I Was Earning Good Money… and Still Broke. Here’s What Changed

Issue #12 of LifeHighlights…

“It’s not how much money you make. It’s how much money you keep.”

~ Rich Dad Poor Dad

A few weeks ago, I had one of those lightbulb moments. It hit me that if I really want peace of mind when it comes to money, I need to start paying myself first—like, a solid 30% of whatever I earn. Sounds simple, but wow, it shifted a lot for me.

Here’s the thing: we all have responsibilities. Bills, family, random stuff that pops up that demands our money. So saving often feels like something you’ll “get to” later—once everything else is sorted. But let’s be honest, there’s rarely anything left over. That’s why this idea of paying yourself first stood out to me. It flips the script. It’s like saying, “Hey, I matter too. My future deserves a spot on the priority list.” And then there, it tops the list.😅

What I’ve realized is that saving isn’t just about stacking cash. It’s about choosing yourself. It’s about building a little buffer that gives you a breathing room, confidence, and the ability to say yes to opportunities—or just handle life’s curveballs without panicking.

I learned this the hard way. Weeks ago, I came across a perfect apartment—affordable, great timing, everything aligned. Except… my savings account was looking real empty. I’d been spending everything I earned and when the moment came, I just wasn’t ready. That one hurt, but it taught me a lesson that stuck.

These days, I’ve managed to build a little stash. Nothing crazy, but enough to take a deep breath and know I’m not living on the edge. And honestly? That feeling is priceless.

Of course, it’s not always easy. There are times I’m tempted to skip saving because I “need” the money for something right now. But every time I stick to the habit—even if it’s just a small amount—it reminds me that I’m taking care of myself. It’s not about being rich; it’s about being prepared.

This whole journey has shown me that saving is more of a mindset thing than a money thing. Once you decide that saving is non-negotiable, the rest of your finances adjust. You spend more intentionally. You make different choices. You sleep better. And you start to feel like your future is something you’re actively building—not just waiting for.

So here’s a little challenge: what if you tried paying yourself first, even just 10%? What would that look like for you in a few months? A year? Could be the start of something really good.

And hey, if you’ve already been doing this—or want to start—I’d love to hear your story. What’s worked for you? What’s been tough? Let’s trade notes and keep learning from each other.

Living the LifeHighlights,
Thamu Allan

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