One of the most influential investors of the 20th century, John Marks Templeton, once said, “The four most dangerous words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.’” It’s a quote that’s stood the test of time because it speaks to a fundamental truth about money—there are no shortcuts, no exceptions, no magical exceptions to timeless principles.
If you’re reading this blog—whether it’s your first time or part of your regular financial routine—then chances are you’re seeking something bigger: financial independence, peace of mind, and freedom from paycheck-to-paycheck living. And I’ll be honest with you—that’s a fantastic goal. Because life is simply better when you’re not constantly worried about money.
But if you’re serious about achieving financial freedom, there’s one principle you need to internalize early and never forget:
Save money—and always pay yourself first.
Why Saving Money Still Matters (and Always Will)
In today’s fast-paced, buy-now-pay-later culture, saving can feel outdated. Many people prioritize instant gratification—another pair of shoes, the weekend getaway, a phone upgrade—without giving much thought to their long-term financial stability. But here’s the truth: without consistent saving and investment, you will never achieve true financial freedom.
This has been true for generations. A hundred years ago, building wealth meant saving first. A hundred years from now, it will still mean the same. Financial independence doesn’t come from wishful thinking or windfalls. It comes from the steady, disciplined habit of setting aside money—for emergencies, for growth, and for your future self.
Saving gives you options. It gives you control. It allows you to respond to unexpected events without panic. And most importantly, it lets you stop working for money and start letting money work for you.
What Does “Pay Yourself First” Really Mean?
When most people get paid, the money flows outward—to bills, credit cards, restaurants, rent, subscriptions, and shopping. By the time the dust settles, there’s often nothing left. That’s living in reverse.
“Paying yourself first” flips that around.
It means before you pay Visa, MasterCard, your landlord, or your favorite coffee shop, you put money aside for yourself. That means savings, investments, retirement accounts, emergency funds—whatever helps build your future financial self.
And yes, you can afford to do it. It’s not about how much you make—it’s about how much you prioritize your future.
If You Don’t Save, You’ll Stay Broke
That may sound harsh, but it’s real. If you’re not saving, it’s either because:
- You believe you can’t.
- Or you haven’t made it a priority.
Neither of those beliefs will build you the life you want.
You might think, “I can’t save right now—everything’s so expensive.” And while that might be true today, it will still be true a year from now unless something changes. Your income might increase. Or it might not. But your ability to make smarter money choices? That’s something you control starting today.
The stress that comes from living paycheck to paycheck, from having no safety net—that doesn’t go away on its own. It fades when you build savings, when you know you’ve got something set aside for whatever life throws at you.
Getting Started: How to Build Your Saving Habit
If you’re ready to change your relationship with money, here are a few ideas to help you start saving intentionally:
- 1. Trim where you can.
Can you cut your subscription count in half? Switch to store-brand groceries? Delay that next Amazon order? Look for simple swaps that don’t feel like deprivation, but create space to start saving. - 2. Save automatically.
If your employer offers a 401(k), get enrolled. If you don’t have access, look into an IRA or Roth IRA. Automate a transfer from your checking to savings every payday—even if it’s just $25. What matters most is building the habit. - 3. Explore side income.
If your budget truly leaves you no breathing room, consider adding income through a small side hustle. It doesn’t need to be big or fancy. Deliver food on weekends. Sell something you make. Help someone with tasks you’re good at. Earning an extra $200 a month can make a massive difference if it’s saved consistently. - 4. Reframe how you see money.
Ask yourself, “What can I build with this money?” instead of “What can I buy with it?” Rethinking your purchases through a long-term lens transforms your spending habits over time. - 5. Learn from those who’ve done it.
Check out resources like Chris Guillebeau’s unconventional guides. He shares ideas for small businesses and side projects that help people break out of traditional employment or limited income paths. You don’t need to quit your job—you just need to start thinking differently.
Your Future Self Is Counting on You
Look, we all want a better financial life. But wanting isn’t enough. What matters is what you’re willing to do about it—today, not tomorrow.
The simple truth is: saving gets easier the earlier you start. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes. And the more life throws at you, the more you’ll wish you had made the effort.
The bottom line? You’re worth it.
Your future is worth preparing for. Your peace of mind is worth protecting. And your dreams? They’re worth investing in—literally.
So, start now. Not next year. Not when you get a raise. Not when things “settle down.” Start today, even if it’s just $10. Build the muscle. Build the mindset. Build the habit.
And remember this:
“The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”
— Jiddu Krishnamurti
Learning how to save—and making it part of your life—is one of the most powerful lessons you’ll ever master.