Leveling Up Your Finances: Simple Habits That Pay Off Long Term
What if money worked more like your favorite video game?
Every decision… every level unlocked… every skill learned… makes your avatar (YOU) stronger, smarter, and more prepared for future challenges.
That’s how finances work.
We don’t wake up magically confident with money — we build that confidence through habits, practice, and mindset. And it can start right now, even if you don’t have a job, a business, or your own bank account yet. So think of money like a game. Every decision is like choosing a power-up:
✨ Save = future power
🍩 Impulse spend = quick boost (but temporary)
🎯 Plan ahead = unlock secret levels
The coolest players don’t just want to win the moment -
They want to win the game.
I have a 12-year-old daughter who cannot spend her weekly allowance fast enough. The second her “payday” hits, she’s already planning Starbucks and Dunkin’ runs with her friends.
By Wednesday:
“Mom, can I borrow $5?”
“Mom, I’ll pay you back on Friday!”
“Mom, I really need this iced latte…”
We call it the Weekly Borrowing Cycle.
And here’s the problem:
When she really wants something meaningful, like new shoes, event tickets, or something to collect, she can’t afford it.
Why?
Because she hasn’t built the skill of delayed gratification.
That “I’ll wait now to get something better later” muscle is everything in money.
Adults struggle with this too.
But YOU have a chance to master it early.
Let’s power you up with your money superpowers!!!!
Superpower #1: Pay Attention
Most people have no idea where their money goes.
It’s like disappearing inventory.
For 7 days, write down everything you buy. At the end of the week, group items into categories (dining out, shopping, bills, donations, etc.)
You’ll unlock secret knowledge:
“Oh wow… drinks are draining my coins.”
Awareness = instant power-up.
Superpower #2: The 24-Hour Rule
Before buying anything that’s not food or basic needs, ask:
"Will I care about this tomorrow?"
Most impulse decisions fade faster than a trending TikTok.
But the truly valuable purchases stick in your mind.
Superpower #3: Save First
Saving isn’t about being boring.
It’s about being ready.
Ready for opportunities.
Ready for emergencies.
Ready to say “yes” to what matters.
Try saving:
10% of your income/ allowance
Birthday envelopes
Surprise cash
Your future self will thank you.
Superpower #4: Know Your Triggers
Everybody has “money traps.” Not sure what yours are? Look back to your highest spending categories from Superpower #1
fancy drinks
snacks
subscriptions
impulse clothing
game skins
Instagram ads
Amazon deals
eating out
hobbies
It’s OK to enjoy them… just track them.
Superpower #5 : Entrepreneurship Builds Confidence
When you make money yourself, even small amounts, you learn:
pricing
motivation
persistence
customer skills
profit vs. expenses
It’s like unlocking a hidden skill tree.
Try something simple:
babysitting
tutoring
crafting
reselling
pet sitting
gaming lessons
Now comes my favorite part of the article. Close your eyes and try to imagine yourself ten years from now.
Two Future Selves
Now take another minute and imagine two versions of you a decade from now.
Future You at Level 10 (Successful)
You walk into a store, see something amazing, and… you can afford it.
Not because you’re rich… but because you planned.
You:
have savings
understand investing
don’t panic when bills appear
make smart money moves
have options
You travel.
You eat out without sweating the bill.
You take opportunities, not loans.
People ask, “How are you so calm about money?”
Your answer?
"I started getting intentional about my saving and spending habits."
This version of you is proud.
Future You at Level 2 (Stuck)
Now imagine another version:
Every end of the month feels like a boss battle.
Bills appear out of nowhere.
Paychecks vanish instantly.
You don’t know where your money goes — it just… disappears.
You:
stress about every purchase
avoid opening your statements
feel behind everyone else
take debt to catch up
feel lost professionally
The truth:
You’re not lazy.
You’re not “bad with money”.
You just haven’t taken control of your finances.
And now? You’re playing financial catch-up.
This version of you wishes they had done something about it when they’d identified the problem.
This version wishes you’d started young.
So… which future are you building today?
Your daily choices are shaping your character:
Spend everything = trapped later
Save smartly = freedom later
Learn investing = wealth later
Build confidence = opportunities later
Small habits → big futures.
You didn’t think you were going to get homework did you? Well, consider this as optional homework, but if you complete it, it’ll make your smart money habits even smarter.
Money Habits You Can Try This Week
Pick one:
Track your weekly spending
Save $5 before you spend any money
Learn one new financial concept
Skip one impulse purchase and note how it feels
Follow the 24 Hour Rule
Track your spending triggers
List the value of your paycheck
One tiny habit can change the trajectory of your wealth accumulation and your entire storyline.
Take 3 minutes to answer honestly:
What’s the last thing I bought just because everyone else had it?
What’s something I REALLY want — and how much does it cost?
What small habit could I start this week to get closer?
What category do I overspend on without thinking?
Which future version of me do I want to become — Level 10 or Level 2?
These answers reveal your next power-up.
Money doesn’t control you.
You control money.
You don’t need:
a job
a bank account
perfect math skills
You need:
curiosity
patience
small habits
practice
Every smart choice is a level-up.
Every savings deposit is armor.
Every delay is discipline.
And one day soon…
you’ll look back and say:
“I’m so glad I took control.”
Anna Bruno
Business Consultant | Financial
Strategist | Global Speaker | Columnist
| Holistic Money Coach
Anna Bruno recently won the Global Woman Impact Leadership Award in the Best Woman in Finance 2025 category. She also holds a Retirement Planning Specialist certification from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Holistic Financial Planning Coach certification from Teachers College at Columbia University. She is a seasoned Business Consultant, Financial Strategist, and Accredited Holistic Money Mindset Coach with over 25 years of experience guiding individuals, families, and entrepreneurs toward financial confidence and business growth. Anna is the co-founder of Acceleration Circle Inc., an EdTech platform helping founders and small business owners scale with confidence.
