"We'd Be Fine If Our Income Was Just a Little Higher"

The illusion that all we need is just a little more money is almost universal. We're convinced that a higher income would give us the breathing room we need to pay off our debt, save for the future, and just be more comfortable.

Unless you're smart about your money, though, your expenses will increase when your income does. Again, it's just human nature. You make that purchase you've been putting off or take out that loan you couldn't quite afford before. Pretty soon, you'll be right back where you started.

If you're not convinced, just think back to every raise or windfall that ever came your way. You might have felt a flush of victory—at last! Your money situation was going to get easier! Then think of how long it took for you to be stressed again about money.