplish everything in one go. Set a tiny, achievable goal. For example, try signing into your bank account and reviewing your transactions. Or take 10 minutes to scan your credit card statements for any hidden fees or subscriptions you forgot about. Once you get started, you might find that it’s easier to keep going.
Action Step: Choose one small financial task to complete today. Whether it’s reviewing your budget, tracking your spending, or canceling one unused subscription—just begin, and I promise you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
5. Celebrate Every Step You Take
You’re doing the work! Even if your goal is just to check your account balance or tweak your budget, every single step counts. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem. This helps build momentum and keeps you motivated to keep going.
I like to give myself a little cheer after completing each task. It might sound silly, but it feels so good to acknowledge the effort I put in to improve my financial future. Celebrating every win, no matter how tiny, keeps me going. You deserve to feel proud of yourself too!
Action Step: After you complete a financial task, celebrate! Whether it’s a high-five to yourself or treating yourself to a little something (within budget, of course), take a moment to honor the effort you’re making.
6. Be Kind to Yourself When You Slip Up
No one’s perfect, and that includes your financial journey. Some days, you might not feel up to completing your scheduled money tasks, and that’s okay! Don’t beat yourself up over it. Life happens, and there’s always tomorrow.
If you don’t follow through on a financial goal, be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge the progress you’ve already made and be thankful for the small steps you’re taking. Remember, your financial journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistent, incremental improvement.
Action Step: If you miss a day of financial planning or fall short of a goal, don’t dwell on it. Give yourself grace and commit to getting back on track the next day. Progress is more important than perfection.
7. Find an Accountability Partner to Keep You on Track
Change is easier when you have someone to hold you accountable. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or online community, having someone by your side can help keep you motivated and on track. Think of it like working out with a buddy—you’re more likely to show up if you know someone else is counting on you.
If you don’t have a financial accountability partner yet, consider joining a program or community that supports your financial goals. For example, the Million Dollar Year program helps people reach their financial goals by pairing them with accountability partners. You’ll be motivated to stick to your plan and celebrate each other’s victories!
Action Step: Find someone to hold you accountable—whether it’s a friend or an online group. Share your financial goals with them and check in regularly to stay on track. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is when you have support.
Ready to Take Control of Your Financial Future?
Staying motivated to improve your finances doesn’t have to be a struggle. By committing to yourself, scheduling regular check-ins, making money time fun, and celebrating every win, you’ll build lasting habits that lead to financial freedom. Remember, the only thing standing between you and your goals is action—and you’re already taking the first step.
If you’re looking for additional tools to help you improve your finances, check out some of my favorite resources:
Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be closer to your financial goals than you ever thought possible. Keep going, mama—you’ve got this!
With this post, you’ve got a roadmap to stay motivated and take charge of your financial journey. Start implementing these strategies today, and I’m confident you’ll see the results you’re striving for. Let me know in the comments what financial goals you’re working on—I’d love to hear from you!
Here are all of my favorite Smart Money Moves resources on Amazon! Smart Money Moves
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and believe can add value to your life. Thank you for supporting my blog!
