For years, I’ve been fortunate to earn what would be considered a decent income.

Flying across the world to attend conferences, meeting clients in bustling cities, and working with a fantastic team in the heart of New York City, I thought I had it all figured out.

I was living my version of the American dream, providing editing and proofreading services to clients around the globe.

However, despite the impressive paycheck that hit my bank account each month, I constantly found myself feeling broke.

It was a strange dichotomy – on one hand, I was earning more than an average American, and on the other hand, I was barely making ends meet.

I would spend my evenings after work sitting in my cramped Manhattan apartment, looking at my bank statements and wondering how it was possible that I was out of money halfway through the month.

Despite my best efforts to budget and save, I always seemed to end up in the same place – broke.

As I interacted with friends and colleagues who were seemingly in the same boat, I realized that this wasn’t just my problem. Many people around me were earning good money but were still feeling financially strapped.

Upon further reflection and some significant lifestyle changes, I discovered a pattern of three common behaviors that seemed to be at the root of this problem.

These behaviors were not only draining my bank account but also giving me a false perception of financial stability.

Unraveling these behaviors has been a game-changing experience for me. It’s allowed me to finally feel in control of my finances, despite living in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

And now that I’ve moved from New York City to sunny California, these lessons have become even more relevant.

So let’s dive into these three behaviors that might be keeping you feeling broke despite earning decent money.

1) Identifying the patterns that were bleeding my bank account dry

The first behavior I identified was my reliance on credit cards. I was swept away by the idea of earning points and thought I was being savvy by putting all my expenses on plastic.

But I realized that this habit was leading me to spend more than I needed to, simply because it didn’t feel like ‘real money’.

Next, I discovered that I was living way above my means. Fancy dinners, expensive vacations, designer clothes – the lifestyle was intoxicating. But the reality was that it was an illusion sustained on borrowed money.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I found that I was not saving or investing nearly enough. Without a proper financial safety net, every unexpected expense felt like a punch in the gut.

Coming to these realizations was a painful process. It meant acknowledging that despite my decent income, my financial health was far from decent.

And this led me to question the widespread belief that a good salary equates to financial stability.

In the next section, we’ll dig deeper into why this belief is not only inaccurate but can also be detrimental to our financial wellbeing.

2) Questioning the belief: A good salary equals financial stability

For a long time, I bought into the notion that a high income meant financial stability. This belief is prevalent in our society, and on the surface, it makes sense. More money coming in should mean more financial security, right?

But my experience challenged this idea. Despite a good salary, I was living paycheck to paycheck. My income was high, but so was my outgoing expenditure.

I realized that financial stability is not just about how much you earn, but also about how much you save and how wisely you spend. A decent salary can lull us into a false sense of security, leading us to make poor financial decisions.

This realization was sobering, but it was also empowering. It showed me that I had the power to change my financial situation.

In the next section, I’ll share the steps I took to turn things around and take control of my finances.

3) Taking control: My steps towards financial stability

The first step I took was to drastically cut down my reliance on credit cards. I started using cash for daily expenses, which made me more mindful of my spending.

It’s surprising how quickly your perspective changes when you physically see your wallet getting thinner.

Next, I made a conscious decision to live within my means. I cut out unnecessary expenditures and started prioritizing my needs over wants. The fancy dinners became occasional treats, not regular occurrences.

Lastly, I began investing in my future. I started contributing more to my retirement account and began exploring other investment opportunities. This not only gave me a safety net but also helped my money grow over time.

These steps may seem simple, but they require a good deal of discipline and a willingness to change your lifestyle. But let me tell you from experience, the feeling of financial security that comes with it is worth every sacrifice.

Taking a step back: A holistic view of financial stability

This journey taught me that our financial situation is not merely a result of our income but also of the habits and beliefs we hold.

Taking responsibility for my financial struggles, even though they seemed out of my control, was the first step towards empowerment.

I learned to question societal norms – the notion that earning good money automatically guarantees financial stability. I understood that our societal conditioning often blinds us to the reality of our financial situation.

Here’s what I learned:

• Taking responsibility for your financial situation boosts your personal power.
• Question societal norms and expectations that can limit your potential.
• Understand that financial stability is not just about how much you earn, but also about how much you save and how wisely you spend.
• Embrace practical steps towards financial stability instead of merely hoping for a better financial situation.

Facing my financial reality head-on, instead of hiding behind a facade of blind positivity, gave me the clarity I needed.

I started aligning my lifestyle with my actual income, not with the societal expectations or the illusion created by credit cards.

My journey was about self-empowerment and breaking free from societal expectations. A journey that reshaped my reality and allowed me to live life on my own terms.

Remember, no matter where you are in your journey towards financial stability, every step you take counts. Embrace this journey of self-exploration and take control of your finances.