Consistency Compounds

small money moves, big financial wins

Photo by Dmytro Demidko on Unsplash

Ok People, it’s time.

Let’s talk about possibly the most unsexy yet probably the most powerful area we can tap into the power of consistency: personal finance.

I've been thinking a lot about this lately (heyyy 55 & hoping to someday not work a traditional day job) especially after realizing every significant financial win in my life (home, cars etc) has come about not from dramatic gestures, but from small, repeated actions that on the surface seem insignificant.

Here's the truth we already know: successful people do consistently what the rest of us do sporadically.

And, when it comes to money, this principle isn't just helpful – it's *everything.*

Just like with parenting or hitting the gym, the most important moments in our financial journeys happen when we don't feel like showing up. Anyone can save money when they're motivated. The real test comes when we're tired, stressed, or facing an unexpected temptation. That's when consistency matters most.

A parent doesn't get to skip being patient just because they're having a rough day.

A writer doesn’t skip their daily writing practice just because inspiration didn’t strike.

And our financial future? It doesn't care if we r e a l l y want those new Hokas which aren’t in the budget until next month.

The power lies in showing up anyway.

Let's explore how consistency shapes financial success:

🏦 The Future Self Connection

Every time we make a financial decision, we're actually having a conversation with our future self. Saving $20 today really is like sending a small gift forward in time - something our Future Selves will appreciate, whether it's a month or a decade from now.

This isn't just positive psychology; it's practical financial planning in its most personal form. When we start viewing our spending through this lens, everything changes. That $5 a day Nespresso habit isn't just about today's caffeine fix – it's borrowing happiness from Future Carla. Each financial choice we make today essentially becomes a message to tomorrow's version of us.

🏦 The Power of Consistent Patterns

Commitment to a consistent financial plan is easy when we're enjoying the process, however it's those unexpected wants and impulses that conspire to test our resolve. The key isn't making perfect decisions; it's making consistent ones.

We know this —> When we optimistically tell ourselves ‘each week I will save XXX,’ it's much less about the amount than it is about the consistency.

We know this —> We know when we're working to get fit, we know a single amazing workout won’t transform us—it's the consistent, regular exercise routine that creates change. Money works the same way. Our financial muscles grow stronger through regular use, not occasional heroic efforts.

🏦 The Magic Penny Principle

I love this concept and it’s where consistency shows its potential. There's a famous example about choosing between a million dollars today or a penny that doubles daily for a month. Most people choose a million dollars and yet the penny wins, growing to over $10 million. This is my nerdiest and most favorite illustration of how consistent, small actions compound over time.

Our entire financial journey is like that penny and I remind myself of this every damn day. Each small, consistent action can seem negligible in the moment but consistency creates compound effects no single grand gesture can match.

Financial discipline isn't about perfection, it's about showing up for our future self even when today's self would rather not.

Building a strong financial foundation can absolutely feel overwhelming at times yet, like everything else we do together, it’s a process that starts with small, intentional steps.

When we begin with manageable changes - tracking spending, setting aside a small percentage for savings, or simply being aware of what’s coming in/going out - we create sustainable habits that grow stronger over time. The key is NOT to transform everything at once, but to make consistent choices that align with our long-term goals.

Start where you are, with what you have, and let consistency be your guide.

Your Future Self is watching, counting on the decisions you make today and agreeing this may be the LEAST sexy (and one of the most important) TCA pieces ever.