The One Mindset Everyone Should Have After Getting Paid

[Erwin Aguila]

Not just about saving, but about being smarter with money.​

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

We all know the feeling. That rush when the 15th or 30th of the month arrives. Whether you’re working a 9-to-5, juggling side hustles, or waiting for your allowance — let’s admit it — those days feel like a mini holiday.

“It’s payday!”

Suddenly, your online shopping cart looks more tempting. The thought of hearing a knock at the door — “Here’s your parcel, Ma’am/Sir” — feels so rewarding. You can almost hear the crisp tear of bubble wrap, smell the leather of new shoes, or enjoy the thrill of unboxing that gadget you’ve been eyeing for weeks.

And why not? You worked hard for that money. You stayed up late finishing tasks, dragged yourself out of bed for early shifts, or survived long commutes. That paycheck feels like proof that your effort was worth it.

But the thing is,
After getting your money, what’s the first thought that runs through your mind?

I remember a friend of mine — we had the same job, same payday, even the same salary. She once told me, “As soon as I get paid, I hang out, eat out, or shop. I earned it, so I deserve it.”

And honestly, she’s right — we all deserve to treat ourselves. But let’s be real: if that’s the only mindset we have, our money will always be gone before the month even ends.

So, what’s the better mindset?​

Robert Kiyosaki put it simply in Rich Dad, Poor Dad:
“An asset puts money in my pocket. A liability takes money out.”

In other words:
Instead of asking, “What can I buy with this money?”
Try asking, “Where can I put this money, so it grows for me?”

That could mean:

• Saving a portion for emergencies.
• Starting a small business.
• Investing in something that generates income.

Think about it. One day, we’ll all stop working — whether by choice or by age. Do you want your future self to look back grateful that you planned ahead, or stressed because you didn’t?

Now you might ask: “But how do I do that if my salary is small?”​

Here’s a simple system: 50–30–20.

• 50% for needs (bills, food, rent).
• 30% for wants (shopping, travel, self-rewards).
• 20% for savings or investments.

And if you realize some of your “wants” aren’t really necessary, change that extra money to savings instead. Small amounts add up over time.

Final Thought​

Money is never easy to earn. Whether it’s from a job, a side hustle, or even an allowance, what really matters is how we manage it.

So, balance your needs and wants. Learn to separate what feels urgent from what’s truly important. Reward yourself, yes — but also build a future you won’t regret.

Because at the end of the day, the best reward isn’t just a parcel at your doorstep.
It’s peace of mind.

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The One Mindset Everyone Should Have After Getting Paid was originally published in Long. Sweet. Valuable. on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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