Living Paycheck to Paycheck: Let’s Look at It Differently

It’s not uncommon for people to say, “I live paycheck to paycheck” and naturally assume this means they are struggling to make ends meet. While this may be the case for some people, we want to offer a different perspective. We would argue that you SHOULD live paycheck to paycheck, if your budgeting is done properly.

A solid budget plan will include your savings as part of your monthly expenses. It will have each dollar “assigned” to a specific expense or a goal, which will include short-term savings, long-term savings, and retirement. Even your “leftover” money for discretionary spending or “fun money” should be included in your budget. So if you have clearly defined where every dollar goes, then most of the time, you won’t have anything left over at the end of the month and it will feel like living paycheck to paycheck. 

This kind of intentional “paycheck to paycheck” mentality means they are making sure you live within your means. That alone should be perceived as a great accomplishment. Unfortunately, society sometimes makes people feel like they have failed to be successful with their money because they don’t have the ability (or the desire) to just buy everything they want. That should be disregarded.

By doing this approach, you are putting yourself in a position where you can build your assets and achieve financial freedom in future. It takes a lot of time and effort to grow your assets and make good financial decisions throughout your financial journey. It is not an overnight process.

In other words, it is common for many people to focus on what they don’t have instead of being appreciative of what they have. People generally love to compare themselves to other people who have more success which could cause them to have a difficult time to be content with their own financial situation. You are encouraged to focus on your situation to make financial decisions that is suitable and put yourself to achieve your financial goals, even if it leaves you feeling like you are living “paycheck to paycheck”.

Adrianna Rocha

Adrianna Rocha

Client Relations Specialist

240-379-6929 V
240-439-6889 VP
512-379-6909 FAX
info@kramerwealth.com

Adrianna Rocha joined Kramer Wealth Managers in 2021.

Adrianna is responsible for client experiences and service. As part of the customer service team, she strives to help and provide top-notch service to our clients. As part of her role, she communicates with clients through videophone, schedules client meetings, prepares and processes forms, and gathers information for our advisors.

Adrianna Rocha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University in 2017. Before she joined our team, she worked in the customer service industry for nearly a decade. She excels in human-to-human relations and takes pride in not only her own accomplishments, but her clients’ as well. Adrianna enjoys chatting about her slight obsession with dogs, houseplants, essential oils, and food: especially Mexican food! She is also a proud fur-mama to her beautiful Aussie-mixed pup, Ziva.

Adrianna is not registered with Osaic Wealth.

Adrianna Rocha

Adrianna Rocha

Client Relations Specialist

240-379-6929 V
240-439-6889 VP
512-379-6909 FAX
info@kramerwealth.com

Since joining Kramer Wealth Managers in 2021, Adrianna Rocha has been a client service dynamo, ensuring every client interaction is seamless and delightful. She’s the go-to guru for all things client experience, handling everything from videophone chats to scheduling meetings and processing forms with a smile. Her goal? To make sure every client feels valued and well-cared-for.

Adrianna graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University in 2017 and brings nearly a decade of customer service experience to our team. She thrives on personal connections, celebrating both her achievements and those of our clients. When she’s not busy at work, you might find her indulging in her passions—dogs, houseplants, essential oils, and the tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine. Proud fur-mama to her adorable Aussie mix, Ziva. Adrianna brings a touch of warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working with clients?

A:  I enjoy client service because it allows me to help people and make a positive impact. Using my listening skills to understand client needs and solve problems is satisfying. I love turning negative experiences positive and the daily variety of challenges.

Adrianna is not registered with Osaic Wealth.

Jack Morley

Jack Morley

Client Relations Specialist

240-379-6929 V
240-439-6889 VP
240-379-6909 FAX
info@kramerwealth.com

Jack Morley has been a vital part of the Kramer Wealth Managers team since 2010, starting with various projects and officially joining full-time in 2013. As our go-to Account Service Specialist, Jack is the friendly face and reliable voice who ensures a smooth client experience. He’s the linchpin in client communications, handling account maintenance and bridging connections between clients and our advisory team.

A 1998 graduate of Gallaudet University with a BA in Psychology, Jack brings a wealth of customer service experience from retail and human services. His handyman skills are a bonus, making him the resident problem-solver and DIY enthusiast. Outside the office, Jack enjoys long walks with his dog Bailey.

Married for 25 years to his wonderful wife, Monica, Jack is also the devoted dad to two dynamic daughters who keep him on his toes. When he’s not walking Bailey—he’s likely tinkering on a new project or spending quality time with his family.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working with clients?

A:  I enjoy assisting clients in maintaining their accounts and ensuring there is a smooth transition in between changes being made within their accounts.

Jack is not registered with Osaic Wealth.