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.

The post 8 Wealth-Building Strategies That Changed How I Manage My Money appeared first on ROI TV.

1. Setting Financial Goals That Stick

Ric Edelman believes the way you frame your goals can make or break them. Instead of saying, “I need to stop spending,” reframe that into something positive and actionable like, “I’m saving to buy a house.” Goals with a destination give you something to aim for. Add a deadline, and suddenly that goal becomes real.

Ric recommends writing down your goals and putting them somewhere visible—on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, wherever you’ll see them daily. When you stay immersed by touring dream homes, flipping through travel magazines, or carrying a symbol of your goal like Ric’s Matchbox Jaguar you’ll find motivation naturally follows.

2. Managing Your Emergency Fund Wisely

Interest rates may be low, but your emergency fund isn’t about earnings it’s about access. Ric advises keeping 6 to 24 months of expenses in liquid cash for that reason. Whether it’s a job loss, medical emergency, or housing repair, the goal isn’t growth it’s readiness. Don’t be tempted by higher returns that come with higher risk. Stability is what counts when life throws a curveball.

3. Don’t Swing at Gold Unless You Know the Risks

Gold often gets hyped as a safe-haven asset, but Ric Edelman reminds us it’s anything but stable. Gold reached $850 an ounce in 1980 and took nearly three decades to get back there. That’s not a dip it’s a crater. Gold prices are notoriously unpredictable, and they don’t generate income. For those needing regular cash flow or capital preservation, Ric recommends sticking to investments that align with your goals and your risk tolerance.

4. Elderly Care: Planning with Dignity

Discussing finances with aging parents isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Ric suggests using third-party stories as a gentle entry point, easing into conversations about care preferences, estate planning, and financial preparedness. Involve a professional financial advisor to help mediate and clarify decisions so loved ones feel heard and protected not railroaded. At the core, it’s about respect and peace of mind.

5. Nolan Ryan’s Playbook for Life and Leadership

Nolan Ryan joined the episode with a wealth of experience both literal and figurative. His formula for success included mental preparation, relentless physical training, and the belief that failure is just part of the journey. When Nolan took over the Texas Rangers, he didn’t just change how players trained he changed how they thought. He encouraged high expectations, long tosses, post-game workouts, and a culture of ownership.

In business and baseball, Nolan believes adversity is an asset. Texas heat? Fan competition from the Cowboys? He turned those challenges into rallying points. Success isn’t just skill it’s attitude and environment.

6. Stock Market Smarts: Avoid the Hype

Ric closed out the episode by sharing a surprising stat: in 2010, stocks analysts liked least gained 20% on average twice the return of their most favored picks. The takeaway? Don’t chase headlines. Don’t follow the herd. Smart investing is about fundamentals, not fads.

Final Thought:

What do Ric Edelman and Nolan Ryan have in common? They both understand that success whether it’s financial or athletic is built on clarity, preparation, and perseverance. Visualize your goals. Stick to your plan. And when life throws you a curveball, step up to the plate anyway.

All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice; an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product; or an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. Whenever there are hyperlinks to third-party content, this information is intended to provide additional perspective and should not be construed as an endorsement of any services, products, guidance, individuals or points of view outside Edelman Financial Engines. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Please contact us for more complete information based on your personal circumstances and to obtain personal individual investment advice.

Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.

The post Wealth and Winning Through Visualization, Discipline, and Mindset appeared first on ROI TV.