13 Money Skills That Will Make You Wealthy

Hey Ambitious,

A few years ago, I was stuck in the same financial loop most people are in—working hard, making decent money, but never feeling like I was getting ahead.

Then I discovered something that changed everything: Millionaires think about money differently.

I started applying their money skills, and my net worth eventually hit seven figures.

These weren’t gimmicks.

They were simple, proven strategies that build real wealth over time.

Here are a few game-changers you can start using today:

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1. Pay Yourself First

Paying yourself first is essential to build wealth.

Here’s how to do it…

First, you need to determine:

• How much to invest (e.g., $100)

• When to invest (e.g., Every Monday)

• Where to invest (e.g., S&P 500 index fund)

Once you’ve determined those 3 things, you’re ready to start paying yourself first.

Here’s the process:

• Deposit your paycheck

• Automate investments first

• Anything left over goes to bills

Simple.

This is how you pay yourself first.

2. Control Your Spending

Society tells you to:

• Spend

• Show off

• Consume

Instead, you should:

• Pay off bad debt

• Invest in yourself

• Buy appreciating assets

• Build up an emergency fund

• Build multiple income streams

Control your spending before your spending controls you.

3. Start a Side Hustle

The potential money you can make from a side hustle is unlimited.

In fact, 54% of Americans now have a side hustle.

Why the popularity?

Because your 9 to 5 could let you go at any moment and leave you with an income source.

That’s why it’s so essential to build a side hustle that could add an extra income stream.

4. Track Your Expenses

I met a client who didn’t track her expenses.

When we reviewed her finances, we found she was spending $35k+ at RESTAURANTS.

If you want to build wealth, track your expenses.

Here’s how to do it:

• Review your spending from the last 3 months.

Categorize your expenses as:

• Needs

• Wants

• Wishes

Start reducing spending on wants and wishes.

5. Give a Purpose to Every Dollar

Millionaires give every dollar a purpose.

In other words, they don’t blindly spend every cent they earn.

Instead, they allocate their paycheck to the following:

• 529 plans

• Business accounts

• Retirement accounts

• Emergency savings fund

• Joint / Individual accounts

Then they go one step further by automating the process.

6. Prioritize Like the Rich

If you want to get rich, prioritize like the rich:

• 1st = Needs

• 2nd = Investments

• 3rd = Wants

So many rules of thumb say you should save 10% to 15% of your income.

If you want to be a millionaire, those rules of thumb will likely not cut it.

Instead, set your sights higher, so you save (and invest) around 50% to 80% of your gross annual income.

Think rich and act rich to grow rich.

7. Build an Emergency Fund

63% of Americans cannot afford a $500 emergency.

Having an emergency fund can save you from going into serious debt.

If you have a surprise expense, like a:

• Car repair

• House repair

• Medical emergency

Then you might have to take on bad debt to pay for that expense.

Instead, you can avoid taking on debt by using your emergency fund.

Do your future self a favor and save 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses.

8. Pay Off Bad Debt

Bad debt robs you of your freedom and makes it impossible to build wealth.

What is bad debt?

Bad debt = High-interest debt used for depreciating assets.

Some examples of bad debt include:

• Car loans

• Payday loans

• Credit card debt

• Credit cards can be a double-edged sword.

Use credit cards wisely, because they can DRAIN your wealth.

If you can’t pay off your credit in full every month, you can’t afford your lifestyle..

9. Automate Your Investments

Automation keeps your life simple and gives you back your time.

How do you automate your investments?

By using a dollar cost averaging (DCA) strategy.

DCA is investing a set dollar amount on a regular and recurring basis.

For example:

• Amount: $100

• Frequency: Every Friday at 9:30 am ET

• Investment: S&P index fund

The best part?

Most modern investment platforms allow you to set up a DCA strategy.

DCA helps you become a disciplined investor by removing your emotions from the picture.

Out of sight, out of mind.

10. Grow Your Network

If you want to think like a millionaire, surround yourself with millionaires.

You can find millionaires in some of the following places:

• Your local university

• Your community events

• Your Chamber of Commerce

When you meet successful people, ask for their contact information or business cards.

Reach out to them to:

• Wish them happy holidays

• Wish them a happy birthday

• Ask them how their pet is doing

• Ask them about their recent vacation

Why should you put so much effort into keeping your network close?

Your network will be much more inclined to help you if you stay up to date with them.

Your network is your net worth.

11. Adopt Healthy Financial Habits

Building wealth comes down to habits.

So take note of how you treat $10.

Do you save/invest it?

Do you spend it on unnecessary things?

Changing your financial habits includes:

• Earning more

• Spending less

• Investing more

When you build healthy financial habits, you will struggle less in life.

Your habits have the power to change your life.

12. Choose Your Partner Carefully

Marrying the right person is the most important part of building wealth.

86% of millionaires are married – and 65% are still in their first marriage.

Your long-term partner could make or break your financial future.

Find someone who is:

• Frugal

• Mindful about money

• Aligned with your financial goals

A supportive spouse will be much easier than a partner working against you.

Find someone with a winning financial mindset.

13. Invest in Yourself

Benjamin Franklin once said:

And it’s true.

When you invest in yourself, you get the highest ROI.

How to invest in yourself:

• Read books

• Take courses

• Exercise daily

• Listen to podcasts

The best investment you can make is in yourself.

Closing Thoughts

If you want to become a millionaire, start using millionaire money skills.

The sooner you start, the sooner you will reach your goal.

Start today.

Your bank account will thank me later.

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Stay wealthy,

Be Wealth Operator