Money Clichés: Sayings We Repeat but Rarely Follow

Michael Fenton
Jun 9
2 min read

Person trying to catch money before it gets away from them

Growing up, I heard the same financial advice echoed again and again:

“You have to spend money to make money.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” “It’s not in the budget.”

These phrases were common in conversation—but rarely, if ever, backed up by action. Money was being spent, but not on appreciating assets or ventures that could generate more wealth. And while people talked about saving, there was often nothing left at the end of the month to actually put aside. As for the budget? I don’t recall ever seeing a written one.

These sayings are deeply ingrained in our culture, but most people use them without implementing the principles behind them. Why? It could be a lack of financial education, a lack of personal discipline, cultural pressures, or even just habit. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: if we don’t tell our money what to do, it will find its own way out of our accounts—usually faster than it came in.

Turn the Talk into Action

It’s not enough to repeat wise-sounding phrases. At some point, we need to act on them. Here's how to turn these clichés into real financial power:

“It’s not in the budget” – So create one.

Budgets aren't restrictive—they’re revealing. A written budget helps you see where your money is actually going and where it's escaping. Once your spending is laid out, you can make clear choices, set meaningful goals, and re-align your financial behavior with your priorities. Below is a Basic Budget spreadsheet that should help you get started.

As the quote goes:

“Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.” – James W. Frick

“A penny saved is a penny earned” – But only if you actually save it.

Without a system in place, even the best intentions get lost in daily life. That’s why automation is key. Set up automatic transfers to savings, investments, and debt payments so you're not relying on willpower every month. Make achieving your goals automatic.

“Getting back to basics” – That’s the real secret.

There’s nothing flashy about the basics, but they work:

Live within your means
Pay off debt aggressively
Save for a rainy day
Invest 15% of your income into simple vehicles like index funds, mutual funds, or target-date retirement funds

Mastering these fundamentals is the path to financial freedom. Not some get-rich-quick scheme, not a windfall—just good habits, done consistently.

Conclusion: From Cliché to Clarity

Clichés become clichés for a reason—they hold truth. But truth without action is just noise. The good news? You don’t need a finance degree or a six-figure salary to win with money. You need a plan, some discipline, and a willingness to stop talking and start doing.

So the next time you catch yourself repeating a money cliché, pause and ask: Am I actually living this out?

Let’s stop repeating the lines and start writing a new financial story—one with purpose, planning, and peace of mind.