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pay yourself first - create your freedom!

  • Writer: kellygandpt
    kellygandpt
  • Sep 16
  • 4 min read


Most of us grew up with the same financial rhythm: Get paid → pay the bills → buy what you need → save if there’s anything left.

Here’s the problem: There’s never anything left.

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That’s why wealthy people flip the order. They pay themselves first. And that one habit is the difference between spinning your wheels and building wealth. When people learn to pay themselves first—even just $50, or $100 a month or more, into a Roth IRA or an HYSA (high yield savings account), their mindset shifts. For the first time, they saw their net worth climbing instead of sinking. It wasn’t just about money. It was about hope, it is about your “new system” and not the same financial habits that most “broke people” follow.


Still afraid of the Stock Market? At the very least, you should enable your money to work everyday, just like you do. Imagine you’re sleeping soundly, and while you dream, your money is quietly multiplying. No risky stock picks, no Crypto rollercoasters—just steady, safe growth. That’s the magic of a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA).

If you’re finally getting serious about your financial future, a HYSA is a no-brainer first step. It’s safe, it’s simple, and it works harder for you than a “traditional bank account” ever will.


Why Traditional Savings Accounts Are a Trap

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Most big banks pay you almost nothing for your savings—sometimes 0.01% interest. That means $10,000 in your account earns you… $1 a year. Seriously!?! Meanwhile, the bank is lending your money at 10–20% interest on credit cards, or is investing your money into the stock market.

If you knew what banks were making off you, you’d be mad!


The HYSA Difference

Now compare that to an HYSA, which currently offers around 4.2% APY (rates vary).

That same $10,000 earns you $420+ in a year—while still keeping your money safe and accessible.

No fees. No minimums. Just pure growth.


When you’re behind on savings, every dollar matters. A HYSA helps you:

  • Grow your emergency fund without losing money to inflation.

  • Build confidence as you watch your balance grow.

  • Stay protected while preparing for bigger investments (index funds, IRAs, etc.).

Think of your HYSA as your launch pad. It’s not the rocket ship—but it gets you ready to take off.


A Quick Example -

If you save just $200/month in a HYSA at 4.2% (*percentage subject to fluctuations) :

  • After 1 year = ~$2,460

  • After 5 years = ~$13,000+ (with compounding interest)

That’s money you can use for emergencies, debt payoff, or your first investment move. It's money you should be saving anyway, the only difference is that you're putting it to work!


Learn More, Build More.

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Pair your HYSA with the wisdom from these Top Financial Literacy Books, click on the links to learn more.


Final Word: Let Your Money Hustle Too

You already work hard. Don’t let your money sit idle. An HYSA ensures your cash is pulling its weight—even while you sleep.

What Paying Yourself First Looks Like

It means setting aside money for YOU before the bills hit.

  • Investments: 401(k), Roth IRA, or brokerage index fund (VOO, VTI, etc.)

  • HYSA: For short-term Savings & Emergency Fund (Ally Bank is a great place to start: https://ally.com/referral?code=6D5T9P5M5M

  • Freedom Goals: Down payment, debt payoff, or dream project

If you wait until “after expenses,” you’ll never get there. 3 Steps to Start Today

  1. Automate the First Transfer — On payday, auto-transfer a set amount to savings or investments. If it’s automatic, it’s done.

  2. Start Tiny, Grow Big — Even $25 a paycheck adds up. Raise it as debt falls or income grows.

  3. Redirect Wins — Side hustle cash, tax refunds, or bonuses? Don’t blow them—pay yourself first with them.


The Power of Consistency

$200/month invested at 8% = $117,000+ in 20 years.$500/month? That’s nearly $300,000.

Not bad for money you used to let slip away.

Want to Master This Mindset?

Check out these links to some great books to help you get started.


Bottom Line

Paying yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s survival. It’s how you reclaim control, even if you’re starting late.

Every paycheck is a chance to say: My future matters!


Disclaimer: We are not Certified Financial Advisors. KellyG and I simply enjoy sharing what has worked for us, family, friends and countless others we have helped motivate, and empower, along the way. Always do your own research or consult with a licensed professional before making huge financial decisions. Contact Us at https://www.pkentertainmentventures.com/hire-us for help getting started.


We will make a tiny commission from our ALLY referral link. In addition, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU, our awesome readers, subscribers and followers, we may also make a small commission from our Amazon links, we may share on our ‘ PK Entertainment Ventures’ and ‘PKEV Brand Apparel’ websites, and Social Media Platforms.


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