8 Important Financial Principles That Made Me Rich

Simple Lessons that Transformed My Financial Life

Have you ever felt like managing your money is an impossible puzzle? I’ve been there. But over time, I discovered some timeless financial principles that completely changed my life. These lessons aren’t rocket science—they’re simple, practical, and anyone can start applying them today. Let me share my journey and the steps that helped me achieve financial independence.

1. Increase Your Earning Potential

Want to make more money? Start with your skills.

Every year, focus on learning something new that adds value to your professional life. At the same time, refine the skills you already have. This is how you stand out in a competitive world.

Here’s what worked for me: I dove into learning about investments, real estate, and project management. These new skills not only helped me land a promotion but also enabled me to put my savings to work. When you prioritize continuous growth, you unlock earning opportunities you never thought possible.

2. Control Your Expenses

Are you spending money on things that don’t truly enrich your life? Maybe it’s a daily $5 coffee, unnecessary subscriptions, gambling, or renting a place that’s bigger than you need. These little habits might seem harmless, but over time, they drain your wealth and keep you from achieving your goals.

Here’s the truth: wealth isn’t just about what you earn—it’s about what you keep.

Take charge by ruthlessly analyzing your expenses. I started by tracking every dollar I spent and asking one simple question: Does this bring me closer to my dreams, or further away? When I let go of unnecessary luxuries, something amazing happened. I found extra cash flow to invest in opportunities that actually grew my wealth.

Think of it as playing defense in the financial game. By controlling your expenses, you’re building a fortress around your wealth. Every dollar you save is a soldier that you can send out to work for you, earning more and securing your financial future.

“Don’t let fleeting pleasures steal the wealth that could change your life.”

3. Save and Invest at Least 10% of Your Income

Here’s a golden truth: the first person you need to pay is yourself.

Before the bills, the splurges, or the temptations, commit to setting aside at least 10% of your income every month for investments. Treat it like an unbreakable rule, a non-negotiable bill that secures your future. Over the years, I started small but gradually increased this percentage as my income grew, and the results were nothing short of transformative.

Why? Because saving isn’t just about putting money away—it’s about building momentum. Each dollar saved and invested begins to compound, multiplying itself over time. It’s like planting a tiny seed that grows into a tree, bearing fruit year after year.

Discipline is the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be. Creating a budget and sticking to a financial plan helped me stay on track. The less you compromise on this habit, the faster you’ll unlock financial freedom.

“Every dollar you save is a promise to your future self—a promise of freedom, opportunity, and security.”

4. Protect Your Capital

When it comes to investing, protecting your capital is everything.

Your capital is your lifeline—the foundation of every financial move. Lose it, and the game ends. Protecting it isn’t about avoiding opportunities; it’s about taking calculated risks backed by data and proven strategies.

Early on, I made impulsive choices that hurt my capital. But when I shifted to a smarter, system-driven approach, I stopped gambling and started growing.

“Protecting your capital isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about playing it smart.” With the right decisions, you can achieve high returns while keeping your foundation secure.

5. Invest in Assets That Beat Inflation

Inflation is the silent thief, eroding your wealth year after year. To stay ahead, you need investments that don’t just keep up—they outpace it.

I think of my investments as soldiers, working tirelessly to defend and grow my wealth. High-return strategies ensure that my money not only holds its value but multiplies over time.

Pro Tip: Diversify into reliable, high-growth strategies to stay ahead of inflation and build a solid financial future.

6. Avoid Debt for Things You Don’t Need

Buying things on credit is a slippery slope.

I once made the mistake of buying a fancy car on credit. It seemed like a great idea at the time, but the depreciation and interest ate into my finances. I learned the hard way: avoid debt for anything that doesn’t appreciate in value or generate income.

7. Diversify Your Investments

What happens if one income stream dries up?

That’s why diversification is key. Invest in different asset classes—stocks, real estate, and other high-return strategies—to create multiple passive income streams. If one of these streams faces challenges, the others can keep generating income.

Pro Tip: Diversification isn’t just about safety—it’s about building resilience and expanding your earning potential across multiple channels.

8. Understand Risks Before Investing

Investing without understanding the risks is like playing chess blindfolded.

I used to dive into investments impulsively, only to regret it later. But then I made a rule: research before you act. Whether it’s stocks, real estate, or mutual funds, knowing the potential downsides is just as important as the upsides.

Final Thoughts: Apply These Principles to Your Financial Life

Following these principles transformed my financial journey. They gave me clarity, discipline, and the confidence to take control of my future.

Are you ready to start your journey to financial independence? Tools like Spike Method can help you apply these principles with minimal effort and maximize your investment returns.

Your financial future is in your hands—take the first step today!

Les Borsics
Financial analyst, Spike Method