The First 3 Money Moves to Make

The First 3 Money Moves to Make When You’re Starting Over

Starting over financially can feel like trying to fix a leaky roof in a thunderstorm—you know it needs to be done, but where do you even begin?

At Forging Smart Futures, we get it.

Whether you’re coming out of a divorce, recovering from job loss, or just tired of living paycheck to paycheck, here are the three simple money moves you can make right now to stop the bleeding—and start rebuilding.

1. 🔍 Know Where Your Money Is Actually Going

Before you can fix your finances, you have to face them.

That doesn’t mean shame—it means clarity.

Do this:

Grab a notebook or open your bank app and write down where your last 30 days of spending went. Don’t overthink it—just get it down.

You’ll probably find:

You’re spending more on food or gas than you realized

Subscription services are eating up $40–$100/month

You’re not broke—you’re just spread thin

Knowing is power. You can’t fix what you can’t see.

2. 💵 Create a “Hold You Over” Budget

Forget the perfect spreadsheet. You just need a simple plan to stretch your next 2–3 paychecks without stress.

Start with these four buckets:

• Essentials (rent, food, gas)

• Minimum payments (bills, debt)

• Emergency buffer ($25–$100 if possible)

• Everything else (fun, fluff, etc.)

This is your hold-you-over budget.

It’s not forever—it’s your safety net while you get back on your feet.

3. 🔨 Make One Move to Earn or Save More This Week

Small action = momentum.

You don’t have to overhaul your life—just pick one thing this week to give your finances a boost:

• Sell something you’re not using

• Pick up one shift or gig

• Cancel one subscription

• Use a cashback app or gas discount card

• Apply for a side hustle that fits your skills
  

These are blue-collar moves—the kind that get things done without waiting for permission.

Remember: Starting Small Still Counts

You don’t need to fix everything overnight.

You just need to start.

At Forging Smart Futures, we’re here to help you take the next right step—not the perfect one. That’s how you build momentum. That’s how you build confidence.

That’s how you start forging smarter futures.

Need a tool to get started?

[Download our free The Real Money Reset Toolkit] to jumpstart your reset with a printable budget sheet, bill tracker, and more.