Going broke is usually a fast collapse triggered by one emotional decision, not a slow drift — a warning for anyone who thinks bad money habits leave plenty of time to correct course.

• Most financial ruin starts with a single emotional moment, then gets stretched out over months or years.
• The mindset that leads to going broke is in place long before the money actually runs out.
• Once the downward spiral starts, it moves quickly and feeds on itself.

Outlook: The practical takeaway is to watch for the emotional decision that starts the slide, since by the time the damage shows up in your bank account the pattern is already set.