When people think about financial success, they often imagine big moves—buying property, making large investments, or landing a six-figure salary. But in my experience as a tax preparer and accountant here in El Cajon, California, the truth is much simpler: lasting financial health is built on small, consistent habits.
You don’t need to earn a fortune or strike it rich. You just need to treat every dollar like it matters—because it does.
The Myth of “I’ll Start Later”
I hear it all the time: “I’ll start saving when I make more,” or “Budgeting doesn’t matter until I’m out of debt.” But that mindset only pushes people further behind.
The best time to build good habits is now—right where you are, with what you have. You don’t need perfection. You just need progress. Every intentional choice you make, no matter how small, has the power to grow over time.
Think of it like BBQing, one of my favorite weekend activities. Great flavor doesn’t come from one blast of heat—it comes from low, steady attention. Financial security works the same way.
Habit #1: Track What You Spend
The first habit that changes everything? Knowing where your money is going. Most people are shocked the first time they track their expenses for a full month. Subscriptions, takeout, convenience purchases—they add up quickly.
You don’t need a fancy app. A notebook, spreadsheet, or free budgeting tool can do the job. What matters is that you become more aware of your spending patterns. Once you see them clearly, it becomes easier to make small adjustments.
Even saving $5 a day on things like coffee or snacks adds up to $150 a month—that’s $1,800 a year. That alone could be the beginning of your emergency fund or a chunk off your credit card.
Habit #2: Pay Yourself First
One of the best pieces of advice I give my clients is this: pay yourself first. That means setting aside money for savings or investing as soon as your paycheck hits—before rent, groceries, or anything else.
It doesn’t have to be a large amount. Even $25 or $50 a paycheck can build real momentum. Automate it if possible so you don’t even have to think about it.
The goal here is consistency. If you make saving a non-negotiable, you’re telling your money what to do—instead of wondering where it went.
Habit #3: Use Cash for Certain Categories
In a world of debit cards, tap-to-pay, and online shopping, it’s easy to overspend without even realizing it. One habit that works for a lot of families I work with is using cash envelopes for flexible spending categories like groceries, dining out, or entertainment.
When the cash is gone, you know it’s time to pause. It’s a great way to stay on track and avoid mindless overspending. It also makes budgeting feel real—because you can see the money physically leave your hands.
Habit #4: Celebrate Small Wins
Most people give up on budgeting because it feels restrictive. But here’s what I tell my clients: budgeting isn’t punishment—it’s a plan for your priorities.
When you stick to your budget, pay off a bill, or hit a savings goal, celebrate it. Go out for a modest meal. Tell a friend. Mark the moment. These small victories keep you motivated.
Over time, these small wins add up—and they reinforce the idea that your efforts are paying off, even if the numbers don’t look huge yet.
Habit #5: Think Long-Term, Even with Small Dollars
One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in successful clients is when they stop thinking only about this week or this month—and start thinking in years.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you invest just $100 a month starting at age 30. If you earn an average of 7% return, by the time you’re 60, you’ll have over $100,000. That’s the power of compounding—and it starts with small, regular contributions.
Andre Shammas doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice, but I do believe that everyone can find a version of saving and investing that works for them. Whether it’s a retirement account, a college savings plan, or just a simple high-yield savings account, the key is to start—even if it feels small.
Every Habit Matters
Whether you’re a single professional, a busy parent, or a small business owner, the principles are the same: small financial habits, done consistently, create big results over time.
Don’t worry about doing everything at once. Start with one or two changes. Track your spending. Save a little. Pay off a bit of debt. Over time, you’ll gain confidence—and real financial progress.
Remember, every dollar you manage well today puts you one step closer to the life you want tomorrow.
And if you ever feel stuck or unsure where to start, just know you’re not alone. As someone who’s helped hundreds of people navigate their finances, I’ve seen firsthand that patience, consistency, and small steps are the real keys to success.
Andre Shammas didn’t become a tax professional to just talk numbers—I did it to help people take control, build peace of mind, and create the kind of financial freedom that lasts.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much you make—it’s about what you do with what you have.