Build Options in 2026: Income, Security, and Peace of Mind
PLUS: Help shape what I write next
Most people don’t need more “money content.”
They need a plan that works in real life.
Inflation is still squeezing budgets. Careers feel shakier than they used to. And a lot of smart, hardworking people are realizing the same thing:
One income stream isn’t a strategy anymore.
That’s what Run The Money (RTM) is here to help with in 2026—clear, practical steps to build financial resilience and more options without turning your life upside down.
What RTM will help you do in 2026
Here’s what you can expect from this publication:
1) Get layoff-ready (without panic)
We’ll cover simple moves that buy you time and reduce stress:
building a runway fund
what to do first if income drops
how to cut costs without wrecking your lifestyle
how to protect your household cash flow
The Layoff-Proof Skillset
If you’ve ever felt your job could disappear overnight, you’re not alone. Entire industries are being reshaped by automation, outsourcing, and cost-cutting.
2) Increase your income in realistic ways
Not “start a 7-figure agency.” More like:
side hustles that fit a busy schedule
monetizing skills you already have
packaging knowledge into something useful
finding high-leverage opportunities (without getting scammed)
Money Management for Substack Creators: Building a System That Works When Income Isn’t Predictable
Quick mention before we begin…
3) Upgrade your career security
The fastest path to stability is often increasing your value:
practical reskilling (especially modern tools, including AI)
communication + leadership leverage
how to stay employable in a shifting job market
4) Beat inflation with smart, boring moves
No gimmicks. We’ll focus on:
spending decisions that compound over time
simple investing concepts for normal people
how to think clearly about debt, savings, and risk
5) Build “options” money
Not for flexing—for peace of mind:
an emergency buffer
an “exit plan” fund
the kind of money that lets you say “no” when you need to
The 2026 publishing rhythm
To keep this useful (and sustainable), RTM will run on a simple cadence:
2 Substack posts per week
one deeper, evergreen post you’ll want to save
one shorter, tactical post you can apply immediately
Occasional guides and resources
checklists, templates, and step-by-step playbooks that make execution easier
Help shape what I write next
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the early core—and I want to build this around what you actually need.
Drop a comment with one of these:
Your #1 financial goal for 2026
Your biggest money stress right now
The topic you want help with most (layoffs, debt, income, budgeting, investing, career pivot)
I read every comment and use them to plan future posts.
Quick favor (helps RTM grow)
If RTM feels aligned with what you want in 2026:
Subscribe so you don’t miss the weekly posts
Like this post if it resonated
Share it with a friend who’s feeling the squeeze
Comment with your goal so I can tailor what comes next
Let’s make 2026 the year you stop guessing—and start building real financial resilience, one practical move at a time.
Appreciate the emphasis on building options money rather than chasing flashy income goals. The framing around "one income stream isn't a strategy anymore" nails something most people feel but dunno how to articulate. I've seen so many folks increase their earnings but end up with the same financial anxiety because they scaled their lifestyle in lockstep. That emergency buffer + exit plan fund combo is underrated - having FU money is less about quitting and more about not being trapped by bad circumstances.