13 Reasons You’re Broke (Even Though You Did Everything Right)

You worked hard, checked the boxes, and played by the rules. So why does it still feel like you’re stuck in place? That’s the frustrating part—doing what you were told would lead to stability, only to feel like you’re barely staying afloat. A lot has changed, and the old formula doesn’t work the way it used to. Here are thirteen reasons you’re still broke.

Your Income Can’t Keep Up

You’ve been working for years, but your paycheck hasn’t stretched the way it used to. Raises haven’t matched inflation, and everything costs more. Even full-time workers with steady jobs are struggling to make ends meet because their income just hasn’t kept pace with expenses.

Student Loans Ate Your Paycheck

You were told college was the smart move—but the loans that came with it are still hanging over your head. Monthly payments eat into your budget, leaving little room to save or invest. Even with a good job, that kind of debt holds you back fast.

Housing Costs Are Out of Control

Whether you rent or own, housing eats up a huge chunk of your income. Prices have jumped while wages have stayed flat, and many people are spending way more than the recommended 30% of their income on rent or a mortgage—just to have a roof over their head.

You Did What You Were Told

You followed the financial advice everyone gave you—save 10%, avoid credit card debt, build an emergency fund. But the problem is bigger than your spending habits. For many, these basic tips just aren’t enough to compete with today’s financial pressures.

Childcare Costs a Full-Time Salary

If you have kids, the cost of childcare alone can rival a second income. Parents are shelling out thousands just to keep working, and for some, it’s barely worth it. That added cost makes it almost impossible to get ahead, even with careful planning.

You’re Supporting Others

Whether it’s helping your parents, a sibling, or your own adult children, being the financial safety net takes a toll. You may not talk about it, but that money going out adds up. And it’s rarely factored into the “success” formula people love to push.

Healthcare Wipes You Out

One unexpected medical bill can derail everything. Even with insurance, deductibles, copays, and uncovered expenses can run thousands. Staying healthy shouldn’t break the bank, but for many people, it absolutely does.

Groceries and Gas Aren’t “Small” Expenses Anymore

The basics just don’t feel basic anymore. Food prices keep climbing, and filling your tank can take a real bite out of your paycheck. These everyday costs may not seem like splurges, but over time, they quietly eat away at any financial progress.

You’ve Been Laid Off (More Than Once)

It’s tough to recover after a job loss—especially if it happens more than once. Even a short stretch without income can drain your savings fast and push bills onto credit cards. Many people are still digging out long after the paycheck returns.

Credit Card Interest Sneaks In

You try to pay your balance, but one unexpected month leads to carrying over just a bit. Then it grows. With high interest rates, a small balance can snowball fast—especially if you’re juggling other expenses. Before you know it, it’s holding you back.

Emergencies Just Don’t Stop

A broken appliance, car repair, or dental emergency seems to pop up just when you’re making progress. You budget carefully, but life doesn’t always cooperate—and those costs usually hit at the worst time.

You’re Doing it Alone

If you’re single or don’t have family support, everything is on your shoulders. There’s no shared rent, no second income, no one to split surprise expenses. That financial pressure adds up and can make even small goals feel out of reach.

The System Wasn’t Built for You

Some days, it feels like you’re doing everything right and still falling behind. But here’s the truth: the system wasn’t exactly built to make it easy. Between housing costs, medical bills, and a shaky job market, the odds have shifted. It’s not about failure—it’s about playing a harder game.

You’re Not the Problem

Doing everything right doesn’t guarantee financial success anymore—and that’s not your fault. The rules changed, and a lot of people are still playing by the old ones. If you’re broke despite your best efforts, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.

This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.