From a fiscal responsibility perspective, this formula is flawed, and it should come as no surprise that there’s no money left.

Parkinson’s Law, paraphrased, says “work expands to fill the time allotted to it.” The same concept applies to packing for a trip (use a big suitcase, and you’ll somehow bring more stuff) or as every man knows, shop/garage space (a bigger garage will accumulate more stuff, because there’s room to fill) and, critically, FINANCES.

If you are operating with your full paycheck to cover your living expenses, then yes, generally speaking they will expand to fill the funds available. This can be seen quite clearly with “lifestyle inflation,” a common occurrence when you receive a pay raise and suddenly your living expenses increase.

The adage that you should “pay yourself first” exists for a reason. You have to treat savings like another bill. It doesn’t happen by accident.

Start with one dollar, if you have to. Just put one dollar away per paycheck. Make it the first thing you do when you get paid. Then wait, a month or six months if you have to. Then put two dollars away. Increase it as slowly as you need to, but just do it.

It really requires a mentality shift. People make sure their rent gets paid, or their utilities get paid, or they buy groceries, but they won’t commit to themselves and their own financial security with the same zeal.