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3 Money Moves to Make Before Payday



 Because stacking starts before the check hits. Look, if your check is already spoken for before it lands, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck loop. The goal? Make every dollar you touch work harder than you do. Before your next direct deposit hits, here are 3 moves to help you get ahead of your money, not just chase it.

 1. Pre-Spend Your Peace, Not Your Paycheck

Don’t wait for payday to “see what you can do.” That’s broke thinking, and it’s how you stay in survival mode. What to do instead:

Pull out a pen (or your phone) and write down exactly where your money’s going before it even lands. Rent? Covered. Groceries? Good. $40 for brunch? You decide but plan for it on purpose.

Pro Tip: Break your check into categories:

  • → Must-Haves (rent, food, gas)
  • → Stackables (savings, debt payoff)
  • → Live-a-Little (fun money — guilt free when it’s planned)

If your money doesn’t have a job, it’ll act unemployed.

2. Run the “$500 Mistake” Check

What bill are you ignoring, postponing, or underestimating that could come back and cost you hundreds later? Late fees, overdrafts, subscription creep they add up fast. Before payday, check for traps that could rob your future self:

  •     Bank fees or negative balances
  •     Subscriptions you forgot to cancel
  •     “I’ll pay it next check” bills that stack penalties

 Clear that path before the check hits, not after it's gone. Every $35 fee avoided is $35 you just gave yourself a raise.

3. Stack Something Even If It’s $5

Don’t fall for the lie that you have to be rich to save. Wealth is built in habits, not hype.
Set up an auto transfer for any amount  even $5. Make your money move without you.

Why it matters:
This one move tells your brain “I’m a saver” and your habits will start to follow that identity. You’re not broke. You’re building. Before You Go…

These 3 moves may seem simple but they’re powerful. They’re how everyday people go from:

  •     Credit chaos → Credit clarity
  •     No savings → A savings system
  •     Chasing checks → Choosing peace

You don’t need more money.
You need better moves with the money you have.

And if you’re ready to learn how to stack smarter and secure the bag for real, check out the course that’s changing the financial game for young adults and working pros across the country:
Explore C.R.E.A.M. Mastery™ The $500 Hour Curriculum™

 

 

 

 


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