5 Small Money Shifts That Helped Me Break Bad Spending Habits

For years, I’ve found myself stuck in the same cycle with my finances. I’d get super motivated to “fix” my money, stick to a budget for a while, and then—boom—one unexpected expense or a stressful week later, I was back to old habits.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly starting over with your finances, this is a reminder that it’s, and I also feel the same way, so you’re not alone. The truth is, money habits aren’t just about willpower—they’re about strategy. Once I changed my approach, I finally started seeing real progress.

Here are five simple shifts that helped me break bad money habits for good:

1. Identify Your Triggers (And Create a Plan for Them)

One of the biggest reasons I kept falling back into bad money habits was not recognizing my spending triggers. I noticed that:

  • I spent more when I was stressed.

  • I impulse-shopped online when I was bored.

  • I justified overspending when I was “treating myself” after a tough week.

Once I identified these patterns, I could replace them with healthier responses. Instead of shopping when I was stressed, I started going for a walk or calling a friend. Instead of scrolling through online stores when I was bored, I filled my time with something productive (like watching money content—hello, Money Dates).

2. Automate the Good, Make the Bad Inconvenient

I used to struggle with saving, so I started automating it. Before I even see my paycheck, a small amount goes straight into savings. No effort required.

On the flip side, I made bad spending habits harder. I removed my saved card details from shopping sites (so impulse purchases weren’t just one click away). I unsubscribed from marketing emails tempting me with sales.

3. Set "Spending Rules" Instead of Banning Yourself

Telling myself “I’m never buying takeout again” was unrealistic—and honestly, it just made me want it more. Instead, I set spending rules, like:

  • I can get takeout only on Fridays as a treat.

  • I can shop online, but only for planned purchases (no more mindless scrolling).

These small rules gave me control without feeling like I was punishing myself.

4. Find Accountability & Track Small Wins

Change happens when you have people cheering you on. Whether it’s a friend, a money community, or even just tracking your own progress, having accountability makes a huge difference.

I started celebrating small wins—like sticking to my budget for a week or saving R500. Seeing my progress kept me motivated.

5. Forgive Yourself & Keep Going

The biggest game-changer? I stopped seeing mistakes as failures. If I overspent, I didn’t quit—I adjusted. If I slipped up, I restarted the next day. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency.

Breaking bad money habits is all about making small, sustainable changes that work for you. Start where you are, make one shift at a time, and watch how your financial habits transform.

One small step after another, we’re gonna get there

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