Can't save money? Financial expert reveals fatal habits of the 'poor and busy'

Many individuals struggle to save money, often attributing their financial difficulties to external factors such as low salaries, high living costs, or systemic issues. While these external conditions may have some basis in reality, a financial planner from Japan suggests that solely focusing on unchangeable circumstances prevents personal financial improvement.

Japanese financial planner Mikiko Funamoto points out that preparing for retirement requires focusing on achievable actions rather than dwelling on complaints. Those who habitually blame others or their environment tend to avoid self-reflection when facing difficulties. Instead of examining their own actions, they might attribute their inability to save to insufficient wages, investment losses to bad advice, or inadequate pensions to the system.

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The important thing for preparing retirement funds is not to complain about things that cannot be changed, but to gradually practice what you can do under the current conditions.

Funamoto argues that the key to financial results lies not in assigning blame but in actively considering "what can be done now." Small, consistent actions like saving ¥10,000 monthly, reviewing fixed expenses, or moving savings to higher-interest accounts can create a significant long-term difference. Conversely, blaming others first leads to a loss of motivation. Waiting for economic upturns or pension payouts delays the start of asset accumulation indefinitely.

Furthermore, a passive mindset weakens the capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving. Simply concluding that high prices make saving impossible, after reviewing household expenses, offers no path for adjustment. Proactive individuals, however, examine communication bills, reorganize insurance, cancel unnecessary subscriptions, and compare savings account options. This passive approach can also damage trust, as people who actively seek information and take action are more likely to secure employment, side jobs, or post-retirement work opportunities. Losing trust can mean missing economic possibilities.

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If you always think that you can't save money because your salary is too low, or that you lost money because you listened to someone else's advice, or that the pension system is insufficient, you will lose the motivation to act.