Money management can feel overwhelming—complicated steps, piles of paperwork, and tips you might only discover after you’ve already paid the bill.
We’ve all been there, trying to figure out how to manage money or get better at it. The secret? Research how to improve your money habits—then actually follow through.
If you’re wondering how to manage your money better, it boils down to two key choices: spend less than you save or put your money into accounts where it can grow.
These days, there are so many ways to handle your money that the options feel endless. Helpful tools and tech can totally change how you deal with your finances.
So, let’s jump right in—here are our top 15 strategies for managing your money more effectively. Try one, pick a couple, or go all in and adopt them all!
1. Get Free Financial Help
If you’re thinking about how to manage money, why not bring in a pro?
Figuring out finances can be a real headache. Sometimes, it’s just easier (and way less exhausting) to get help from someone who already knows the ropes.
There’s zero shame in getting financial advice—especially if it’s free! In fact, learning from an expert is just plain smart.
Hiring a financial advisor can be pricey, though. So instead, check out Long Game—a savings account with cash rewards, crypto, and fun slot games to help you get back on track. It’s basically free financial help right on your phone!
With Long Game, you really can’t lose. It makes saving money fun and even rewards you with prizes just for playing.
2. Find a Support System
Trying to manage money better won’t go well if you’re surrounded by people who casually drop hundreds of dollars all the time.
It also won’t work if you’re trying to keep up with others or hanging around people who don’t get the whole saving/investing thing.
What you really need when starting your money journey? A support system—people who back your goals and keep you motivated.
You’ve got to get excited about what you want to achieve so you can push past any mental blocks standing between you and your goals.
A cool example? HealthyWage—a platform that turns your weight loss challenge into potential cash prizes. The more weight you lose (and the faster you hit your goal), the more money you can win.
Check out HealthyWage’s success stories and thousands in cash prizes—proof that this system works. Find your health cheer squad today and get motivated to save by shedding pounds.
3. Learn How to Use What You Have
To earn more each month and build smart money habits, you’ve got to make the most of what you already own.
A great way to improve with money? Take stock of what you have, see what’s not being used to its full potential, and figure out how to maximize it.
This could mean repurposing something or renting out unused space—like an extra room in your house or apartment!
You’ve probably heard of Airbnb, but have you actually thought about listing a spare room, floor, or property?
With a little effort, you could make serious cash by fixing up a space and listing it for maximum exposure.
Getting started with Airbnb is free. If you’re willing to put in the work, renting out a property could become a solid side hustle—or even your main income if it takes off!
4. Buy Properties as Investments
When thinking about money management, a lot of people just stash cash in the bank and forget about it.
But that’s not always the best move. There are other ways to make your money work for you.
One option? Use Roofstock, an online marketplace for investing in single-family rental (SFR) homes. Roofstock treats buying and renting SFRs like adding assets to a portfolio.
With over 40 U.S. markets and $1+ billion in transactions, Roofstock makes it easy to buy an investment property that helps you manage money wisely long-term.
5. Invest Small at First
Another way to manage money? Start investing small.
If you’re interested in growing your money but don’t know where to begin, Worthy Bonds is perfect. This free app lets you start tiny and build savings over time.
Every time you spend, Worthy Bonds sets aside small amounts at 5% interest. For example, if you spend $9.50 at the store, $0.50 goes into your investment account.
It’s a super easy way to save without overthinking it.
6. Use a Money-Management App
Okay, this might feel like cheating—but you can actually use an app to get better with money.
Personal Capital offers free online tools plus smart financial advice. Track your net worth, analyze investments, spot hidden fees, and set spending/saving goals.
Why not take the easy route? Sign up for Personal Capital’s free tools—use our link and get $20 to start!
7. Make a Budget and Stick to It
One of the best money tips? Create a budget—then actually follow it. Sounds simple, but most people don’t stick to theirs.
For help, try Mint, a budgeting app that:
- Creates budgets
- Gives spending-based suggestions
- Tracks bills (with alerts so you don’t miss payments)
- Offers free credit checks & improvement tips
Need a little extra budgeting help? Mint’s got you covered.
8. Track Your Spending
If you want to be better with money, sometimes it’s as simple as tracking what you spend. Seeing your habits over time can reveal problem areas.
That’s where PocketGuard comes in. It tracks spending and helps lower bills, so you stay on top of finances while seeing the big picture.
Link credit cards, checking/savings accounts, investments, and loans—see everything in one place.
9. Assign Each Dollar a Home
Here’s another smart money tip: Give every dollar a job.
Estimate your income, then assign each dollar to a category—rent, utilities, groceries, etc. Every dollar should have a purpose.
Apps like YouNeedABudget (YNAB) help you allocate money so you stay on track with daily spending.
Not sure? Try YNAB free for 34 days—no risk!
10. Let an App Save for You
Sign up for Digit, and you’ll never have to remember to save. The app analyzes your spending and automatically saves the perfect amount daily.
Add your card and goals (emergency fund, vacation, student loans), and Digit’s smart algorithms learn your spending habits.
The goal? Save money without sacrificing your lifestyle—no Cup Noodle diet required.
11. Use Your Phone
These days, everyone carries their phone everywhere—great for tracking spending!
Apps like Wally let you log in and update balances anytime. Best part? It’s free and supports all currencies.
Why not try mobile money-saving? It’s free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
12. Build an Investment Portfolio
Another way to manage money? Invest.
For beginners, Stash is an app that helps you pick investments (like ETFs and stocks) based on your risk tolerance, values, and goals.
Stash doesn’t manage accounts directly, but it guides you through building a portfolio.
Grow your savings and earn more monthly by investing with Stash.
13. Invest in What You Believe In
Manage money by supporting causes you care about. Wealthsimple offers diverse portfolios, including socially responsible options.
With $0 minimums/fees and access to financial planners (no matter how much you have), it’s a great choice.
Sign up, and Wealthsimple manages your first $10K free for a year.
14. Sell & Buy Second-Hand
Managing money means making the most of what you own.
Got unused tech lying around? Sell it on Decluttr—the app that pays top dollar for second-hand gadgets.
Need tech? Buy used! Being smart with money means knowing when to splurge and when to save.
Decluttr makes it easy to earn and save by buying/selling second-hand electronics.
15. Don’t Ignore Your Student Loans
Good money habits are key to saving. If student loans make saving seem impossible, Credible can help.
Want a better interest rate or lower payments? Refinance. Don’t just ignore the debt.
Credible is a loan marketplace where you can:
- Compare lenders in one place
- Find the best rates/terms
- Refinance student or personal loans