I studied personal finance for 11,923 hours so you don’t have to.
These are the 19 most important lessons I learned:
1. Invest in Yourself
The best investment you can make is in yourself.
How to level up right now:
- Read more
- Take a course
- Exercise regularly
- Listen more, talk less
- Learn from past mistakes
The highest ROI is when you invest in yourself.
2. Pay Yourself First
Society tells you to:
- Spend
- Consume
Instead, use your paycheck to:
- Pay off credit debt
- Add to your emergency fund
- Add to your investment portfolio
Never live bigger than your paycheck.
That's financial suicide.
3. Avoid Lifestyle Creep
Don't allow lifestyle creep to eat away at your wealth.
When you earn more, save more.
You may be tempted to spend more money because you can, but don't let your mind trick you.
Control your expenses before they control you.
4. Build Your Network
79% of millionaires spend 5+ hours monthly building their networks.
The No. 1 success predictor is the quality of your network.
Take a few minutes daily to reconnect with your network and maintain your relationships.
Your network is your net worth.
5. Create Multiple Income Streams
The biggest risk is living on 1 income stream.
Multiple income stream ideas:
- Rental income
- Earned income
- Interest income
- Business income
- Dividend income
Never rely on just 1 income stream.
6. Invest 20%+ of Your Income
Use the power of compound interest to build your wealth.
How to invest:
- Invest automatically
- Invest in index funds
- Avoid higher-risk investments
- Choose low-cost investment options
The best time to invest is today.
Free investing guide:
Multiply your wealth without risking everything: A pro's guide to millionaire investing
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https://themillennialmoneywoman.com/free-investing-guide/
Free Investing Guide
Former Wealth Advisor to 453 Millionaires Reveals...
The Millennial Money Woman7. Learn Basic Financial Literacy
Lack of financial literacy cost Americans $436 billion in 2022.
Financial literacy teaches you how to:
- Earn
- Save
- Invest
- Spend
- Borrow
- Protect
Improve your financial literacy today.
Save money tomorrow.
8. Don't Buy New Luxury Cars
Most new luxury cars lose up to 60% of their value 5 years after you first purchase them.
Millionaires buy used cars because:
- They are cheaper
- They've already depreciated
- They can invest the "saved" money
Don't invest in negative returns.
9. Eliminate Credit Card Debt
"If you use a credit card, you don't want to be rich" - Mark Cuban
Credit card debt can drain:
- Your budget
- Your savings
- Your future portfolio
You rob your future self with credit card debt.
10. Build a Solid Credit Score
Benefits:
- Better chance for loan approvals
- Better insurance rates
- Lower interest rates
How to boost your credit score:
- Pay on time
- Pay off your debt
- Keep a low credit utilization ratio
Good credit score = more money in your wallet.
11. Develop & Stick to a Budget
To build a budget, start by:
- Tracking your income
- Tracking your expenses
Figure out where your money is:
- Coming from
- Going to (and how much)
Manage your money before it manages you.
This budget spreadsheet will help you track where your money is coming from and where it is going so you can:
• Stop bleeding cash
• Significantly increase your savings
• Gain complete control over your finances
Get it for free here:
https://themillennialmoneywoman.com/free-budget-spreadsheet/
Free Budget Spreadsheet
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The Millennial Money Woman12. Build an Emergency Fund
Prepare for unexpected expenses.
Surprise expenses could include:
- A vet bill
- A new roof
- Medical bills
Don't use your credit cards to pay for emergencies.
Use your emergency fund.
13. Find High-Quality Mentors
93% of millionaires attribute their success to a mentor.
Mentors offer you guidance in:
- Your financial life
- Your personal life
- Your professional life
Mentors are the ultimate shortcut to success.
14. Start a Business
66% of millionaires built a business.
If you want to be wealthy, play the odds in your favor and become an entrepreneur.
It will require:
- Sacrifice
- Hard work
- Long nights
The reward could be:
- Money
- Freedom
- Fulfillment
Start your journey today.
15. Don't Spend More Than You Make
Income does not equal wealth.
As you earn more money, save more money.
You will be tempted to spend more money because you can, but don't allow your mind to trick you.
Control your expenses before they control you.
16. Prioritize Your Health
Don’t take your health for granted.
Improve your health by:
- Meditating daily
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking enough water
- Sticking to healthy foods
- Blocking negativity/toxicity
You can't enjoy wealth if you have bad health.