Are You Swimming Upstream When It Comes to Your Finances?

Does it seem like you just can’t get ahead financially? See how small financial changes can help you turn the tides.

by Andrea Norris-McKnight

When it comes to money, do you often feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back? Like you’re constantly swimming against the tide financially?

Think about what it means to swim against the tide. You’re fighting a current that’s working against you. When the current is slow, it’s easier to make progress. But when a storm hits and the current speeds up, no matter how hard you swim, you can’t gain any ground — or worse, you get swept backward.

The same thing can happen with your finances. You might struggle to stay afloat, but you’re managing to inch ahead with each paycheck. Then, out of the blue, your work hours get cut or your car breaks down, and you’re right back where you started three or six months ago.

Swimming against the tide, whether in the water or with your finances, is exhausting. Certain money habits can make it even harder. However, by making a few small changes, you can stop getting pulled backward and start moving with the current instead of against it.

The Difference a Few Dollars a Week Can Make

Imagine swimming up a river and pocketing a few small pebbles each week. They may not feel heavy at first, but over time, they’ll make swimming upstream much harder. If you don’t start removing them, you might eventually drown.

Debt works similarly. Adding just a few dollars to your debt each week makes it harder to get ahead financially. Eventually, you’ll struggle to stay afloat and might drown in debt.

Now, think about what happens when you save a few dollars each week in an emergency fund.

When the river current gets too strong, holding onto a boulder can stop you from being swept back downstream. You might not be moving forward, but you can hold on until you can push ahead again. An emergency fund is like that boulder – it can keep you afloat during tough financial times.

With your debt under control and an emergency fund in place, you can gradually build wealth. And that’s when you can start pushing upstream, no matter the current. So, how can you stop slipping back and start moving forward?

The Big Difference a Few Small Changes to Habits Can Make

When you’re stuck swimming against the financial tide, it’s easy to feel like big changes are impossible. But here’s the truth: small, consistent changes to your habits can create momentum and move you forward.

Start by identifying one area where you can reduce spending. It doesn’t have to be dramatic — just something manageable. Could you eat out one less time a week? Skip the coffee shop for a homemade brew? Redirecting even $20 or $30 a month toward debt payments or savings can add up over time. (See 5 Simple Budget Cuts That Can Save $200 a Month)

One habit to rethink is how you handle unexpected expenses. Many people use credit cards to cover emergencies, but this adds to their financial burden. Instead, try setting aside a small amount from each paycheck for an emergency fund. Even $10 a week is a good start and can help you break free from debt. (See: Easy Steps To Building an Emergency Fund on a Tight Budget)

On the income side, look for ways to earn a bit more. Sell items you no longer need, take on occasional freelance work or start a side gig to generate extra cash and reduce financial stress. Small increases in income, combined with better spending habits, can have a significant impact. (See Side Gigs That Can Make You Extra Cash: Ideas From Dollar Stretchers)

Lastly, make it a habit to review your finances weekly. Take 15 minutes to review your budget, track your progress toward your goals and make adjustments as needed. Staying on top of your money can prevent feelings of overwhelm and prevent small mistakes from becoming major problems.

What Differences Will You Make To Move Ahead Financially?

Moving with the current instead of against it doesn’t require an immediate overhaul of your finances — it’s about small, consistent actions that lighten your load and build momentum. Start by removing one pebble at a time, whether that’s cutting an expense, saving a little extra or earning a few extra dollars. Over time, those small changes can shift the tide in your favor and help you feel more in control of your financial journey.

With patience and persistence, you’ll find yourself not just staying afloat but making steady progress toward your financial goals.

So what small thing will you begin that will end as a big success? It’s not as hard as you think. After all, you have nature on your side. So go ahead and dream big. And then take the first and then the second small step toward your goal. Remember that every big tree you see started out small.

• Tricks for Stashing Small Savings (So It Doesn’t Disappear)
• 7 Frugal Habits for Building Savings
• 7 Habits of Highly Frugal People

Reviewed January 2025

About the Author

Andrea Norris-McKnight took over as the editor of The Dollar Stretcher and After 50 Finances after working under the site founder and previous editor for almost 15 years. She has also written for Money.com, GOBankingRates.com, HavenLife.com and The Sacramento Bee.