These 6 Hidden Habits Are Secretly Keeping You Broke
Secret Habits Costing You
Financial wellness isn’t just about how much money you make, it’s about how you manage it, grow it, and set yourself up for long-term success. If you feel like you're constantly struggling with money, living paycheck to paycheck, or unable to build wealth, you’re not alone. The good news? The roadblocks standing in your way are often things you can control.
Let’s break down some of the biggest obstacles that could be holding you back from true financial wellness and how to overcome them.
1. Not All Support Is Supportive
Who you surround yourself with plays a massive role in your financial health. If you're constantly around people who encourage reckless spending, live beyond their means, or mock your desire to save and invest, it’s going to be harder to stay on track.
Toxic relationships whether friends, family, or even a significant other, can drain your energy, time, and money. If someone in your life makes you feel guilty for saying “no” to expensive outings or pressures you into financial decisions that don’t align with your goals, it may be time to set boundaries or say goodbye.
What to do:
Surround yourself with financially responsible, growth-minded people.
Find a money accountability partner who shares your financial goals.
Have honest conversations about money in your relationships. Financial compatibility matters.
2. When the Escape Becomes Expensive
A few happy hour drinks may not seem like a big deal, but if alcohol is a frequent part of your routine, it could be silently sabotaging your finances. Think about it, those $10-$15 cocktails add up fast, especially if you’re drinking multiple times a week. But it’s not just about the money you’re spending on alcohol; excessive drinking can impact your decision-making, productivity, and motivation to pursue financial goals.
Hangovers lead to missed opportunities. A late night out can mean oversleeping, skipping side hustle hours, or making poor financial choices while under the influence. Plus, long-term excessive drinking can impact your health, leading to costly medical bills down the line.
What to do:
Track your alcohol spending for a month. It may surprise you.
Set a drink budget or switch to alcohol-free alternatives.
Reallocate your “going out” budget toward investments or savings goals.
3. One Simple Shift That Protects You From Financial Freefall
Relying on a single paycheck is risky. If you only have one source of income, you’re one job loss, pay cut, or unexpected expense away from financial instability. In today’s world, having multiple income streams isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
A side hustle, passive income, or even a part-time gig can create financial breathing room and help you build wealth faster. Plus, diversifying your income means you’re less vulnerable to economic downturns or industry changes.
What to do:
Identify your skills and look for ways to monetize them (freelancing, tutoring, coaching, etc.).
Start a side hustle that aligns with your interests.
Invest in passive income opportunities like dividend stocks, real estate, or digital products.
4. Not Everything You Hear Helps You Grow
Not all financial advice is good advice. If you’re following outdated money myths, influencer hype, or advice from people who aren’t financially successful themselves, you could be making decisions that hold you back.
Misinformation can lead to bad investments, unnecessary debt, or a lack of financial literacy. And in today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to fall for get-rich-quick schemes or comparison traps that make you feel behind.
What to do:
Follow credible sources for financial advice. Books by experts, reputable finance blogs, and licensed professionals.
Educate yourself about investing, budgeting, and wealth-building strategies.
Be skeptical of financial trends that promise overnight success.
5. The Silent Saboteur
Fear is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck in financial stress. Fear of failure, fear of investing, fear of taking risks. These can all keep you in a cycle of inaction.
Maybe you’re afraid to start a business because it might fail. Maybe you avoid investing because you fear losing money. Or maybe you don’t negotiate your salary because you’re afraid of rejection. Whatever it is, fear is costing you money and opportunities.
What to do:
Acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them control your decisions.
Start small. Take calculated financial risks, like investing a small amount or asking for a modest raise.
Remember that financial growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.
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6. The Trap That Feels Safe (But Keeps You Stuck)
Financial wellness requires growth, and growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. If you’re stuck in the same habits, career, or financial situation, it’s time to push yourself.
Maybe you’re comfortable with your current salary but know you should be making more. Maybe you’ve been avoiding learning about investing because it seems intimidating. Or maybe you haven’t started that business idea you’ve been thinking about for years.
What to do:
Challenge yourself to learn new financial skills (investing, budgeting, real estate, etc.).
Take action on money moves you’ve been procrastinating.
Set stretch goals that push you toward financial freedom.
Final Thoughts
If financial wellness feels out of reach, it’s time to identify what’s holding you back. The wrong relationships, poor habits, fear, and a lack of financial knowledge can all keep you stuck but the power to change is in your hands.
By making intentional choices and taking small steps each day, you can break through these barriers and build a financially secure future. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making better money decisions, one step at a time.
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Cervante Burrell, M.Ed., CFEI®, is the founder of Money Tips Money Hacks, a financial wellness educator, husband, and proud father dedicated to helping others thrive financially from the inside out.
Don’t just stop emotional spending. Start spending in alignment with who you are, what you value, and the life you’re actually building.
The Psychology of Your Spending guide shows you how. Coming September 22nd, 2025.
This is GOOD. I literally just made a post that’s kind of about this topic. It was about being very intentional with our time and money. Being intentional
Can there be a post on quality and wise spending habits for younger people?