Getting paid feels great—but what happens next matters even more. Financial expert Rachel Cruze believes financial peace comes from the small, consistent things you do each payday. Here’s her list of smart habits that help you stay organized and debt-free.
Track Every Dollar with A Budget
Money feels more manageable when you know where it’s going. Rachel Cruze believes a budget makes that possible by giving every dollar a job. The zero-based method she uses turns your paycheck into a clear plan, helping you spend with purpose and stay in control.
Give Generously First
The foundation of sound money management lies in generous giving, as Rachel Cruze shares this wisdom regularly on The Ramsey Show, drawing from her childhood lessons about earning and sharing. If you can, place charitable donations at the top of your budget to build healthy financial habits, she says.
Save For Emergencies Automatically
Financial peace starts with automated emergency savings, according to Rachel Cruze. By designating a portion of each paycheck to go straight into an emergency fund, families create a reliable safety net. Using her experience as a mother and national speaker, Cruze considers this step non-negotiable.
Pay Off Debt With Intensity
Carrying debt can quietly shape your choices without you realizing it. She knows how limiting it can be, having seen its impact firsthand. The moment you decide you’ve had enough, something changes. You start to move differently, and life begins to open up again.
Fund Your Sinking Funds
A well-planned sinking fund system shields your finances from future shocks. By reserving money regularly for predictable expenses, you’ll avoid scrambling when bills arrive. Rachel Cruze’s video blog shows families how to master this essential budgeting tool for long-term security and peace of mind.
Review Your Spending Weekly
Money slips away quietly when you’re not paying attention. A simple weekly check-in can change that. As you review where your cash went, you’ll spot trends, catch wasteful habits, and feel more in control of what happens with your next payment.
Celebrate Small Wins
Financial expert Rachel Cruze regularly shares her personal money wins with followers to inspire their success. Such an approach proves that celebrating small victories builds lasting motivation. Each step forward, be it paying off a credit card or reaching a savings milestone, reinforces positive financial behaviors.
Use Cash For Discretionary Spending
Holding cash in your hand makes spending more real. When you see money leaving your wallet, you think twice before buying. Using cash helps you notice where every coin goes and naturally stops you from overspending on things you don’t truly need.
Check Your Bank Balance First
Opening your account first thing gives clarity before spending. When you see the real numbers, each purchase becomes a conscious choice. This habit keeps everything in perspective, as it reduces mistakes and slowly teaches you to handle money in a confident way.
Set Aside Fun Money
Smart budgeters know the value of planned indulgences. Rachel Cruze teaches her followers to earmark money specifically for enjoyment each payday. She demonstrates this principle by sharing how her own family budgets for fun activities while maintaining financial responsibility.
