I think there’s this big misconception that becoming “rich” requires huge sacrifices, dramatic income increases, or extreme budgeting.
Most people don’t get wealthy from winning the lottery or landing a dream salary, they get wealthy from the small, boring, consistent habits that quietly compound over years.
It’s those boring habits that’s led me to save a nice, little nest egg for myself.
Tiny habits may not feel powerful in the moment, but they build a mindset, a system, and a lifestyle that naturally attracts financial stability.
For young women and women in their 30s like me, these habits are life-changing because they create long-term security, peace, and freedom, without needing to overhaul your entire life.
If you want to slowly but surely build wealth (without stress, restriction, or burnout), these are the 11 tiny habits that make you rich over time.
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1. Track Your Spending for 2 Minutes a Day
Wealth begins with awareness. I use the Pocket Expense app which I’ve talked quite a bit about on this blog.
When you know where your money is going, you start naturally making better decisions.
You don’t need a fancy app — just write down:
– What you spent
– Where
– Why
Knowing the category is important so you can see what you spent where. If you know you’re spending more on clothes and entertainment than food and housing, you know you may need to curb your spending
This habit takes under 2 minutes, but the impact is HUGE.
The more aware you are, the richer you become.
2. Save First, Spend What’s Left (Not the Other Way Around)
Most people save after spending.
Rich people save before spending.
Even saving $20–$50 per paycheck builds massive discipline, and it compounds like magic.
Set up an automatic transfer into savings every payday.
Treat it like rent: non-negotiable.
3. Check Your Bank Balance Daily (Just for 5 Seconds)
Avoiding your finances is the fastest way to stay broke.
Looking at your money is the fastest way to grow it.
A quick daily check-in:
– Keeps overspending in check
– Reduces financial anxiety
– Makes you feel in control
– Helps you stay aligned with goals
Money grows where attention flows.
4. Create a “48-Hour Wishlist” Instead of Impulse Shopping
When you want to buy something, don’t buy it immediately.
Add it to a wishlist.
Wait 48 hours.
If you still want it — AND can afford it — buy it.
If not? You just saved money without feeling deprived.
If it’s a HUGE purchase, wait 30 days.
Impulse control = wealth.
5. Read 10 Minutes of a Money Book Every Week
Financial literacy is a superpower.
Ydon’t need to read full books, just 10 minutes a week builds confidence and understanding.
Some great beginner-friendly books:
– The Psychology of Money
– Rich Dad Poor Dad
– You Are a Badass at Making Money
Get a physical copy of your favorite — holding the book makes you more likely to read.
Try this bestselling money mindset book to start.
Knowledge = wealth.
6. Cook at Home One Extra Day per Week
Just ONE extra at-home meal weekly saves hundreds every year.
Plus, it builds a habit of intentional spending.
Start simple:
– Pasta
– Stir fry
– Sheet-pan meals
Use an easy 10-minute 1 pan recipes cookbook to expand your at-home meals.
Tiny culinary habits → big financial gains.
7. Keep a “No-Spend Zone” in Your Home
Choose ONE category where you dramatically cut back.
For example:
– No new candles
– No new skincare
– No new clothes
– No new kitchen gadgets
– No new subscriptions
Stopping buying one category can save you thousands over time.
8. Always Round Up When You Save or Spend
This trick is tiny but brilliant.
Whenever you:
– Buy something → round up and save the difference
– Get paid → round up your savings transfer
Example:
If you spend $17 → save $3
If you planned to save $20 → save $25
These round-ups accumulate shockingly fast.
9. Use Cash for Tempting Categories
Cash makes you more aware of spending.
Try using cash for:
– Eating out
– Coffee shops
– Shopping
– Entertainment
Once it’s gone… it’s gone.
No overspending.
10. Make “Future You” a Priority Every Week
Each week, ask yourself:
“What can I do today that my future self will thank me for?”
Examples:
– Calling your bank
– Canceling a subscription
– Automating a bill
– Putting away $5
– Opening a savings or investment account
Future-you habits build long-term wealth.
Keep track of these wins using this gratitude + goals journal.
11. Celebrate Small Financial Wins (Positive Reinforcement Works)
Did you save $20 this week?
Made coffee at home instead of buying it?
Skipped a purchase you didn’t need?
Celebrate it.
Write it down.
Acknowledge your progress.
Small wins add up to big discipline.
Big discipline adds up to long-term wealth.
Final Thoughts
Getting rich isn’t a dramatic before-and-after moment, it’s a slow, quiet shift built by tiny habits you repeat without even thinking.
These habits change the way you relate to money, the way you make decisions, and the way you build the kind of life where you have choices, comfort, and peace.
If you build these habits now, even imperfectly, your future self will be wealthier, calmer, and far more secure than you ever imagined.
Small habits → big wealth.
