I Make Money, But I Can’t Keep It

I Make Money… But I Can’t Keep It

I make money.
Not millions. Not even enough to call myself comfortable. But enough to survive — and sometimes even to upgrade my life a little.

But somehow, no matter how much I make… I always find myself back at zero.
Broke.
Frustrated.
Wondering where it all went.

Where Did My Money Go?

At first, I blamed myself.

• Maybe I’m bad with money.
• Maybe I’m not disciplined enough.
• Maybe I’m not meant to be financially free.

But deep down, I realized it wasn’t just about budgeting or being careful — it was about how I related to money.

When I didn’t have money, I worried.
When I got money… I still worried.

What if something bad happens?
What if I lose my job?
What if I need it for an emergency?

So instead of investing in the things I needed — like a new sofa or a better home — I’d freeze.
I’d hold onto the cash, just in case.

But slowly… it would disappear.
Bit by bit.
Untracked.
Unintentionally.

Until I was broke again.

Scarcity, Not Spending, Was the Problem

The real issue? A scarcity mindset.

I wasn’t just saving — I was hoarding out of fear.
I wasn’t just planning — I was delaying life in case of disaster.
And I wasn’t broke because I didn’t earn. I was broke because I couldn’t trust myself to use money wisely.

What’s Changing Now?

Not everything. I’m still learning.

But here’s what’s helping me slowly break the cycle:

• Tracking without judgment — seeing exactly where money goes
• Naming my fears — understanding what I’m actually afraid of
• Making small, intentional choices — one item at a time, one win at a time

A New Relationship With Money

Keeping money isn’t just about how much you make.
It’s about your mindset.
Your beliefs.
Your habits.
Your relationship with money.

And when you start working on that, even the smallest income can stretch farther than you think.

Have You Felt This Too?

Have you ever felt like this? Let me know in the comments.
Let’s break the cycle together.