Money Guy Show: 9 Micro Habits to Completely Change Your Finances

Episode Date: January 23, 2026
Hosts: Brian Preston & Bo Hanson

Episode Overview

This episode of the Money Guy Show zeroes in on small, achievable “microhabits” anyone can develop to steadily transform their financial life. Brian and Bo unpack nine simple, actionable strategies that go beyond willpower, helping listeners automate good decisions, make their dollars go further, and foster both financial and personal fulfillment. With their trademark energy and practical style, the hosts outline how you can take the stress out of wealth building—one tiny habit at a time.

Key Discussion Points

1. Focus on Habits, Not Resolutions

• [00:00] Resolutions often fail because they’re too big and unsustainable. Microhabits—small, consistent actions—are what actually move the financial needle over time.
  • Brian: "Resolutions come and go. It's much better to focus on your habits."
  • Bo: "A microhabit is a small, consistent action built into your everyday routine to help you reach some longstanding goal." [00:29]

2. Microhabit #1: Question the Price

• [01:05] Don’t accept prices at face value. Always ask for a discount, negotiate, or time your purchases for the best deals.
  • Brian: "Every dollar that comes into our possessions as mutants should go 3 to 5% better than our peers." [01:33]
  • Ask at stores/restaurants about available discounts—even if it seems unlikely.
  • Consider negotiating bills (utilities, insurance, medical, subscriptions), buying in bulk, and using rewards or price matching.
  • Bo: "If you can figure out how to create a win-win scenario for your negotiation, you're much likely to set yourself up for success to get a better deal." [03:16]
• Bonus Habit: Pause before purchasing to avoid regretful impulse buys. Sleep on large purchases for 24 hours if possible.

3. Microhabit #2: Do a Net Worth Statement

• [07:13] Annually record everything you own and owe. Seeing the full picture clarifies progress, helps spot areas for improvement, and guides decision-making.
  • Bo: "How can you know where you’re going or if you’re on track, if you don’t know where you are today?" [08:07]
  • Use available tools to break down assets (cash, investments, property) and liabilities (loans, credit cards) for an honest net worth snapshot.

4. Microhabit #3: Pay Yourself First

• [09:53] Make saving and investing automatic, not something you do “if money is left over.”
  • Brian: "75% of millionaires said regular, consistent investing over a long period of time leads to success." [10:21]
  • Automate retirement contributions and recurring savings before paying bills or spending on wants.
  • Start as early as possible; the earlier you begin, the easier wealth-building becomes.
  • Brian: "For a 20 year old compared to a 30 year old, the 20 year old's money is 4 times more powerful." [11:29]

5. Microhabit #4: Write Goals and Gratitude Down

• [12:26] Document goals to turn “intentions into actions.” Pen to paper (or thumb to notes app) increases the chance you’ll follow through.
  • Brian: "You're really daydreaming if you're not writing this stuff down." [13:16]
  • Journaling gratitude daily builds contentment and a positive money mindset.
  • Handwritten thank-you notes are underappreciated and deepen relationships.

6. Microhabit #5: Batch and Automate Bill Payments

• [16:48] Reduce clutter and avoid late fees by paying all bills on the same set day each month, or turning on autopay for at least the minimum amount.
  • Bo: "The more complicated your financial life, the easier it is for things to just begin to fall through the cracks." [16:48]
• Brian: "Credit card use is OK, but credit card debt? No way." [18:01]

7. Microhabit #6: Bedazzle Your Basic Life

• [19:41] Enjoy life while being thrifty—find creative ways to bring luxury or fun to everyday experiences on a lower budget.
  • Replace expensive outings (movies, restaurants) with memorable at-home or lower-cost alternatives.
  • Bo: "You can create the same level of memories, the same level of experiences, without having the same price tag." [21:24]
  • Building these habits young helps later in life when you can afford to “upgrade.”

8. Microhabit #7: Celebrate Financial Wins

• [23:08] Recognize and reward yourself for hitting milestones (paying off debts, maxing out retirement accounts, increasing savings rates).
  • Brian: "Make sure that you're taking enough time to actually say, man, we did it." [23:08]
  • Celebrations should be appropriate—don’t undo progress with extravagant rewards.

9. Microhabit #8: Give Generously

• [25:37] Share time, talent, or treasure. Generosity leads to greater fulfillment, and studies show it can increase happiness across all income levels.
  • Brian: "Money is only a tool... If you can, at an early age, start focusing on being generous... it will serve you well." [26:09]
  • Bo: "Generous givers actually tend to build more wealth than those who do not." [27:41]
  • Giving doesn't have to be financial—volunteering or mentorship also counts.

10. Microhabit #9: Prioritize Your Health

• [28:12] Wealth is futile if you don’t have the health to enjoy it.
  • Brian: "I'm trying to build and live my best health life as well. I'm focusing on what I eat. I focus on making sure I get exercise." [28:51]
  • Small habits such as prepping gym clothes at night or building accountability help maintain consistency.
  • Bo: "We get one body, we get one spin, we get one chance to do it right." [29:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Every dollar that comes into our possession should go 3 to 5% better than our peers." (Brian, 01:33)
• "You want to remove friction. That's what paying yourself allows you to do." (Bo, 12:26)
• "If you're good with a little, you're going to be great with a lot." (Brian, 14:08)
• "Credit card use is OK, but credit card debt? No way." (Brian, 18:01)
• "If you can create the same level of memories without the same price tag... that's bedazzling your basic life." (Bo, 21:24)
• "Make sure that you're taking enough time to actually say, man, we did it." (Brian, 23:08)
• "Generous givers actually tend to build more wealth than those who do not." (Bo, 27:41)
• "We get one body, we get one spin, we get one chance to do it right." (Bo, 29:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Intro & microhabits explained
• 01:05 – Microhabit #1: Question the price
• 07:13 – Microhabit #2: Net worth statement
• 09:53 – Microhabit #3: Pay yourself first
• 12:26 – Microhabit #4: Write it down
• 16:48 – Microhabit #5: Batch bill payments
• 19:41 – Microhabit #6: Bedazzle your basic life
• 23:08 – Microhabit #7: Celebrate financial wins
• 25:37 – Microhabit #8: Give generously
• 28:12 – Microhabit #9: Prioritize your health

Final Thoughts

Brian and Bo illustrate that building wealth doesn’t require drastic, painful sacrifices—it’s about consistent, smart microhabits that together yield major results. Their actionable tips—and contagious enthusiasm—highlight that anyone can start right now, at any income or stage of life, to improve their financial future and quality of life.

For resources and more detailed guidance, visit moneyguy.com/resources.