1. Don’t Buy a New Car Unless You’re a Millionaire
I say it all the time: cars are not assets they’re depreciating liabilities. A new car loses thousands of dollars in value the second you drive it off the lot. That’s why I never recommend buying a new car until your net worth hits $1 million. Instead, look for a three- to four-year-old vehicle and pay cash. You’ll avoid the car loan trap and keep more of your money working for you.

2. Credit Cards? No Thanks.
I don’t use credit cards. Not for the points, not for the miles. Because I want total control over my money. Studies show that people spend more with credit even when they pay it off every month because it doesn’t feel real. Debit cards or cash keep me emotionally connected to my money and keep my budget honest. If you think you’re beating the credit card companies, think again they built entire skyscrapers off people trying to do just that.

3. Marriage Means Combining Accounts
When you get married, it’s not just about sharing a life it’s about sharing everything, including your bank account. I fully believe in combining checking accounts because it forces communication, teamwork, and trust. Now, are there exceptions? Absolutely. If there’s addiction, infidelity, or secrecy, you need protection. But in a healthy relationship, one account leads to one financial future together.

4. Guard Your Personal Data
In today’s world, your personal info is bought, sold, and stolen daily. I use services like DeleteMe to wipe my data off hundreds of broker sites. It’s affordable under $10 a month and keeps me a little safer from scammers, spammers, and identity thieves. If you value your privacy, you can’t ignore this.

5. Invest 15% Conservatively, Always
Forget get-rich-quick schemes and crypto hype. I follow the Ramsay plan: invest 15% of your income into tax-advantaged retirement accounts like Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s. I do it consistently, whether the market is up or down. The long-term wins aren’t flashy, but they work. And if you need help, use Smarter Pro to find a trustworthy investment pro.

6. Buy a House Only When It Won’t Break You
I have a formula for buying a home, and I stick to it. Minimum 5% down. 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. Monthly payments no more than 25% of your take-home pay. These rules keep you from becoming “house poor.” And if that means waiting longer or buying a smaller place, so be it. A home should be a blessing, not a burden.

7. Live Below Your Means (Yes, It’s Hard)
Living below your means sounds simple, but it’s tough in a world of constant temptation. It means saying no when others say yes. It might mean cutting back, working extra hours, or skipping the big vacation. But the payoff is huge: peace, freedom, and never having to wonder if your card will get declined.

8. Old-School Financial Wisdom Still Works
There’s no shortage of flashy financial advice online but I believe in the tried-and-true. Pay yourself first. Avoid debt. Budget like your life depends on it. These aren’t outdated ideas; they’re timeless truths that have helped millions of people take control of their money. Consistency and discipline always beat cleverness and chaos.

If you’re tired of struggling with money, it’s time to get back to the basics. These rules may not trend on TikTok, but they’ve helped people find financial peace and they can work for you too.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post 8 Money Rules I Live By (Even If They’re Unpopular) appeared first on ROI TV.

1. Focus on Behavioral Change
Knowing what to do with your money won’t help if your habits don’t match your goals. The key is to stay consistent. You don’t have to be perfect every day, but showing up for your financial plan over time will create the results you’re looking for.

2. Live on Less Than You Make
It sounds obvious, but many people live beyond their means. That’s a fast track to stress and debt. Adopt frugal habits, like borrowing books from the library instead of buying, and avoid financing a lifestyle you can’t afford.

3. Save for a Rainy Day
Emergencies happen—a job loss, a flat tire, or a medical bill. But 40% of Americans can’t cover a $400 emergency in cash. Start by building a $1,000 emergency fund, then grow it to cover 3–6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account.

4. Create and Stick to a Budget
A budget is your plan for your money. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or are debt-free, budgeting helps you stay on track and avoid financial missteps. Use it to prioritize your goals and set boundaries on spending.

5. Protect Your Privacy with Delete Me
Online privacy is part of financial security. Services like Delete Me help remove your personal data from broker websites. This protects you from identity theft and gives you peace of mind in a digital world.

6. Know the Difference Between Needs and Wants
Cutting expenses starts with knowing what’s essential. Needs are things like food, shelter, and transportation. Wants include subscriptions, new gadgets, or dining out. Trimming the fat helps you make room for saving and paying down debt.

7. Don’t Spend Money You Don’t Have
Avoid going into debt for things you don’t absolutely need. Skip financing for cars, credit card purchases, and even college unless it’s a strategic move. The exception? A mortgage. Everything else should be paid with cash.

8. Consider Financial Peace University (FPU)
If you’re serious about changing your financial life, consider enrolling in FPU. It’s a nine-lesson course designed to help you learn the steps to financial freedom, covering budgeting, debt, and wealth building.

9. Keep Learning with Additional Resources
The journey doesn’t stop here. There are many great resources out there—like the episode on the catch with 0% interest—that help you avoid common money traps and stay educated.

Small changes in behavior can lead to massive financial improvements over time. Adopt these habits one by one and watch your financial stability—and peace of mind—grow.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post 9 Common-Sense Habits to Master Personal Finance appeared first on ROI TV.