Struggling with your money goals? Learn how to stop living paycheck to paycheck and start building your dream lifestyle with these actionable tips to glow up your finances!
Hey bestie,
Let’s be real—constantly feeling like you’re one unexpected bill away from financial disaster is not the vibe. If you’re tired of barely making it to the next payday and dreaming of a future where you can actually afford to romanticize your life (think spontaneous weekend getaways, dreamy coffee shop workdays, and stress-free spending), it’s time for a financial glow-up. And I promise, it’s totally possible—even if you’re starting from scratch.
Before we dive in, if you haven’t grabbed my free Pinterest to Dream Life Guide, what are you even doing? It’s designed to help you take those dreamy Pinterest-worthy goals and turn them into real life. Grab it now and let’s get to work on making your money work for you!
Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Money Goals
First things first—let’s talk intentionality. If you don’t have a clear vision of what you want your finances to look like, you’re basically just drifting through life hoping things magically improve. Spoiler alert: they won’t.
Ask yourself:
- What does my dream lifestyle actually cost?
- What financial habits are holding me back?
- What’s my biggest money stressor right now?
Once you have answers, set specific, realistic goals. Instead of saying, I want to save more money, try: I want to save $5,000 for an emergency fund in the next 12 months by putting away $100 per week. See the difference? Now, you have an actual roadmap instead of just wishful thinking.
Step 2: Create a Budget That Doesn’t Feel Like a Prison
Budgeting gets a bad rap, but bestie, it’s really just a tool to help you spend money without guilt. Think of it as the blueprint to your financial glow-up.
Start with the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% of your income → Essentials (rent, bills, groceries, gas)
- 30% of your income → Lifestyle (brunch, beauty, travel—yes, you can still have fun!)
- 20% of your income → Financial goals (savings, debt repayment, investments)
Adjust as needed, but the key is to make sure you’re consistently putting money toward your goals while still leaving room to enjoy your life. Money should feel like freedom, not restriction!
Step 3: Automate, Automate, Automate
If you struggle with saving money, let’s take human error out of the equation. Set up automatic transfers so that as soon as you get paid, your money is moving before you even have a chance to spend it.
- Direct deposit into savings so you don’t even see the money sitting in your checking account, waiting to be spent.
- Auto-pay your bills so you never have to stress about late fees.
- Round-up savings apps (like Acorns or Qapital) that stash extra cash for you without you even noticing.
Step 4: Cut the Mindless Spending (Without Feeling Deprived)
I’m not about that extreme, never-have-fun-again frugal life, but small changes do add up. Take a look at where your money is disappearing and ask yourself:
- Subscription audit: Are you still paying for apps you never use? Cancel them.
- Impulse buys: Do you actually need that $12 coffee every day, or could you make an equally aesthetic version at home?
- Emotional spending: Are you shopping to feel better? Let’s find other ways to treat yourself (like a DIY spa night or a walk in the sunshine).
This isn’t about never buying what you love—it’s about choosing wisely so that your money is supporting your real goals.
Step 5: Find Ways to Make More Money
Sometimes, budgeting alone isn’t enough—you need more income. The good news? There are so many ways to start earning extra cash from home without sacrificing your entire life.
- Freelancing (social media management, virtual assistance, writing, graphic design)
- Selling digital products (ebooks, Canva templates, planners)
- Reselling clothes on Poshmark, Depop, or Mercari
- Starting a side hustle (Etsy shop, content creation, coaching)
More money = more options. And I love options.
Step 6: Pay Off Debt (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)
If debt is keeping you stuck, let’s tackle it strategically. Two main approaches:
- The Snowball Method (pay off the smallest debts first to build momentum)
- The Avalanche Method (pay off the highest-interest debts first to save money long-term)
Whichever method you choose, the goal is to stay consistent. Even if you can only throw an extra $20 toward debt each month, it still adds up!
Step 7: Start Investing (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Begin)
Investing isn’t just for Wall Street bros—it’s for you, too. And you don’t need a finance degree to get started.
Look into beginner-friendly platforms like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Acorns, and start small. Even $50 a month in an index fund can turn into thousands over time. The sooner you start, the better!
Step 8: Stay Consistent & Keep Yourself Accountable
The biggest reason people don’t reach their money goals? They give up too soon. Life happens, and sometimes we slip up—but that doesn’t mean you should quit.
This is exactly why I created the Accountability Bestie 12-Week Guided Planner—so you can stay on track, motivated, and actually see results. It’s your daily check-in system for choosing the right goals and sticking to them. If you need a little extra push to stay focused, this is it.
It’s Time for Your Financial Glow-Up
Bestie, imagine what your life could look like one year from now if you actually committed to your money goals today. No more stressing over bills, no more paycheck-to-paycheck struggle—just financial freedom, confidence, and the ability to live life on your terms.
It starts with small, intentional steps. Are you ready?
Xo,
Chelsea Elise
