Am I Moneymaxxing? Plus, More October Money Questions
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. While we don't cover every company or financial product on the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective editorial perspectives. However, these factors do not influence our editors' opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews. Here is a list of our partners. The Nerds explore how to stop living paycheck to paycheck, moneymaxxing and high utility bills. Published Oct 13, 2026Fact CheckedHow is this page expert verified?NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible.More on our editorial rigorAddas a preferred source on Google NerdWallet is committed to editorial integrity.Helpful ResourcesHow to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean and How They WorkHow to Make a Budget in 5 Steps28 Proven Ways to Save MoneyThe investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.Each week, we answer money questions from around the web on the NerdWallet app. Here are three trending questions from October. Living paycheck to paycheck, where money seems to run out at the end of each month, can happen for many different reasons and at all kinds of income levels. Sometimes, automated savings into retirement or college accounts eat up “extra” pay. Lifestyle creep can also strain even a healthy salary. In other cases, it’s hard to meet even basic needs on a single paycheck. While the context might differ, financial experts agree on some basic strategies to stop living paycheck to paycheck. Put savings first. Set money aside for an emergency fund and retirement before spending. Automating those savings is one way to make sure they get prioritized. Of course, automating savings only makes sense if you’re sure you can still pay your other bills, too. If you can’t, explore other resources for help. Make a budget. Using guidance like the 50/30/20 approach, allocate your money to different categories, and track spending to limit unnecessary spending. Avoid impulse spending. It’s easy to feel like you should spend more when influencers peddle certain products or services, but focus on what you actually need. Try not to spend more when you earn more. A common trap is upping your spending whenever you get a pay raise, but doing so makes it harder to get ahead. Talk about money frequently. Discussing financial goals, spending and any adjustments needed with family members can keep everyone on track. It might even help to have a weekly or monthly meeting. “Moneymaxxing” might be a fun social media term that refers to optimizing your finances, but it’s also a helpful way to look at money choices. Like its predecessors looksmaxxing and frictionmaxxing, moneymaxxing is all about making choices that deliver results. Spending smarter, saving more and having long-term financial goals are all part of moneymaxxing. So how do you know if you are moneymaxxing or moneylaxxing? Here are some ways to decide: Do you track your spending? Tracking where money goes is a key component of moneymaxxing because it allows you to make adjustments if needed. Keep a close eye on where every dollar goes for a month to see if there are surprises or things you want to change. Do you plan out your spending? Making a plan for where your money goes, also known as budgeting, can help you make sure you’re spending on products and services that align with your long-term goals. For example, if you want to go on a big vacation next year, then it makes sense to start saving for it now. Do you think about your financial goals? Brainstorming big dreams like retiring at age 60 or visiting every continent? This can help you make sure current spending and saving patterns put you on a path to turn those goals into reality. Do you have a plan to pay off debt? Deciding on the snowball method or avalanche method, and then paying off high-interest debt, can free up your money for other purposes. Do you find joy in managing your money? Embracing moneymaxxing over the long-term is easier if it’s fun. Find ways to enjoy mindful spending, budgeting, and taking on other financial to-dos. If you noticed a recent spike in your utility bills, chances are you can do something about it. When it comes to water, for example, a sudden uptick in your regular bill can mean your home has a leak. Check your faucets, toilets or any other water source. If you can’t locate it, a plumber might be able to help. Here are some additional steps to take to help lower your utility bills: Call the utility company. You can ask to get a check on the readings, especially if they seem too high. The company might also have suggestions for next steps. If you’re going through a difficult financial time, ask if a hardship program is available. Check for local programs and energy-saving rebates. Your state or utility company might offer programs to help residents lower their energy usage through improvements, such as installing insulation or a new HVAC system. It’s worth checking whether any apply to you. Get help from a professional. A plumber can help you identify water-saving opportunities, and an electrician can help make your home more energy-efficient. An energy auditor can identify potential leaks from cracks or missing insulation. Shift habits. Try taking shorter showers, leaving faucets on for less time, turning lights off and adjusting your thermostat up or down depending on the season. Don’t forget annual maintenance. Replacing air filters, cleaning showerheads and regularly checking your HVAC system can help ensure your home is as efficient as possible. Explore more onThe Financial Glow UpMaking MoneyPaying Your BillsPersonal FinanceAddas a preferred source on Google NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539NMLS Consumer Access |Licenses and Disclosures California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812 Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #603L288 You also can open a Cash Account offered by Atomic Brokerage which allows you to earn interest on your cash through a cash sweep program. View Important Cash Account Disclosures.
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