How Paying Yourself First Helped Me Save My First $10,000 (and How You Can Too)

My Struggle with Saving Money

For a long time, I struggled with saving. Money came in, and money went right back out. Like many people, I thought I had time to figure it out later. Family members would tell me, “Legend, save your money!” but I brushed it off. Looking back, I realize I was spending recklessly instead of building a safety net.

The Advice That Changed Everything

After consuming countless YouTube videos and books by financial experts like Dave Ramsey and Ramit Sethi, one simple phrase finally clicked: pay yourself first.

It sounds almost too simple, but it completely shifted my mindset. Instead of sending my hard-earned paycheck straight to bills, fast food, or car payments, I decided the very first person I’d pay was me. Even if it was just $50, I treated saving as non-negotiable.

Lessons from My Father-in-Law

One of the most frugal people I know—my father-in-law—once told me: “Why are you so eager to make these companies rich? Keep your money in your pockets.” That advice stuck with me. It wasn’t about depriving myself; it was about valuing my future more than someone else’s profits.

How I Started Paying Myself First

Here’s the exact process I used:

1.  Reviewed My Budget – I looked at my income and expenses to see what I could realistically save.

2.  Automated Savings – I set up direct deposit so a portion of my paycheck went straight into savings/investments.

3.  Adjusted My Lifestyle – I asked myself tough questions: Do I really need to spend this much on eating out? Can I downgrade certain expenses?

4.  Protected My Savings – I treated it as untouchable unless it was a true emergency.

The Results: Saving $10,000

The first time I saw my savings account hit $10,000, it was life-changing. Not only was I paying bills and enjoying life, but I also had proof that the system worked. That confidence motivated me to keep going.

How You Can Do It Too

If you’re ready to start, here’s a simple plan:

•  Decide on a percentage or fixed amount to save each paycheck.

•  Automate it so you don’t have to rely on willpower.

•  Start small if needed—even $25 adds up over time.

•  Increase your savings rate as your income grows.

Final Thoughts

Paying yourself first isn’t just a financial strategy—it’s a mindset shift. Once you prioritize your future, everything else falls into place.