Am I On Track Financially? 5 Signs You're Doing Better Than You Think
- liveyourmoneystyle
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Scrolling through social media at night wondering if everyone else has their finances figured out while you're falling behind? You're not alone and here's the truth: you're probably doing way better than you think you are.
In this solo episode, Meghan breaks down the real data behind financial wellness and gives you five concrete signs that you're actually crushing it with your money, even if it doesn't feel that way. This episode is packed with research, personal stories, and actionable takeaways to help you feel more confident about your financial journey.
Why We Compare Ourselves Financially (And Why It's Time to Stop)
Most of us don't talk openly about money. We don't ask friends how much they've saved or what their salary is, so we're left guessing, comparing, and often feeling like we're falling short. Being "on the right track" means different things for different people and what matters is comparing your current situation to YOUR OWN financial goals, not what influencers say you should have or what your friends are doing.
The 5 Signs You're Doing Better Than You Think
Sign #1: You Have Something Saved in a High-Yield Savings Account - Even if It's Just $500 or $1,000
According to CNBC, one in three Americans don't have an emergency fund at all, and the median amount saved for emergencies is just $500. If you have anything saved like $100, $500, $1,000 you're already ahead of millions of people. While the standard advice is three to six months of expenses, focus on progress over perfection. Having something saved means you have options and breathing room when unexpected expenses arise.
Sign #2: You Don't Have Any High-Interest Credit Card Debt
Federal Reserve data shows that 46% of adult credit cardholders carried a balance on their credit card for at least one month in the past year. If you're paying your credit card off in full every month, you're in the minority and ahead of nearly half of all Americans. With most credit card interest rates between 20-30%, avoiding this high-interest debt saves you significant money and stress. Try our FREE Crush Your Debt Tracker!!
Sign #3: You Know How Much Money You Have Coming In and Going Out
This might sound basic, but many people live paycheck to paycheck without actually knowing where their money goes. If you understand roughly how much income you're bringing in and how much you're spending each month, you have fundamental financial awareness that protects you from lifestyle creep. You don't need a perfect budget with every dollar accounted for. Being within a few hundred dollars when estimating last month's spending means you're doing great. Would you like help building out your money guideline? Utilize our FREE Budget Builder Guide!
Sign #4: You Have at Least One Investment Account and Have Contributed to It
Whether it's a 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, or taxable brokerage account, if you've contributed to an investment account, you're making your money work for you. According to Gallup, about 60% of Americans have money in a retirement savings plan, but for adults aged 18-29, that number drops to just 39%. If you're younger and already investing, you're way ahead of the curve and taking advantage of compound interest, one of the most powerful wealth-building tools. Even if you're not maxing out contributions, the fact that you've started puts you at a massive advantage. Check out our FREE Investing Made Simple Guide!
Sign #5: You're Paying Your Bills on Time
If you're paying bills on time every month and not racking up late fees, that's a significant win. Late fees add up fast, but beyond that, paying on time protects your credit score, which impacts everything from apartment applications to interest rates on loans and mortgages. Having a system, whether it's reminders, autopay, or a dedicated bill-paying day, means you've solved a problem that trips up many people.
If you've figured out a system—reminders, autopay, or a monthly bill-paying routine—you've solved a problem that trips up many people.
A Personal Story: Why Financial Stability Matters
Meghan shares a vulnerable story from her corporate finance career, where she constantly compared herself to others through job titles and salary increases. After landing what she thought was her dream job, she experienced a pregnancy loss that completely shifted her perspective.
The financial stability she had built—her emergency fund and diversified investment portfolio—gave her the freedom to take significant time off to heal and grow. She didn't know when building that stability that it would be used for that purpose, but it was there when she needed it most.
This illustrates why financial planning isn't just about hitting arbitrary milestones—it's about creating freedom and flexibility to handle whatever life throws at you, expected or unexpected.
Taking Action: Small Steps, Big Impact
Reflect on Your Progress: How many of the five signs did you check off? If you hit one, some, or all of them—celebrate! You're doing better than you think.
Build Habits and Systems: Focus on small, consistent actions that compound over time:
Set up automatic transfers of $50/month to emergency savings
Turn on autopay for credit cards to never miss a payment
Increase your 401(k) contribution by 1% to capture more employer match
Use the free resources in the show notes: Budget Builder Guide, Investing Made Simple Guide, Crush Your Debt Tracker
Remember: Your Path Can Change Your life will evolve, and your financial plan should evolve with it. You have permission to change priorities, adjust goals, and create a financial plan that serves your life—not the other way around.
Meghan went from earning a stable six-figure salary to taking a leap and starting Your Money Style to help others manage and grow their money. Her priorities shifted, and that's completely okay.
The Bottom Line
You're probably doing better than you think. Wherever you are right now is exactly where you're supposed to be. Keep building those habits, keep making progress, and remember: you don't have to become a financial expert to take control of your money. You just need to start where you are and keep moving forward.
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