avatarRuslan Brilenkov

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The Hard-hitting Reality of Why You’re Still Struggling with Money

The three brutal truths you need to know. What I wish I had known earlier and a 5-step plan on how to overcome the financial struggles.

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When it comes to money, why does it always feel like we’re constantly struggling to keep up and never getting ahead?

We work hard, put in long hours, and yet we still can’t seem to break out of the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.

It’s like we’re stuck in quicksand, sinking more and more every day.

But have you ever stopped to think about why this might be the case?

Ultimately, it comes down to an understanding of the root causes.

In the era of AI and high-tech, it’s easy to fool ourselves that some smart tools could solve our problems.

It may help temporarily. However, long-lasting habits will always emerge on top.

There are several reasons why we stay broke, and most of them are entirely preventable if we take action.

Been there, done that.

I hope my experience will help somebody to avoid these mistakes.

Financial education

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For one, we often lack proper financial education.

The truth is that we simply don’t know how to manage our money effectively, and we end up squandering it on things that don’t matter in the long run.

We don’t think about the future and instead focus on the instant gratification of buying that new gadget or going on that dream vacation.

There is nothing wrong with that, but there is always a balance.

Debt cycle

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Another reason is that many of us are trapped in a debt cycle.

We take on more debt than we can handle, and then we rely on credit cards or loans to make ends meet.

The interest rates pile up, and before we know it, it’s a little bit too late.

Trap of expectation

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Lastly, we often fall into the trap of living beyond our means.

We try to keep up with others and spend money on things we can’t afford, which only leads to more stress and financial hardship.

Remember that phrase, “You are the average of 5 people you spend the most time with”. Environment matters whether we want it or not.

Who knows, maybe there is something around us that siphons our hard-earned bucks.

It‘s time to break free …

Photo by Eepeng Cheong on Unsplash

So, what can we do to break free from the cycle of being broke?

For starters, we can educate ourselves on personal finance and learn how to manage our money effectively.

We can also take steps to pay down our debts and live within our means.

It won’t be easy, but with the right mindset and actions, we can take control of our financial future and finally break free from that cycle of hell.

That’s easy to say, right?

Sure.

So, I give you a detailed plan to make this transition as smooth as possible.

A detailed plan

Listen closely and steal these steps for a bright and prosperous future.

1. Plan for tomorrow, budget today

Buckle down and create a budget that suits your unique needs.

Be diligent and thorough, and factor in all your expenses and income. Rent, utilities, groceries — you name it.

Nothing should escape your eagle-eyed gaze.

2. Ditch the debt

Clear away the shadows of debt that loom over you, step by step.

Identify the debts with the highest interest rates and work to chip away at them bit by bit.

Consolidate them into a single, manageable loan to make your life easier.

3. Trim the fat

Take a radical approach and cut back on anything unnecessary in your spending habits.

Cook at home, work out in a cheaper gym, do it all.

Be ruthless with your expenses, and watch the savings magically roll in.

4. Assume the best, prepare for the worst

World-class wealth-builders always have a backup plan.

Set aside an emergency fund that can cushion you from unexpected expenses or job losses.

Three to six months of living expenses should suffice.

5. Level up your skills

Invest in yourself!

Knowledge is power, so why not learn everything you can about personal finance and investing?

Attend financial workshops, read every book, and listen to all the podcasts that help to build your financial literacy, and, of course, follow me to get updates on financial freedom (details below, just saying).

Last but not least, if you are interested in using AI to enhance productivity, save time and energy, and potentially earn some money, check out this list:

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I recently started a YouTube channel where I talk about different topics, including data science and AI news, research, and life in general among others. It is a steep learning curve for me but I invite you to check it out here.

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Finance
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