The ‘Boring’ Money Moves That Actually Build Wealth 💰️

Welcome back to another edition of "Rolling in Dough" Newsletter, where we serve up the simplest ways to save more, spend less, and build wealth with regular insights, behavioral science hacks, and tiny tips to do today. I hope to make your financial journey a little fun, simple, and totally doable, where ever you are on your wealth journey.

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💸 #1: Auto-Saving Before You See It

Manually moving money sounds responsible. But you’ll forget, skip it, spend it, or psych yourself out.

Boring Move: Set up an auto-transfer to savings or a High Yield Savings Account the day after payday.

Even $20/week = $1,040/year. And you never had to think about it.

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 💸 #2: Contributing to your 401(k) or Roth IRA Every Month

It’s giving slow-burn success. You don’t feel the dopamine hit. But 5-10 years from now, you’ll be shocked at what you've accumulated.

Boring Move:

• Contribute enough to get your company’s 401(k) match

• Or set up a Roth IRA and put in $50–$200/month

• You could invest in a basic ETF like VOO, SPY, or others, and leave it alone

• (If you absolutely don't feel comfortable doing this, then at least put this money in a High Yield Savings Account (see Number 1 above).

You won’t even remember the deposit. But your future self will be set. You'll likely accumulate 6-figures over a decade plus, just being consistent and letting the interest compound.

$SPY ( ▼ 0.02% ) $VOO ( ▼ 0.03% ) 

💸 #3: Paying Bills on AutoPay

Is there anything less exciting than a utility bill? But also… is there anything worse than paying $35 because you forgot it was due?

Boring Move:

• Set up autopay for all fixed bills

• Use a bill pay checking account just for this

• Review once a month, but let automation do the work

💸 #4: Rounding up Your Purchases to Save or Invest

This is one of those ‘why not’ moves. You won’t notice the extra 32 cents. But it can add up over time.

Boring Move:

• Use apps or bank tools that round up

• Every swipe is a tiny drop into your savings or investment jar

• Passive, painless, and you wouldn't miss it anyway so you may as well.

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💸 #5: Staying Put

We love an upgrade, but holding steady can be helpful at times.

Boring Move:

• Renewing your lease = no moving costs

• Keeping your phone = no new payment

• Driving your current car = thousands saved per year

This can help prevent lifestyle creep so your money can breathe.

💸 #6: Saying No Sometimes (Even When You Could Say Yes)

One of the wealthiest things you can do is not spend.

Boring Move:

• Not going to every dinner

• Not upgrading the hotel

• Not panic-buying when bored or stressed

It won’t get you any applause, but it will help you prioritize what you actually want to spend your money on most.

💸 #7: Tracking Your Wins (Not Just Your Expenses)

Budgeting isn’t just about what goes out, but also what’s growing.

Boring Move:

• Track how much you saved, invested, or paid down

• Even just in your Notes app, it can be once a week, every payday, or once a month

• Watch those boring moves compound into confidence

👋  TO GO BITES: The Wrap Up • Dough Pro Tip

How did you score? Boring may feel basic, but its built to last.

If it feels dull but it's making your life easier, more peaceful, and more stable, you're doing it right.

Over time, your future you will thank you. These are things you likely won't miss anyway, or tiny steps to take in the right direction without much effort.

So, forget chasing viral tips. You don’t need the latest financial secret. You just need small, steady steps that work in the background, while you live your life.

And those boring moves, they might just be the smartest things you ever do, and they help build a great foundation and financial habit in the process.

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