8 Wealth-Building Strategies That Changed How I Manage My Money
Building wealth isn’t just about how much money you make—it’s about how you manage, invest, and grow what you already have. Over time, I’ve found that small tweaks in behavior, habits, and mindset can have an enormous impact on long-term financial stability. Here are the 8 strategies that have completely changed the way I approach money.
1. Switch to Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
If you’re paying your mortgage monthly, you might be missing out on one of the simplest hacks for long-term savings. I switched to bi-weekly payments—half a monthly payment every two weeks—and now I make 26 payments a year instead of 12. That extra “13th month” payment each year chips away at the principal faster. On a $500,000 mortgage with a 7% interest rate, this can save over $170,000 in interest and shave years off the loan.
2. Automate Everything: The 75-15-10 Rule
I split my income into three separate accounts: 75% for spending, 15% for investments, and 10% for savings. I set up automatic transfers as soon as income hits my account. This structure keeps my finances on track without needing willpower or mental math. Automating this system has eliminated budgeting stress and made investing a habit, not a chore.
3. Invest in Financial Education—Every Paycheck
I made it a rule: every paycheck, I buy one book, course, or resource to deepen my financial knowledge. Over time, I’ve read 25 books in five key categories—money, business, leadership, sales, and personal development—plus five biographies of successful people. It’s the equivalent of an MBA at a fraction of the cost. That education has transformed how I think about money, risk, and wealth.
4. Don’t Spend Raises—Invest Them
Most people fall into lifestyle inflation when they get a raise. Not me. Every bonus or raise I get goes straight into investments—at least at first. Once I’ve adjusted for long-term growth, I apply the 75-15-10 rule to future increases. That one discipline has helped me grow my portfolio faster and kept me from falling into the trap of spending just because I earn more.
5. Use Credit Cards—But Only Strategically
I’m not anti-credit card—I just believe they should be used carefully. I only swipe for things I already plan to buy and pay the balance off in full every month. The cashback or travel rewards I earn go directly into my investment account. But I stay away from cards entirely if I’m ever tempted to spend more than I should. Responsible use is key to making credit cards work for you, not against you.
6. Define Clear Financial Goals
I don’t save or invest just to “have more money”—I tie every dollar to a purpose. I have specific savings targets (3–12 months of expenses), investing goals (cash flow vs. appreciation), and even calculated how much I need in assets to fund my ideal lifestyle. This clarity helps me stay focused and make smarter financial decisions every day.
7. Learn Market Trends and How to Invest Accordingly
There’s passive investing, like buying index funds. And then there’s active investing, where you learn to spot trends. I look at five key areas: Main Street (consumer behavior), Wall Street (investor behavior), Government (policy changes), Innovation (new tech), and Broad Market conditions (like interest rate shifts). Services like Briefs Pro help me stay on top of these insights, but even basic research goes a long way. You don’t need to trade stocks daily—just understanding where the world is headed can guide better investment choices.
8. Financial Education Is the Real Escape Plan
The system isn’t designed for people like me to win by default. Institutions profit from keeping people financially uneducated—through interest payments, hidden fees, and impulsive spending habits. That’s why learning how money works is the first and most important step to financial freedom. Once I understood the rules, I started playing a different game—and winning.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by money, try just one of these strategies to start. They may seem simple, but the impact they’ve had on my financial life has been anything but small.
Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.
