Tell me if you’ve ever felt this kind of pressure: You're employed, you're not really spending "wrong", and somehow it still feels like you’re barely keeping up.

Honestly, that feeling isn't a sign that you're bad at budgeting. For a lot of people, it's just a signal that one income isn't covering as much as it used to. And more people than ever are responding the same way: not by cutting back, but by adding more.

The data backs this up as we see more and more people are taking on a second (or third 🥲) job just to get by. There's even a whole subreddit for it (r/overemployed), and honestly, the threads are equal parts fascinating and concerning.

This week, we're talking about income stacking: what it is, why it's becoming the norm (and if you need to income-stack, how you can do it without losing your mind).

But first: has this been hitting close to home for you? Have you dealt with this before, and if so, how did you handle it? Genuinely curious. Hit reply and let’s talk about it.

Here’s what’s inside:

• One paycheck isn't cutting it anymore

• This week's top news

• Career pivots

• How much people spend on pets

P.S. If you want to talk through your own finances, you can book a free 1-hour coaching call here ☎️

One paycheck isn’t cutting it anymore

About 8.4 million Americans were working multiple jobs as of April 2026 (roughly 5.2% of the total employed workforce). That number has stayed relatively stable even as the financial pressure driving it hasn't let up.

Wages haven't kept up with costs, and for many people, a single income has quietly become a single point of financial risk. One layoff, one slow quarter, one unexpected bill and the whole thing feels precarious.

Income stacking is one response to that. But it's not the only one, and it's not the right one for everyone. If you're a parent, a caregiver, or already running on empty, adding another income stream might not be realistic right now, and that's completely valid.

The point isn't to hustle harder. The point is to think honestly about whether your current income setup has any breathing room built into it.

📌 If adding income is an option for you right now:

👉 Give every income stream a job. Extra income without a destination gets spent. Before it hits your account, decide what it's for: an emergency fund, debt payoff, or investing.

👉 Know your taxes before you start. Gig and freelance income comes with self-employment taxes that don't get withheld automatically. Running the numbers now saves a painful surprise later.

👉 Check your employment contract. Some companies have moonlighting clauses, especially for work in the same field. A quick read now saves an awkward conversation later.

👉 Sustainable beats impressive. Two income streams you can actually maintain are worth more than five that burn you out in three months.

📌 If adding income isn't realistic right now:

That's a completely legitimate place to be. A few other levers worth considering:

👉 Look at what you're already earning first. When did you last negotiate your salary? Switching employers or asking for a raise in your current role can close the gap without adding a single extra hour to your week.

👉 Make the income you have work harder. Are there recurring bills, subscriptions, or rates you've never renegotiated? Sometimes the breathing room is already there, but just buried.

👉 Think longer game. Upskilling, switching industries, or pivoting to a higher-paying field might be the more sustainable answer. They won’t change your life overnight, but worth starting to think about now.

👉 Protect your capacity. If you're already stretched thin, adding more to your plate could cost more than it earns in energy, health, or time with people you care about. That's a real calculation too.

Either way, we're here. Book a free call and let's look at your situation together.

The Personal Finance Meter

Career pivoting and how I did it

@startdoingwell

Two types of career paths 👇 🪜 The ladder: linear, predictable, up or down. 🧩 The mosaic: scattered pieces that become a picture. Which one... See more

By the numbers

Over 1,000

New millionaires each day

There are currently around 22 million millionaires in the U.S., and that number keeps climbing. The path there isn't usually one big break. It's compounding returns, consistent investing, and time. The most boring money advice is still the actual strategy: start early, invest regularly, don't stop.

3.7

The average number of credit cards Americans are carrying right now.

That's not inherently bad, but it does mean most people are managing multiple billing cycles, interest rates, and credit limits at once. One forgotten balance, one missed payment, one card you opened for the sign-up bonus and never closed and your credit score feels it. Make sure every card in your wallet has a purpose.

$4,000

Average annual amount spent on pet care

The average American now spends $4,000 annually on their pet, and Gen Z (who are more likely to delay homeownership and kids) are spending more on pets than any generation before them. If you've never added up your pet costs as a budget line, this might be the week to do it. Between food, vet visits, grooming, and insurance, it adds up faster than most people realize.

Need to talk numbers? We can help you sort out your money.