By Emilia Alvarez
Money. Money money money, dollar dollar bills, y’all.
It’s arguably one of the most stressful things we as humans deal with. No matter how zen, spiritual, or grounded we want to be, there’s still this ever-present need to… well, get more money. It’s kind of the elephant in the wellness room. We talk about self-care, mindfulness, healing your inner child—but what about healing your bank account? The old saying “money doesn’t buy happiness” floats around like it’s gospel. And yeah, I agree that true happiness comes from within. But let’s be real: happiness is way harder to access when you’re unsure how to pay rent next month.
Let’s take it back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for a second. At the very base of that pyramid sits survival—shelter, food, warmth. We can’t skip straight to joy and fulfillment without that solid foundation. So if you’re struggling to feel “happy” or “peaceful,” and you’re also unsure how to pay for groceries, I want to validate that. It makes sense. You’re not broken—you’re just in survival mode. And that’s not a moral failing. It’s a very human experience.
But happiness, at least how we usually define it, isn’t meant to be a constant state anyway. We’re human. We ebb and flow. The goal isn’t to be happy all the time—it’s to find peace and stability even in those quieter moments. And that peace often starts with stability—especially financial stability.
So how do we get from that stressed-out survival mode to a place of calm and control?
I’ve got a few tips. I’m a student of finance, wellness, and life, and these are things I’ve found helpful not just in theory, but in practice.
1. Make. A. Budget.
Yes, I know. You’ve heard it a thousand times. You might even roll your eyes every time someone brings it up. But I have to say it again because it really is that important.
You’d be surprised how many people have asked me for help with their finances—without ever having made a budget.
And before we go any further, let’s break down a huge misconception: budgets are not inherently restrictive. They’re simply a tool. A starting point. A way to get clear on where your money’s going and how you can direct it in a way that supports your goals.
People act like creating a budget is a punishment, like it’s something only people in financial crisis need to do. But here’s the truth: the wealthiest people I’ve met—the self-made ones, not just the ones born into money—all budget. They know their income, they know their expenses, and they know exactly where their money is going.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
So get a pen and paper, or a Google Sheet, and just start listing out your expenses. Rent or mortgage, transportation, phone bill, groceries, clothes, nights out—everything. Add it all up. That’s your monthly expense total.
Next, figure out how much you make in a month—your income. Then subtract expenses from income. That’s your baseline. If you’re in the negative, that’s a huge insight. It’s not a failure—it’s data. Now you know why you feel like you’re always scraping by or why that credit card keeps creeping up. It’s not just you. It’s the math.
And knowing is powerful.
2. Lower Expenses (Without Sacrificing Joy)
Once you’ve done the numbers, the next step isn’t to panic—it’s to problem-solve. You don’t have to go full minimalist monk, but you do have to get honest with yourself.
Are you buying new clothes every month? Maybe shift to every other month. Start a small savings jar just for shopping and give yourself permission to splurge—just on your own terms.
Are you using fancy products? Instead of cutting them out, check if there’s a bulk version that costs more upfront but saves you more long term. It’s all about working smarter with what you already spend.
Budgeting doesn’t mean you can’t afford nice things. It means you’re intentionally creating room for them. It’s not “I can’t afford that.” It’s “How can I afford that?”
3. Increase Income (Without Burnout)
If the numbers still aren’t adding up, the next move might be increasing income. Now, I’m not saying you should immediately start side-hustling your evenings away or apply to every random job listing online. You deserve peace too.
But maybe it’s time to explore better opportunities. Research companies you’d actually love to work for. See if there’s a better-paying role out there that aligns with your values. Don’t settle for just any gig—be intentional.
And once you’ve got a solid offer or two, you can even use that info for leverage. You don’t need to threaten your current employer, but you can approach them with honesty. Let them know you love the company, but that your current compensation isn’t meeting your basic needs. Offer to take on more or different responsibilities, and ask: “How can I create more value for the company?”
It’s a powerful question—and it shows leadership.
4. If You’re a Business Owner
Entrepreneurship is no walk in the park either. If your business is struggling, chances are your personal finances are too. It might be time to invest in help—whether it’s a business coach, a CFO, or even just an experienced mentor.
Yes, investing in support costs money, and I know how backwards that can feel when you’re already strapped. But ask any elite athlete—coaches are a part of greatness. If your business is your legacy, treat it like a championship. Get the guidance. It could completely transform your revenue streams.
The Bottom Line
The formula is old but true: increase income, lower expenses. Simple to say. Harder to live. But I hope I gave you a few ideas on how to actually take steps forward.
And most importantly: be kind to yourself in the process.
You don’t have to fix everything overnight. Progress is progress. Even just writing down your expenses is a win. Taking one small action—reading this blog, doing the math, having the uncomfortable conversations—is a huge step forward.
So keep going. Trust the process. Give yourself grace.
And if you need support, I’m here. Questions, thoughts, or just want to share your journey? Reach out: emilia@coralgablescounseling.
If you’re looking to shift your financial mindset even deeper, I highly recommend starting with “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, followed by “MONEY: Master the Game” by Tony Robbins. Both will flip your perspective in the best possible way.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“Here’s to making money work for us—not the other way around.” Emilia Alvarez
