People Who Are Secretly Running Out Of Money Usually Say 9 Phrases In Everyday Conversation
PeopleImages | Shutterstock It's rare to meet someone these days who isn't struggling at least a little big with money. With the cost of living rising, it's all too common for people to run out of money.
According to USAFacts, "more than a quarter of US adults say they are struggling financially, with 19% reporting that they are 'just getting by'." But most people won't come out and say, "hey, I'm running out of money!" Whether it's fear of being judged or simple pride, they're more likely to say something low-key like these phrases.
Phrases people who are secretly running out of money say in everyday conversation
1. 'I'm waiting until payday'
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People who are running out of money have to plan their spending well. When you're living paycheck to paycheck, you need to know when things like rent and your car payment are going to go through so you can plan when to splurge or buy something necessary that costs more than your typical purchase.
And while they may feel slightly embarrassed to admit it, they aren't alone in their struggle. Many people are living paycheck to paycheck, and you can tell by who says they're waiting until payday when asked to cover a cost.
That's why it's important to lend a helping hand if you happen to be in a different situation than this friend or loved one. It doesn't need to be a big deal. Simply saying, "Dinner on me," makes all the difference in the world. It doesn't just make them happy. It also boosts kindness, confidence, happiness, and optimism for you, too.
2. 'I had some unexpected expenses come up'
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Experiencing even a minor financial emergency is anxiety-inducing, especially when you're low on money. Unexpected expenses can feel like a heavy weight, and that's why it's important to show kindness whenever someone says this is going on in their lives. They don't need your money, but they absolutely need your support.
First, you need to consider how vulnerable it is to say you're struggling or that an emergency popped up. If it were no big deal, they wouldn't even bring it up. That's why, when you hear this, you should assume the person is going through a hard time.
Running out of money is no joke. Financial worries are correlated with higher psychological distress. That's why it's important to support your loved ones. You might not always be able to bail them out, but showing empathy goes a long way.
Of course, that doesn't mean you should get suckered into someone who is using this line to scam you. Use common sense, always. But when it's someone you know and care about, take to heart that they are trying to share something vulnerable when they say this.
3. 'I'll pay it back when I get paid'
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The last thing most people want is to ask a loved one for a loan. But sometimes we can't help our financial situation and job losses or emergencies can get the better of us. Still, it doesn't make it easy for people who are struggling to ask for help when they need it.
Most people hate vulnerability. As registered and licensed clinical psychologist Jennifer Caspari, Ph.D., writes, "It is not easy to take emotional risks and open ourselves up to the possibility of being hurt." So, don't take this phrase lightly if you hear it. If they're owing money to people (and they're not grifters, obviously), they're struggling more than they'd care to admit.
4. 'I'm trying to make what I have last'
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People living paycheck to paycheck aren't thinking about shopping at Erewhon or nagging the latest designer collab sneaker drop. They're too broke to be fantasizing about such luxuries. Instead, they live by the motto "I'm just trying to make what I have last."
They might not like leftovers, but they see the value of making one big dinner and making it last. They may find it tedious to hang most of their clothing to dry, but they know that's better for the fabric than drying them on high heat. When they buy something, they see it as an investment and try to stretch each dollar by making everything last.
From the clothes they wear to the food they eat, they aren't buying anything else until it's gone or beyond repair. So, don't ask if they're going to buy the new model of phone. Right now, it's not even on their mind.
5. 'I'm just trying to get through this month'
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They aren't thinking about fancy vacations or what they'll be doing in two years. They'd love to join in on your planning, but as they'll tell you, "I'm just trying to get through this month."
It sucks to hear, especially when you wanted to plan something with them, but life's way too stressful when you're running out of money. They want to be optimistic, but they're in survival mode.
Already anxious, the best thing you can do is help them in little ways. By cooking them lunch, giving them a small gift, or listening to them vent, you aren't just being a good friend, family member, or partner. You're showing them just how much you care. But leave off the commentary about all the fancy things you're planning for the next holiday season.
6. 'I need to find ways to stretch this paycheck a little more'
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If someone says they're trying to stretch this paycheck a little longer than usual, then for the next month, don't ask them for anything. They may not tell you directly in exactly these words, but you can tell they're running low on money.
Believe me, they want to be more reliable, but these bills keep piling up. No matter how hard they work, it doesn't seem to be enough and their housing, food and insurance have to come first.
So, with the weight of the world on their shoulders, the only thing they can do is take it day by day. It isn't ideal, but hopefully one day life will get a little bit easier for them.
7. 'I can't do dinner, but I can do coffee'
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They want to go out and have fun. Like everyone else, they have an ingrained need to socialize and create community. But with only so much money to spare, those who are running out of money might try to change plans when you suggest something that costs more than just a few bucks.
So, no, they aren't trying to avoid you or cut your time together short. They're seriously struggling. You can offer to foot the bill every once in a while, but it's even more kind to let them set the terms of how you hang out, even if it means doing something free or less costly.
8. 'I'll just wait until next month to get it'
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They really want to spend money on themselves, especially when their friends and family are indulging in something.
This might sound a little shallow, but buying something new is a form of self-care. And as the National Institute of Mental Health said, "This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy."
Unfortunately, when money is running low, you'll often hear them say, "I'll just wait until next month to get it." They don't want anyone to feel badly for them
Is it ideal? No, but they don't really have a choice. So, with a heavy heart, they push it aside until they forget that they even wanted it in the first place.
9. 'I'm just trying to catch up on a few bills, it's no big deal'
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The last thing they want is to worry anyone or elicit pity from people they care about. That's why they underplay just how much they're suffering.
And while there's nothing wrong with needing to catch up, saying it regularly shows that something deeper is going on, and this is especially true if they've been visibly looking stressed.
Still, there's not much you can do. Unless they ask for help directly, the best thing you can do is support them emotionally and make plans that don't include spending any money.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
