Hey, you ever feel like you're running but just not getting anywhere

like you're stuck on a treadmill?

Yeah, me too.

And, and let's be real.

A lot of us are, we're living paycheck to paycheck thinking we're fine, but are

we really say we're gonna pull back the curtain on that illusion of stability.

We're gonna get real.

About why that next paycheck?

Well, it's not the answer, and if you're ready, let's dive in.

Hey everyone, and welcome to the Ask Ralph Show.

I'm Ralph, your financial evangelist, and this is the show where we

tackle real financial challenges with a faith centered approach.

It's all about helping you break the cycle of financial shame with confidence.

So today we're unpacking the illusion of stability, that false

sense of security many of us feel while living paycheck to paycheck.

You know that feeling like you're just keeping your head just barely above

water, waiting for that next paycheck.

So why does this matter?

Well, because it's a trap and I'm here to help you break free from that trap.

Today, I got this message the other day from Sarah, and this is what she wrote.

She said, Ralph, I feel like I'm running on a hamster wheel.

I get paid, pay the bills, and now I'm broke again.

Is this normal?

I feel like I'm constantly treading water and it's exhausting.

I can hear your exhaustion, Sarah.

Your question is far too common.

Many listeners feel this way.

I've felt this way at times myself, and to be very bold here, recognizing the problem

is the first step towards a solution.

So you're not alone, Sarah and many people are in this same cycle.

We think this, we think I'm working hard.

I'm, I'm doing my best.

But then the reality hits the paycheck to paycheck cycle

creates a false sense of security.

You get paid, you, you pay those bills and you think, Hey, I'm managing it.

Everything is fine.

Well, so you think, but you're not building a foundation.

You're, you're living on a tightrope, and it's a tightrope with a huge

canyon below and one unexpected expense, and you're in crisis.

Think about it like this, and no savings, no breathing room.

This is a really fragile way to live.

It's like building your house on sand, and then the moments those

waves come, it all washes away.

And here's the thing, it's not just about money.

It affects your peace of mind.

It affects your relationships, it affects your overall wellbeing.

You see that constant stress takes a toll.

It leads to sleepless nights.

It even health issues.

It's a huge, heavy burden to carry, but there is a solution.

Are you ready to reduce that stress?

Well start by recognizing this cycle for what it is.

It's a trap, not a stable lifestyle.

Acknowledge that this isn't sustainable.

Don't sugarcoat it.

Be honest with yourself.

This is the first step towards freedom.

It's that honesty with yourself.

And look, I know it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember

this awareness is the first step.

You're not alone and God is with you.

See, small steps lead to big changes, and that's worth repeating.

Let me say that again.

Small steps lead to big changes.

So don't, don't beat yourself up for past mistakes.

Focus on moving forward, because here's a truth bomb.

We all make mistakes, but if we continue dwelling on them, it's

not gonna change the present.

It's only gonna keep you in that cycle of shame that we're

all trying to break free from.

Instead, let's look at the present and the future with hope let's

look at it with determination.

So here's my action item for today.

I wanna encourage you to Start a financial awareness journal.

And for one week I want you to write down every single expense.

Yes, I said it.

Every.

Single.

Expense.

Every coffee, every snack, every bill, all of it.

See, 'cause this reveals where your money's actually going.

As I always say on the show, what gets measured gets done, and you

might be surprised just what you find.

So get a small notebook or, or use a note app on your phone and be diligent.

And remember, this isn't about judgment, it's about information.

We need to know where our money is going to make informed decisions.

Think of yourself as a detective on a mission and that mystery.

It's your own spending habits.

Every transaction, every receipt, every unexplained expense is a

clue waiting to be uncovered.

Dig deep, follow the trail, and you might just uncover some surprising truths

about where your money is really going.

See, here's an example that that daily $5 coffee may not seem like much.

Over a month, that's $150.

And listen, that's a significant amount of money that could be used to build an

emergency fund or even pay down debt.

See those small expenses they add up over time.

So how about we pray together today?

Heavenly Father, we come to you seeking clarity and we

come to you seeking strength.

Help us to see the illusion of stability for what it is.

Grant us your wisdom to break free.

Lord, give us the discipline to track our expenses and the courage

to make those necessary changes.

Lord, we trust in your provision and we ask for your peace to guard our hearts.

And we ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen.

So remember this awareness is key.

Start that journal and recognize the cycle.

Don't let fear paralyze you.

Take that first step.

Now tomorrow we'll move into the root causes, why we get stuck in this cycle

and what we can do to break free.

So thank you for being here today.

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter@askralphpodcast.com slash

newsletter, and as I always end this show, stay financially savvy and

let's keep moving forward together.

And may God bless you abundantly today.