Pay Yourself First

June 23, 2026

One of the most common phrases in personal finance is:

"Pay yourself first."

You'll hear financial educators, financial advisors, and money experts say it all the time.

But what exactly does it mean?

And what if you don't feel like you have much money left over to save?

Typically, "pay yourself first" means setting aside a portion of your income before you begin paying everyone else. That money might go into:

• a savings account

• a high-yield savings account

• a retirement account

• an investment account

• or another financial goal

  
  

The idea is simple: every time money comes into your hands, a portion should be working for your future.

But when I teach this concept in workshops and coaching sessions, I like to explain it a little differently.

Think About What You Trade for Money

Most of us spend 40 hours a week working.

Some of us spend even more.

We give our:

• time

• energy

• skills

• knowledge

• and effort

  
  

Sometimes we miss family moments.

Sometimes we skip time with friends.

Sometimes we put our own needs aside to meet the demands of work.

And we do all of that in exchange for money.

Money that allows us to provide for ourselves and our families and enjoy some of life's pleasures.

Now think about what happens next.

That paycheck comes in.

Then we:

• pay bills

• buy groceries

• pay the mortgage or rent

• pay the credit cards

• buy clothes

• pay for subscriptions

• and cover everyday expenses

  
  

Before we know it, the money is gone.

And next month we repeat the process all over again.

Does That Seem Fair?

You worked hard for that money.

Shouldn't you keep a portion of it for yourself?

Not to spend.

Not to splurge.

But to build something.

To create options.

To create security.

To create opportunities for your future self and your family.

As a believer, I tithe because I believe in supporting the work of the Gospel.

So I began asking myself:

If I can faithfully set aside a portion to support something I value, why wouldn't I also set aside a portion to support the future of my family?

That shift in thinking changed everything for me.

What If You Don't Have Much?

This is the question I hear most often.

The good news is that paying yourself first is not about the amount.

It's about the habit.

Start with:

• $10 a week

• $25 a paycheck

• 1% of your income

  
  

The amount matters far less than building the consistency.

Because saving is not just a money skill.

It's an identity shift.

You're teaching yourself that your future matters too.

Final Thought

Paying yourself first is not selfish.

It's stewardship.

It's recognizing that after all the hours you spend working, your future deserves a seat at the table too.

Even if you start small.

Even if progress feels slow.

Make sure a portion of what you earn stays with the person who worked hardest for it:

You.

Keep your money Irie.]

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About Petra-Ann Brown

Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.