I’m 39. I have no retirement. I have started over again during a divorce. I’m constantly broke. I’m not good with money. I don’t know how and what to do to become good financially. I grew up being poor so money always has been something that hasn’t been in my life. My credit is absolutely destroyed. It’s been a wake up call and I want to learn.
I do spend a lot of my paycheck. I know it must be as simple as don’t do that. However, I don’t know how to save. How much of a percentage do I do? What are some disciplines that yall adopt? Am I screwed or is there a way out of this? Is there a way to make extra income? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
First off, you’re not screwed. Let’s just get that out of the way. Feeling stuck or overwhelmed financially at 39 is not a death sentence for your future, even if it feels that way right now. Here’s the thing about money: it’s less about where you start and more about the systems you build over time. And right now, you’ve got an opportunity to hit reset and start building those systems.
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot—divorce, financial struggles, a history of not having much to work with. That’s tough. But the past doesn’t have to define your future. What’s most important is that you’re aware of your situation and ready to make changes. That’s a huge first step most people don’t even get to.
Start small. You don’t need to overhaul your entire financial life overnight. It’s about small, sustainable changes that add up over time. Here are a few things that might help you get on the right track:
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Track where your money is going: Before you even think about saving, you need to understand your spending. If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s hard to know how to stop the leaks. Use an app or a notebook, whatever works, but start tracking your expenses.
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Build an emergency fund: Forget about retirement for now. Your focus should be on stability. Start with a small emergency fund—$500, $1,000, whatever feels doable. This is your cushion for when life throws a curveball (and it will). Saving something, anything, makes you more resilient.
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Automate your savings: You asked about discipline, and the truth is, discipline is overrated. You don’t need to willpower your way to saving money. Automate it. Set up a direct deposit to a savings account, even if it’s $50 a month to start. When you don’t see it, you don’t miss it, and over time, it adds up.
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Focus on earning more, not just spending less: Cutting back is important, but increasing your income can change the game. Think about skills you have or can develop that might allow you to earn extra money on the side—freelancing, gig work, a part-time job, whatever. The goal is to create more breathing room so you’re not living paycheck to paycheck.
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Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s: Everyone starts in a different place. Some people have advantages you don’t, and that’s just reality. But focusing on your situation and making progress—no matter how small—beats staying stuck in comparison mode.
As for your credit, yes, it’s damaged, but credit scores can be rebuilt over time. Start by paying bills on time and avoiding new debt as much as possible. You’re not alone in this struggle, and there’s definitely a way out. It’s just going to take time, effort, and patience. Keep going—slow and steady really does win the race.