Building Wealth Through Smart Practices
Money
Money can’t solve all your problems but it’ll surely solve money problems. Money can’t buy happiness but it can buy things that make us happy.
Money shall not be the end goal but it helps to provide you financially freedom and pursue your dream.
Financial freedom is the key to doing what you want, when you want, and with whom you want. Once financial freedom is achieved, money becomes a mere number. It doesn't radically alter your lifestyle, as you continue to eat, live, and enjoy similar things. Money, at its core, is a facilitator, not the essence of a meaningful life.
Habits : The Foundation of Success
Habits are the building blocks of our daily routines, actions we perform almost unconsciously. Forming good habits requires effort and willpower, while bad habits are easily acquired, offering short-term pleasure without the need for significant willpower.
When it comes to habits, they have a strong gravitational pull and can be challenging to reverse once ingrained. Anyone acquiring bad habit from others will amplify it. Eg: If person A acquire smoking habits from person B 30 years ago, then A would be generally smoking more than the person B whom this habits is acquired.
Money Habits: The Path to Financial Independence
In the realm of financial well-being, cultivating good money habits is crucial. These habits serve as a roadmap to financial independence, reducing stress and paving the way for a secure future.
1) Live Below Your Means
The age-old wisdom of living frugally is a cornerstone of financial stability. It's not about depriving yourself but about being mindful of your spending.
Warren Buffett's wisdom encapsulates it perfectly: "If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need". Living below your means, especially in the early careers, enables you to invest in your future.
If someone with very high earnings also has expensive life-style, they’ll still end up in trouble compared to someone with low/medium earning but living below their means.
2) Automate Savings
The mantra of "Pay Yourself First" underscores the importance of prioritizing savings. By automating your savings and transferring a dedicated portion of your income to investment accounts, you ensure that saving is a non-negotiable part of your financial plan.
3) Automate Investments
Extend the automation to investments. Systematically invest money at regular intervals (Systematic Investment Plan or SIP) to avoid the pitfalls of timing the market. Channelize your savings into appreciating assets to make your money work for you.
4) Debt Management
All debts are not same. While high-interest debts should be paid off promptly, low-interest debts that can generate higher returns on investments may not be bad. Analyze your debts and manage them strategically.
5) Think Long Term
The magic of compounding and the snowball effect come into play in long-term investments. While making short-term plans, always keep an eye on the long-term goals. Investing early and consistently can yield significant results over time.
6) Financial Goals
Set clear financial goals for the short, medium, and long term. Accountability is crucial to avoid cognitive biases, so regularly measure your progress. Run failure scenarios to understand the worst outcomes if you fail to achieve your long-term goals. This backward planning enhances your ability to plan effectively and stay accountable.
7) Invert
Look at your financial situation from a different perspective. Instead of focusing on your current investments, consider your future needs. How much do you need annually to cover your lifestyle expenses, adjusted for inflation? By asking these questions, you can develop a strategy that aligns with your retirement and financial goals.
In conclusion, building wealth isn't just about making money; it's about managing it wisely through consistent and intentional habits. By integrating these money habits into your life, you pave the way for financial independence and a secure future.
Remember, it's not about the money itself but the freedom and opportunities it provides.