Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
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💵 Rich Spending, Real Struggles: The Hidden Truth About the U.S. Economy
According to Moody Analytics, the top 10% of earners (those making over $250,000 a year) are responsible for nearly half of all consumer spending. This heavy spending may keep the economy afloat for now, but it also highlights the growing gap: on one side, high earners are traveling, shopping, and investing; on the other, middle and lower income households are cutting back, relying on credit cards, and falling behind.
Even though consumer spending makes up 70% of the U.S. economy, experts warn that wealthy spending alone can’t carry us forever. If the markets shift and high earners pull back, everyone will feel the ripple effects.
How to stay financially resilient amid this divide
It’s easy to feel frustrated when you’re tightening your budget while others around you seem to spend without worry. You might notice that your neighbor has gone on a two-week vacation while you’re putting in extra hours at work.
You’ve probably come across a social media post of a friend from high school who bought a new car.
That pressure can lead to “spite spending” - using credit just to keep up. Everyone around you seems to be spending like there’s not tomorrow, and you want to do the same. But debt only piles on long-term stress.
However, before swiping your credit card out of spite, consider that relying on credit may only be a quick solution to a long-term problem. Instead, let’s focus on what you can control.
Below, we’re sharing practical tips to help you manage money stress, avoid impulse spending, and stay steady, even now when the economy feels like it’s moving in two directions!
1. Focus on yourself and your money
Between the evening news, email updates, and social media, it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind.
Yet the best thing you can do for yourself is focus on your money and not on how others are spending theirs.
When you’re relaxed and settled at home, take a moment to review your bank statements. Notice if you’re spending in a way that reflects your goals and values.
As you review your transactions, you’ll probably notice withdrawals for your internet bill, insurance, and other expenses, which can feel demotivating. You might feel like you’re earning money only to pay bills.
Instead of letting this discourage you, remind yourself that despite economic chaos, you’re able to take care of yourself.
Pat yourself on the back for maintaining your way of life. Of course, it would be nice to go on a lavish vacation or buy all organic groceries. Yet if you change your perspective, you can see the value of where you are now. Here’s what you can do if you need a little pick-me-up:
Choose to spend time with people who support your values
Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s
Likewise, find low-cost ways to treat yourself. Take a hike, catch up with a friend over video chat, or unwind with your favorite show. Joy doesn’t have to come with a first-class price tag.
2. Avoid lifestyle creep
You’ve probably come across an advertisement about taking a trip to the Bahamas or buying the latest iPhone. Because the wealthy are spending more, luxury spending has become somewhat normalized. But remember what we said before, two different economies. In your economy, a $2,000 Peloton bike may not be the best investment.
This doesn’t mean you can’t buy high-end or even luxury items. Instead, think before you buy. Consider if an item makes sense for your life or not. If it’s something you can benefit from, consider saving up to make that purchase.
Yes, it’s tempting to pull out your credit card or click the Buy Now Pay Later option, but borrowing money can get you trapped in a web of debt.
Additionally, if you are financially stable now and have more spending power, it’s important to be mindful as well. Create a budget for yourself and plan out a category for fun money. This way, you can buy nice things but stay within your limits.
3. Prioritize emergency savings
All it takes is one wrong turn, and you can end up in a fender bender. One day, you can walk into work and walk out without a job. Emergencies can happen at any moment. Therefore, now is the time to buckle down and build up your emergency savings.
Start by treating your savings account like a bill and pay yourself first each time you get paid no matter how small. It could be $10, $100 or more, find an amount that’s doable for you.
Another great way to save is with savings games. Some popular challenges you can try are out are to:
Have a savings competition with friends and see who can save the most money
Keep a savings jar and add in spare change e.g. $1 bills or $5 bills
You can even rename your emergency savings and call it your freedom fund, your saving grace fund or something along those lines! a simple name change can make it feel like less of a task.
4. Minimize high-interest debt
We get it, you need to buy groceries but it's three days before you get paid. You need something to hold you over, and that’s where credit cards come in. If you find yourself relying on a credit card, do your best to pay your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges.
If you’re currently paying off a high-interest debt, use a debt repayment plan such as the avalanche method to tackle that high-interest debt fast to minimize how much of your money goes to interest.
You may want to consider debt consolidation but only if it will save you money and time.
Some banks may offer you a balance transfer to a low-interest-rate loan or credit card. If you pursue that option, make sure you are clear on all the terms, and can make payments on time.
5. Look for ways to increase or create multiple streams of income
Making money in this economy is still possible. Here are three avenues to consider:
Side hustles
There are a lot of gurus and influencers talking about side hustles that will earn you a grand overnight. Don’t believe the hype. Any viable side hustle will take time and commitment to set up. But when done correctly, it can provide a nice financial cushion.
To decide on a side hustle, start by understanding the market. What problems are people trying to solve that you can help with? What skills are in demand? Can you leverage tools like business books and articles to help start a side hustle?
Upskill
If you’re not ready to jump into a side hustle now, you can focus on upskilling. Check online for free or low-cost courses on Coursera, Hubspot, and other educational websites where you can learn new skills or improve on the skills you already have.
Investing
The rich are doing it, and you can too. Remember, you don’t need a lot of money to start investing. Start by learning the basics and then use tools like RoboAdvisors or apps like Acorn to start investing what you can. Focus on consistency and broad diversification. We are huge fans of index funds.
Progress isn’t always loud
Quiet and small wins are worth celebrating. Whether you reached your savings goals, started investing, or paid off debt, you are doing well. Of course, paying off a credit card isn’t as luxurious as flying first class. Yet being finally responsible now will give you a better chance of having those luxury experiences in the future.
The wealthy may be the fuel of the economy, but the average American is the engine that keeps everything running.
If you need a deeper financial reset, check out our complete free course on building a solid financial foundation.
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Clever Girl Finance isn’t just about money. We are about freedom, choices, and confidence. We know how overwhelming finances can feel, especially when you’re juggling career, family, and personal goals. That’s why we’ve built one of the largest personal finance communities for women, with over 100,000 women learning, growing, and winning with their money together.When you subscribe, you’re not just signing up for financial tips, you’re joining a movement. You’ll get access to relatable, judgment-free advice designed to help you ditch debt, save consistently, and invest with confidence. We break down money topics in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually fun. Whether you want to build your first emergency fund, pay off thousands in debt, or finally start building wealth for the long term, we’ve got the tools and support you need. With our resources, tools, and strategies, you’ll know you’re not alone on this journey. Subscribe today—because your future self deserves the financial freedom you’re dreaming of!
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