This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Here’s how to experience better outcomes with your money
Practice minimalism over materialism. You don’t need to buy more stuff. Instead, buy more intentionally.
Keep housing costs low relative to your income.
Avoid maxing out credit cards.
Use credit cards to your advantage to wrack up cash and points instead of interest and debt.
Avoid pricey vices: drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc.
Live modestly instead of a flashy lifestyle.
Prioritize giving and being generous with others.
Don’t financially enable others to be financially irresponsible. Allow others to support themselves financially.
Consistently increase your income while keeping your expenses at the same percentage.
Read 12 personal finance books per year.
Spend your time around people who have money and know how to manage it successfully.
Track spending and income – constantly closely monitor your financial affairs.
Spend less on stupid stuff.
Don’t partner with financially irresponsible people. Have conversations about money early on to ensure your financial values align.
If you work a traditional job, focus on jobs that grant you more time and flexibility, which also allows you to focus on other work you love and feel passionate about.
Eat in more than you eat out, and keep your meals interesting to avoid getting distracted by eating out when you have plenty of food at home.
Don’t prioritize impressing others with what you can buy.
Keep your phone for three or more years; practice the art of not upgrading.
Buy your phone in full instead of using installments.
Set financial goals for the month, quarter, and year.
Decrease impulse shopping. If you weren’t planning to buy it, then don’t.
Contemplate your purchases for 1–7 days. You will either still want it or forget about it altogether.
Don’t cosign loans for people. Allow them to take responsibility for their loans unless you’re comfortable getting stuck with the bill.
Consistently increase your net worth and keep it positive.
Drive your car as long as you can to save money and maximize its utilization. Consistently upgrading your car can be costly.
Pay your work through school or acquire scholarships, grants, or funding. Avoid student loans as much as possible.
Cut superfluous costs. You don’t need five gym memberships. You don’t need every streaming service. You don’t need fifty subscriptions. Keep it minimal. Your needs are far less than you think.
If you can’t pay a purchase back immediately with cash, don’t use your credit card. Credit cards create a false sense of wealth and spending freedom, which is the peril of using one.
Maintain an abundance mindset. There is more than enough for everyone, and your financial outcomes are limitless.
Always invest and prioritize acquiring assets over liabilities.
Prioritize a healthy lifestyle to decrease medical costs.
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This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.