Money—how much we have, spend, and wish we had—can occupy a surprising amount of space in our heads. Getting “there,” wherever that is for you, can feel elusive. And when we arrive, the bar often moves. A nicer car. A better vacation. Bigger goals.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting more. But constantly raising the bar creates never-ending stress. So how do people actually achieve financial peace of mind?
It turns out, it’s not just income. “One of the most transformative steps you can make is your mindset around money,” said Laura Corbiani, Financial Planner and Founder of Astraea Wealth Management.
People who feel grounded financially tend to share a handful of simple, repeatable habits. Here are 10 of them.
UNDERSTAND YOUR CASH FLOW
Tapping a phone or card makes spending effortless, which is exactly the problem. To stay aware of where your money is going, Chassity Hood, CFP, APMA, Financial Advisor, with OsborneKlein, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC, advises creating separate accounts for bills, savings, and spending. She also recommends setting and reviewing weekly budgets for things like dining out and Amazon purchases.
AUTOMATE IT
Consistency is often the first thing to slip. “I automate as much as possible,” said Rose A. Coonen, Attorney, Coonen Law, PLLC. She uses dedicated accounts to save for fixed expenses and automates investment contributions. “It keeps my financial goals on track without requiring constant attention."
CREATE A FINANCIAL CUSHION
The general guideline for a financial cushion is three months of expenses, though those with less predictable income may want closer to 12. “At the very least, save enough to cover all your deductibles,” Hood advised. “If a tree fell on your house and hit your car, you want to be able to cover your deductibles and avoid added stress.”
PAY YOURSELF FIRST
Most people know the concept—save first, spend second but making it happen is the challenge. Corbiani reframes it: “Saving isn’t deprivation. It’s self-respect,” she said.
She encourages people to set up savings systems that work for them. “Increase your 401(k) contribution by 1% each year on your birthday and set up an automatic savings transfer the day after payday. You won’t miss what you never see.”
FORGET MARKET TIMING
“Trying to time the market is exhausting and, frankly, counterproductive,” said Anastasia K. Wiese, JD, CFP, Private Wealth Advisor, The Bahnsen Group. “People who build resilience stick with a consistent investment plan regardless of headlines.”
DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL “ENOUGH”
Without a clear definition of “enough,” comparison creeps in and spending rises up spending without increasing satisfaction. “Defining your personal ‘enough’ is one of the most grounding exercises you can do,” said Corbiani.
CHECK RECURRING EXPENSES
Subscriptions and memberships add up quickly. “Recurring expenses are the slow drip that most people overlook,” explained Wiese. She encourages people to review those expenses at least annually. “You may be able to cut costs without sacrificing anything meaningful to you.”
WAIT A DAY
Waiting 24 hours before making a purchase creates space for you to make a more thoughtful decision. “Emotions drive spending more than math does,” said Corbiani. “We often ‘add to cart’ because of a bad day, rather than true need.”
PLAN FOR THE PREDICTABLE
Property taxes, insurance, car repairs, and kids’ activities aren’t surprises, even if they don’t show up monthly. “People who are financially comfortable plan for these proactively,” said Wiese. Setting aside small amounts throughout the year can make a big difference in how in control you feel.
CREATE MARGIN
“The biggest financial stress I see isn’t overspending at Starbucks. It’s overcommitting on fixed costs,” said Corbiani. “When your mortgage, car payments, and baseline obligations eat up most of your income, everything feels tight.” Margin changes that. “Freedom lives in the gap between what you earn and what you’re obligated to spend.”
MINDSET MATTERS
People who are financially comfortable don’t need to earn big bucks. “You could have $500,000 and feel ‘behind,’ or $500 and feel grounded,” Corbiani explained. Things like automating savings, paying yourself first, and creating margin reduce financial stress—both day to day and when the unexpected happens.
“Financial satisfaction isn't a line item in your bank account. It’s a mindset,” she said. “And knowing your numbers isn’t about restriction. It’s about reclaiming the power to spend on things that actually spark joy.”
Kirsetin Morello is a Michigan-based author, speaker, writer, travel-lover, wife and grateful mom of three boys. Read more about her at www.KirsetinMorello.com.
This article originally appeared in the Summer ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
