19 finance rules you should know by age 25

 19 finance rules you should know by age 25:

1. Pay Yourself First

Society tells you to: 

- Spend

- Consume

Instead, use your paycheck to:

- Pay off credit debt

- Invest for your retirement

- Add to your emergency fund

- Add to your investment portfolio

Never live bigger than your paycheck.

That's financial suicide.

2. Avoid Lifestyle Creep

Don't allow lifestyle creep to eat away at your wealth.

When you earn more, save more.

You'll 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.

3. 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.

4. Create Multiple Income Streams

Don't rely on just 1 income stream.

Income streams include:

- Rental income

- Earned income

- Interest income

- Business income

- Dividend income

Never put your eggs in 1 basket.

Diversify your income now.

5. 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.

6. Learn Basic Financial Literacy

In 2019, lack of financial literacy cost Americans more than $307 billion.

Financial literacy teaches you how to:

- Earn

- Save

- Invest

- Spend

- Borrow

- Protect

Improve your financial literacy today. 

Save money tomorrow.

7. Don't Buy New Cars

Most new 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

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.

Begin to:

- Meditate daily

- Exercise regularly

- Drink enough water

- Stick to healthy foods

- Block negativity/toxicity

Adopt a healthy routine today.

You can't enjoy wealth if you have bad health.

17. Adopt Healthy Habits

Successful habits could include:

- Frugality

- Positivity

- Networking

- Setting goals

- Taking action

- Reading books

- Waking up early

It takes around 66 days for a new behavior to become a habit.

Take the steps today to make a better tomorrow.

18. Read Daily

People who read 7+ books per year are 122% more likely to become millionaires.

Warren Buffett reads 80% of his day and Bill Gates reads 50 books per year.

Read books on:

- History

- Biographies 

- Personal development

If you want to succeed, you have to read.

19. Choose Your Partner Carefully

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

Marry someone who is:

- Frugal

- Mindful about money

- Supportive of your money habits

Marry someone with a winning financial mindset.

From: @fiona