--- title: Overcoming the paycheck-to-paycheck life description: Learn what it takes to make managing money each month less stressful and more empowering. image: https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/paycheck%20to%20paycheck-blog-hero.jpg --- - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) - [About](https://www.ffbkc.com/about/) - [Careers](https://www.ffbkc.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - Search [![First Federal Bank of Kansas City](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/logo.svg "First Federal Bank of Kansas City")](https://www.ffbkc.com/) - Login - [Online banking](https://secure-firstfedbankkc.com/SignOn/Logon) - [Make a loan payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Search](https://www.ffbkc.com/search/) - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - Column 1 - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - [Buy a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/) - [Build a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/build-a-home/) - [Refinance your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/refinance-your-home/) - [Improve your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/) - [Buy a car](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/) - [Consolidate debt](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/personal-loan/) - Learn more - [Personal loan](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/personal-loan/) - [VA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/va-loans/) - [FHA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/fha-loans/) - Popular links - [Make a payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Conventional Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/conventional-loans/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/home-equity-line-of-credit/) - Column 2 - [Learn more](https://learn.ffbkc.com/2020campaign/q1/borrowing/blab-pushdown/) - [Bank](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - Column 1 - Bank - [Checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) - [Savings accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/) - [CDs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/certificates-deposit/) - [IRAs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/individual-retirement-accounts/) - [Business accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/business-accounts/) - [Mobile & Online Banking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/mobile-online-banking/) - Learn more - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Statement Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/statement-savings/) - Popular links - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [First Free Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/first-free/) - [First Savings Plus](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/first-savings-plus/) - [Premier Interest Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/premier-interest/) - [Premier Money Market](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/premier-money-market/) - Column 2 - [Get info](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - Column 1 - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - [Managing money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/managing-money/) - [Borrowing](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/) - [Saving](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/) - [Wellbeingville](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) - [Resources](https://www.ffbkc.com/resources/) - [Mortgage calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) - [Budget worksheet (PDF)](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/58/FFB_BudgetWorksheet_Interactive.pdf) - [12 ways to save money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/12-hacks-for-how-to-save-your-first-1000-and-still-have-fun/) - [Home loan glossary (PDF)](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/44/FFB_HomeLoanGlossary.pdf) - Popular links - [Emergency-Proof](https://learn.ffbkc.com/emergency-proof-ebook/) - [Dominating Debt](https://learn.ffbkc.com/dominating-debt-ebook/) - [Borrowing Like a Boss](https://learn.ffbkc.com/borrowing-like-a-boss-ebook/) - [Mastering Money](https://learn.ffbkc.com/mastering-money-ebook/) - [Ruling Your Tomorrows](https://learn.ffbkc.com/ruling-your-tomorrows-ebook/) - Column 2 - [Learn more](https://learn.ffbkc.com/borrowing-like-a-boss-ebook/) - Mortgage Payment - About - Careers Apply Now - [Checking](https://forms.fivision.com/ffbkc/oa) - [Savings](https://forms.fivision.com/ffbkc/oa) - [Mortgage](https://apply.ffbkc.com/#/loan-officers/mortgageteam@ffbkc) - [Build a home](https://apply.ffbkc.com/#/loan-officers/chris.miller@ffbkc) - [Home equity line of credit](https://ffbkcconsumer.mymortgage-online.com/?loanapp&siteid=1639871384&workFlowId=29838) - [Auto loan](https://ffbkcconsumer.mymortgage-online.com/ConsumerApplications.html?loanapp&siteid=1639871384&workFlowId=32715) - [Personal loan](https://ffbkc.upstart.com/funding_form) Login - [Online banking](https://secure-firstfedbankkc.com/SignOn/Logon) - [Make a loan payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) × ##### Popular Searches Routing number: 301071592 [Loan Payment - As a Guest (fees may apply)](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC) [Loan Payment - Registered User (free service)](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) [Types of loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) [Types of checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) [Pay an appraisal or questionnaire fee](https://payments.firstfederal.unipaydirect.com/customerinfo.aspx) # Overcoming the paycheck-to-paycheck life - [Home](https://www.ffbkc.com/) - [Wellbeingville](https://blog.ffbkc.com) - Overcoming the paycheck-to-paycheck life ## How do I make my money last longer than the 1st to the 15th? Nobody likes darting back and forth between a bank account and calendar, worrying about making it to that next paycheck. Ending the paycheck-to-paycheck anxiety can be incredibly freeing. Here’s a little know-how to help make that happen.  ### The “B” word  If we want to get over that paycheck-to-paycheck hump, a budget is our best buddy. It will be a big help in figuring out if we need to trim in some areas, or just re-prioritize what we’re already spending.   Plus, a budget provides a quick snapshot of how much money we have coming in and where we’re spending it. That allows us to better track where that money is going each month and adjust accordingly. Give it a shot. We have a [free budget worksheet](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/15/FFB_budgetworksheet.pdf) you can use here.   ### Becoming emergency-proof  With a budget, we can finally jump off that paycheck-to-paycheck merry-go-round. Now let’s go even further to becoming the masters of our money by becoming [emergency-proof](https://learn.ffbkc.com/emergency-proof-ebook). This means having enough money put aside to deal with those curveballs life tends to throw at us - like a broken down car or a medical emergency. Imagine how it would feel not having money worries piled on an already frustrating situation.  [The first step is saving $1,000](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/12-hacks-for-how-to-save-your-first-1000-and-still-have-fun/) to cover those speed bumps we encounter in life (like a car repair). Putting aside that speed-bump money gives us confidence and peace of mind knowing that we won’t have to put a big expense on our credit card and risk racking up debt.   The next step to truly feeling like the masters of our money is to save enough to cover multiple months of expenses. This is money that can help us get through a challenging situation like an injury that keeps us out of work, or even getting laid off. Whatever you decide to save will be dependent on your situation. For some, three months might be plenty, while others might shoot for six months.   To find the number you need to hit to become emergency-proof, [give this worksheet a try](https://www.ffbkc.com/documents/16/FFB_EmergencyProofNumber.pdf).  Think of the weight lifted off our shoulders when we don’t have to count down the days until payday, or fret about all the worrisome “what ifs” life can drop in our path.  You’re just a couple steps away from putting all that in the rearview mirror for good. #### Download our Mobile Banking app [![Download the First Federal Mobile Banking for iPhone app on the App Store](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/app_store.original.png)](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-federal-mobile-banking-for-iphone/id905357916?mt=8) [![Get the First Federal Mobile Banking app on Google Play](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/google_play.original.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ffbok.mobile) ## Related Content ##### [Where to Put Your Short-term Savings You have money that you may need to get to. Maybe it’s money in an emergency fund. Maybe it’s savings that you just don’t feel comfortable locking up. Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/where-to-put-your-short-term-savings) ##### [12 tips to save your first $1,000 Saving money doesn't have to mean living like a hermit. Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/12-tips-to-save-your-first-1000) ##### [5 tips to help you boost your savings We can rationalize a lot of things. It usually sounds like this: Article](https://blog.ffbkc.com/5-tips-to-help-you-boost-your-savings) - Routing Number: 301071592 - [816.241.7800](tel:8162417800) - P.O. Box 419194 Kansas City, MO 64141 - [![Connect with us on Facebook](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/FirstFederalKC/) - [![Connect with us on Twitter](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/firstfederal_kc) - [![Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/388449/) - [![Connect with us on Instagram](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/social_instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/firstfederalbankofkc/) - [Borrow](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/) - [Buy a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/) - [Conventional Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/conventional-loans/) - [VA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/va-loans/) - [FHA Loans](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/fha-loans/) - [Mortgage Calculator](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/home-loans/mortgage-calculator/) - [Build a home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/build-a-home/) - [Refinance your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/refinance-your-home/) - [Improve your home](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/) - [Home Equity Line of Credit](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/improve-your-home/home-equity-line-of-credit/) - [Buy a car](https://www.ffbkc.com/borrow/auto-loans/) - [Make a payment](https://paybill.com/consumer/?ClientId=FFBKC_Reg) - [Bank](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/) - [Checking accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/) - [First Free Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/first-free/) - [Premier Interest Checking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/checking/premier-interest/) - [Savings accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/) - [First Savings Plus](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/first-savings-plus/) - [Premier Money Market](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/premier-money-market/) - [Money Market Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/money-market-savings/) - [Statement Savings](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/statement-savings/) - [Minor Savings Account](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/savings-accounts/minor-savings/) - [CDs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/certificates-deposit/) - [IRAs](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/individual-retirement-accounts/) - [Mobile & Online Banking](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/mobile-online-banking/) - [Business accounts](https://www.ffbkc.com/bank/business-accounts/) - [Learn](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/) - [Managing money](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/managing-money/) - [Borrowing](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/borrowing/) - [Saving](https://www.ffbkc.com/learn/saving/) - [Wellbeingville](https://www.ffbkc.com/wellbeingville/) - [Resources](https://www.ffbkc.com/resources/) - [Rates](https://www.ffbkc.com/rates/) - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) - [About](https://www.ffbkc.com/about/) - [Contact](https://www.ffbkc.com/contact/) - [Locations](https://www.ffbkc.com/locations/) - [Careers](https://www.ffbkc.com/careers/) © 2026 FIRST FEDERAL BANK of KANSAS CITY - [Privacy & Security](https://www.ffbkc.com/privacy-security/) | [Fee Schedule](https://www.ffbkc.com/fee-schedule/) | - [Help](https://www.ffbkc.com/help/) | [Website Accessibility Statement](https://www.ffbkc.com/website-accessibility/) [![Member FDIC - Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/fdic.svg "Member FDIC - Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website")](https://www.fdic.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender - Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website](https://blog.ffbkc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/First_Federal_Bank_July_2020/images/ehl.svg "Equal Housing Lender - Visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website")](https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp) Equal Housing Lender