Money Habits I’m Building at 44
I was watching a woman on TikTok live the other day and it reminded me of something… Most money conversations online are geared toward people under 40.
It’s great for them, but what about the rest of us who are starting later, rebuilding, or just getting serious now?
I turned 44 this year.
I am finally in a place where I can step back, look at my life, and say,
“Okay, it is time to build real habits that support the future I want.”
Why I Am Doing This at 44
Life happened. Mental health happened. Divorce happened. Career changes happened. Some seasons were rough. But I am here now and that counts. I am changing the direction of my finances now and that still matters.
I decided I want to be one of the voices out here talking about what it looks like to build wealth and stability later.
Not perfect…Just real.
Habit 1: Increasing My Income
I have always had an income issue. I do not make enough at my current job, and it shows when I try to budget. You can cut things down as much as you want, but sometimes the numbers still do not work because there simply is not enough money coming in.
My goal is to increase my income by at least $12,000 in 2026. I am exploring a part-time job, and of course content creation.
Something has to give, and this is the year I am choosing to go after it!
Habit 2: Building a Small Emergency Fund - $2K
I do not have an emergency fund yet, and I am not ashamed to say that because I am fixing it. I am more focused on what I am doing next than where I started.
Habit 3: Car Maintenance Savings - $1K
My car is over ten years old. Her name is Stripe. She’s loyal and I know she’ll need work soon. My goal is to save one thousand dollars so when something comes up, I’m not scrambling.
Habit 4: Getting One Month Ahead on Bills - $3k
This is a big one for me. I want everything on autopay. I want my bills lined up, steady, and predictable. Being one month ahead creates so much relief because it gives you space to breathe. I need that.
Habit 5: Consistent Sinking Funds
Sinking funds have made my budget feel calmer. I already have funds for my car, gifts, and entertainment. Now I am adding one for travel because I am going to London next September for my mom’s 65th birthday. That is important to me, and I want to prepare for it now.
My Push Goal for 2026 - $9k Emergency Fund Total
Three months of living expenses saved. Let’s go!
The Habits That Support These Goals
Two big changes have helped my budget almost immediately.
I stopped using DoorDash.
I stopped drinking.
DoorDash was draining my budget for years. I wrote a blog post about it because I was honestly shocked when I finally looked at my transactions. And drinking was a quiet money leak, too.
Thankfully, removing both has helped me stay consistent and less impulsive with spending.
