If you’ve ever thought, “I need to get better with money... but where do I even start?”—you’re not alone. 

In this video, we’re talking about how those small money moves can lead to big results—and why they actually reduce stress, rather than add to your mental load.

What’s the Difference Between Habits and Routines & Rituals?

Before we jump in, let’s clear something up:

• Habits are the things you do almost automatically—like checking the price per unit at the grocery store or brushing your teeth. They happen daily, or in a specific context, without much (or any!) thought.

• Routines and Rituals are the things you do regularly but with a little more intention—like reviewing your budget each month, going to church on Sunday, or “Fun Friday Finance” (more on that below!).

Experts estimate that 40–50% of what we do each day is based on habits. That means the fastest way to change your financial future is to shift the little things you do automatically.

5 Tiny Habits That Build Wealth

These small actions are simple, practical, and easy to start today:

1. Round Up, Save Up

If you buy something for $47.26, round it up to $50 in your mind—and set aside the difference. That $2.74 might not seem like much, but over time, those small saves stack up fast. Automate it if your bank allows!

2. Pause Before You Purchase

Impulse buying? Take a breath. Ask:

• Do I need this—or just want it?

• Why do I want it right now?

• Does it fit my budget or plan?

If it’s a “yes,” that’s fine—own the decision. But pausing gives your brain space to think rather than react.

3. Know Your Price Per Unit

Just because it’s a giant pack doesn’t mean it’s a deal. Check the price per unit and ask:

• Will I actually use this?

• Do I have room for it?

• Is this the right amount for my household?

This habit saves money, reduces waste, and simplifies choices.

4. Skip and Save

Skip one small thing each day—a latte, a fast-food run, even just an app download—and move that money into savings. Intentional trade-offs.

5. Ask for the Deal

In stores or on calls, ask about discounts, coupons, or cash-back programs. From makeup counters to renewal calls, many places offer bonuses—you just have to speak up!

Real-Life Rituals That Change Everything

"Fun Friday Finance"

One of Ronnie’s clients, a working mom of four, used to feel overwhelmed by her credit card spending. She wasn’t in debt, but she had no idea how much was going where.

So she started a weekly “Fun Friday Finance” ritual—just 10 minutes every Friday morning to check in on checking, savings, and spending. She got her husband involved, and she even involved her kids in age-appropriate conversations.

That small ritual helped her feel informed, in control, and even excited about her money.

🐾 Another Ritual: Save Like Your Pets

Ronnie and her husband gave up on pet insurance after realizing it never covered what they needed. Instead, they set up an automatic “cat fund”—$25 from him, $5 from her—each month. It’s there when they need it, and it’s added up fast. (Bonus: it brings a smile every time they check the balance.)

Why Saving Is Self-Care (and Why Starting Now Matters)

Let’s zoom out for a moment.

Saving is one of the kindest things you can do for your future self. It doesn’t need to start big. But it does need to start now.

For example, let’s say you’re 35 and begin saving $500/month for 10 years, earning 7% interest.
By age 65, you’ll have around $784,000.

Wait just 5 years, and the total drops to about $559,000. That’s a $225,000 difference—just from starting later.

Time and direction matter. Which means:
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to get money flowing in the right direction.

The Rule of 72: Understanding How Money Grows (or Shrinks)

This rule helps you estimate how long it takes your money to double based on your interest rate:

• At 10%: Money doubles every 7.2 years

• At 0.42% (typical savings account): It takes 171 years to double 🤯

Once you’ve built your emergency fund, where you save matters. Money that just sits in a standard savings account may actually lose value when you factor in inflation.

Choosing How to Grow Your Money

• Fixed: Low growth, high stability

• Variable: Market-based—can go up or down

• Indexed: Linked to the market, but protected—no loss, only growth within a set range

When you’re closer to retirement, the cost of loss is much higher. That's why smart saving strategies—especially ones with downside protection—can make a big difference.

So Where Should You Start?

Here’s where I come in as your financial strategist.

Before you pick a new money habit, we first need to know:

1. Where are you right now?

2. Where do you want to go?

3. What do you want your money to do for you?

That’s why we created a simple self-assessment tool to help you reflect—without judgment—on your current situation. It's just data, and it's the first step toward clarity.

Because when you know where you stand, you can start making smarter decisions right away.

Your Tiny Habit Today: Just Think About It

Your biggest takeaway from this episode?

Don't ignore your money.
Look at it. Learn from it. Redirect the flow.

Because once you know how money works—and how you work—tiny habits become powerful tools that change everything.

🎥 Watch the Video: Episode 2 of the START Series

👉 Up next: Episode 3: Why Family, Fitness & Fun Are Key to Financial Success.

Return to The START Series Blog Hub.