Know what you want financially but sometimes lose the will to make it happen? Frances Cook has some motivation tips to keep on track, even when you least feel like it.
Money motivation is a weird thing. One day, you’re all fired up, ready to automate your savings, track your spending, and finally open that investment account. The next, you’re lying on the couch, watching someone on TikTok explain why buying an almond milk latte is the financial equivalent of setting yourself on fire – and experiencing a weird craving for one.
If your motivation is currently in the bin, don’t worry. It happens. Here’s how to get back in the game, without resorting to shaming yourself, grindset nonsense, or selling your soul to hustle culture.
1. Remember your ‘why’. The real one, not the one your parents would approve of.
“Financial freedom” is a great concept, but also a bit vague.
If you’re going to make money changes that you actually stick with, you need a reason that actually excites you, something better than “so I can be a responsible adult”. Nobody wants to do things just because they “should”.
Instead think about the real, tangible things money will let you do.
Traveling without stress? Quitting a job you hate? Never having to check your bank balance before saying yes to dinner?
That’s the stuff that keeps you going.
Whatever it is, write it down, stick it on your fridge, or make it your phone background. Make it real, and make it something you actually want.
2. Gamify it
If you’re motivated by progress bars, streaks, and little rewards, use that to your advantage.
Set yourself mini challenges: no-spend Monday, save-an-extra-$10-this-week, to make one financial change each month.
You can also use an app that makes saving feel like a game. Some apps round up your transactions and sneak that money into savings without you noticing.
Trick yourself into being responsible – it doesn’t matter if you get to the finish line by treating yourself like a child, what matters is just that you get there.
So give yourself silly but effective incentives. Hit your savings goal? You get to order a ridiculous dessert next time you go out.
3. Make it stupidly easy
Motivation is unreliable. You know what isn’t? Automation.
Set up an automatic transfer into your savings or investments the day after payday. Doesn’t have to be huge, just enough to make progress without you having to think about it.
Then look for places in your life where you can add or remove friction. Want to do more of it? Remove friction. Want to do less of it? Add friction.
For example, if you’re trying to save more, but your money is just sitting in your everyday account, you’re going to spend it.
That’s not a character flaw, it’s just how human brains work. Time to add friction.
Move your savings somewhere slightly annoying to access. Make future-you jump through a hoop or two.
You’d be amazed how much money you can save just by tapping into laziness.
4. Get a money buddy
Everything is easier when you’re doing it with someone else.
Find a friend who also wants to get their financial life together. Set up a monthly check-in over coffee (or wine, no judgment).
Talk about what’s working, what’s not, and celebrate small wins.
No money-minded mates? No problem. Follow someone on social media who makes finance feel approachable (and not like they’re yelling at you about “wasting money”). Even just seeing someone else talk about money regularly can keep you motivated.
5. Reframe sacrifice as choice
If you feel like you’re constantly “giving things up”, you’re going to resent the whole process.
So instead of thinking, “I can’t spend $15 on coffee this week,” try, “I’m choosing to put this $15 towards something I actually care about”.
It’s not deprivation, it’s just shifting priorities. You’re not missing out on spending. You’re gaining financial stability, stress-free travel, or that future ‘I quit’ fund for when your boss inevitably does something irritating.
6. Consume money content that doesn’t make you hate your life
If financial advice stresses you out, you’re following the wrong people.
Find books, podcasts, or Instagram accounts that talk about money in a way that actually makes you want to take action.
(Shameless plug: If you need a podcast rec, I happen to think Making Cents is pretty good. Just saying.)
7. Celebrate the small wins
Too often, people only celebrate when they hit a big financial milestone.
But getting started? That’s a win. Sticking with it for a month? Another win. Choosing to save even when you didn’t feel like it? Huge win.
Give yourself credit. Even if it’s just a mental high-five. Otherwise this process is going to suck.
8. Accept that motivation comes and goes
Even the most disciplined people don’t feel motivated all the time.
Instead, they build systems so they don’t have to rely on motivation. Some days, you’ll be pumped to check your savings balance. Other days, you won’t even want to think about money.
That’s normal.
The key is setting things up so that even when you’re not feeling it, you’re still moving in the right direction. You don’t need to wake up at 5am, read 47 finance books, or cut out every single fun thing in your life.
Just set yourself up with a few simple habits, keep it light, and focus on what actually matters to you.
The information in this column is general in nature and should not be taken as personalised financial advice.