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Do You Keep Yourself Broke?
As a therapist who works with men, I see a lot of smart, capable young guys struggling financially. They work hard, but somehow, they always seem to be just scraping by. The truth is, money problems aren’t always about income—sometimes, it’s about habits and mindset.
If you’re tired of feeling broke, let’s talk about seven common ways young men keep themselves stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
1. Living for the Weekend
A lot of young guys grind all week only to blow their entire paycheck over the weekend. Fancy dinners, bar tabs, club covers, Ubers, and spontaneous online shopping add up fast. I get it—after a stressful week, it’s tempting to go all out. But if your weekend lifestyle is costing you hundreds of dollars every month, that’s money you’re throwing away instead of building toward your future.
Fix It: Set a fun budget and stick to it. Find cheaper ways to enjoy your weekends—house parties, game nights, or hitting up happy hour instead of prime-time drinks.
2. Financing a Lifestyle They Can’t Afford
A brand-new car with a massive monthly payment. A luxury apartment with an unnecessary view. Expensive clothes bought on credit. Too many young men prioritize looking rich over actually becoming rich. And let’s be real—no one cares about your car payment but you.
Fix It: Live within your means. Buy a reliable used car, get a roommate, and stop financing stuff that doesn’t actually build wealth.
3. Avoiding Basic Financial Education
Too many guys assume personal finance is too complicated or boring, so they never learn how to budget, invest, or build credit. Then, they get hit with overdraft fees, credit card debt, and missed investment opportunities.
Fix It: Read a basic personal finance book or follow a financial expert on YouTube. Apps like Mint or YNAB can help you track spending and make smarter choices.
4. Relying on Credit Cards Like Free Money
Credit cards can be a great tool—if you use them responsibly. But if you’re constantly carrying a balance and only making minimum payments, you’re bleeding money on interest. Before you know it, you owe thousands and have nothing to show for it. Over time, this can not only hurt your financial outlook, it can also contribute to anxiety and depression.
Fix It: Use credit cards for convenience, not survival. Pay them off in full every month. If you can’t afford something without a credit card, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
5. Not Having a Plan for Their Money
Money without a plan disappears fast. A lot of young men don’t track their spending, don’t budget, and don’t save—so they have no idea where their money is actually going.
Fix It: Set financial goals. Decide how much you want to save, invest, or put toward debt each month. Create a simple budget so your money goes where you want it to, not just wherever it happens to end up.
6. Ignoring Side Hustles and Extra Income Streams
Most guys rely on just one paycheck. If that income isn’t enough, they complain instead of finding ways to make more. The reality is, there are tons of ways to earn extra money—freelancing, selling stuff online, driving for Uber, or picking up a part-time gig.
Fix It: If you’re tight on cash, find a side hustle. A few extra hours a week could be the difference between struggling and finally getting ahead.
7. Thinking “I’ll Save Later”
One of the biggest financial traps is assuming you’ll start saving “when you make more money.” The problem? Lifestyle inflation kicks in—you start making more, but you also start spending more. If you don’t build the habit of saving now, you won’t do it later.
Fix It: Start small, but start now. Even if it’s just $10 a week, build the habit of saving. Set up automatic transfers so your savings grow without you even thinking about it.
Summary: Change Your Habits, Change Your Financial Future
If you’re constantly broke, it’s not just bad luck—it’s likely your financial habits keeping you stuck. The good news? You can change them. Start making smarter money decisions now, and you’ll set yourself up for financial freedom down the road.
Remember:
- Be mindful of your weekend spending.
- Live within your means.
- Educate yourself about money.
- Avoid credit card debt.
- Make a plan for your finances.
- Find ways to earn extra income.
- Start saving now, even if it’s small.
Fix these seven habits, and you’ll be in a much better place financially than most of your peers. The sooner you start, the sooner you stop being broke—and start building the life you actually want.
