Most of us were taught money rules that keep us stuck:
• Save, but never spend.
• Cut lattes, not costs that actually matter.
• Work 40+ years, then maybe retire.
But if you’re reading this, you’re probably like me:
You want more than just stability. You want freedom, options, and ownership of your time.
Here are 9 non-traditional money rules I’ve adopted on my journey. They’ve helped me stop playing defense and start creating real financial momentum for my family and our future.
1. Focus on Earning More, Not Just Saving More
Saving is smart but income is what really moves the needle. I put energy into building streams, learning new skills, and increasing value, not shrinking my lifestyle to fit a tight budget.
Yes, budgeting matters but there’s a limit to how much you can cut. The real game changer? Growing your income. I’d rather earn an extra $1,000 than stress over saving $10.
High earners who invest wisely build wealth faster than extreme savers stuck in the same income bracket. Focus on skills, side hustles, and scalable income streams that grow over time.
2. Use Debt Intentionally, Not Emotionally
Not all debt is bad. If it funds an asset, grows my income, or increases my skills, I consider that a smart move, not a setback.
While credit card debt is a trap, strategic debt can be a tool. Low-interest loans for real estate, business ventures, or education can deliver way more value than saving to pay cash.
Wealth builders leverage money to grow. Don’t fear debt, learn how to use it.
3. Don’t Wait Until 65 to Live
I’m not working just to someday retire. I’m working toward freedom. Time with my family, the ability to choose how I spend my days. That’s what financial independence means to me.
Why wait until 65 to enjoy your life? Design your lifestyle for freedom now. Financial independence isn’t about a number, it’s about having the option to work, not the need to.
That means investing aggressively, building multiple income streams, and questioning the “retire later” mindset society handed you.
4. Save for Opportunities, Not Just Emergencies
Yes, I keep a cushion but I also keep cash ready for what’s possible. I want to be in a position to say yes to the right opportunity when it shows up.
An emergency fund is smart but an opportunity fund is smarter. Instead of parking money just in case something bad happens, have cash ready for when something great does.
A hot investment, a business idea, a chance to buy a cash-flowing asset, that’s what real wealth is built on.
5. Treat Credit as a Wealth-Building Tool
Credit isn’t just about buying stuff, it’s leverage. Used right, it gives you access to bigger deals, faster growth, and greater flexibility.
In today’s world, credit is power. A strong credit profile can get you access to high-limit cards, business loans, real estate deals, and other leverage opportunities cash alone can’t unlock.
Protect and build your credit score, it’s often the key to scaling up.
6. Use Money to Reclaim Your Time
The real flex isn’t money, it’s time. I use money to buy back hours, outsource where I can, and invest in systems that give me back my life.
Remember: you can always make more money but you’ll never get back time.
7. Invest in Mindset Before Markets
Before I put a dollar into stocks, I invest in what’s between my ears. Mindset shifts lead to income shifts. That’s why I read, reflect, and keep learning.
The best ROI I’ve ever gotten? Learning high-income skills. Before you throw cash into crypto or ETFs, ask yourself: “What skill could double my income this year?”
Skill stacking beats stock picking. Level up your earning power first, then let your money work for you.
8. Build Relationships, Not Just Revenue
People matter. I’ve found more opportunities through connection than any app or ad. I protect my network and pour into people. It always pays off.
I’ve learned this over and over: who you know can be more valuable than what you own. The right connection can open doors to investments, partnerships, and next-level wealth opportunities.
Surround yourself with people who are leveling up and find ways to add value to them, too.
9. Prioritize Cash Flow Over Clout
A flashy net worth means nothing if you’re cash poor. I want income that pays the bills, builds the dream, and buys back my peace.
Steady cash flow gives you freedom. Net worth looks nice on paper but freedom is the goal.
Final Thought:
These money rules didn’t come from textbooks. They came from experience. What’s worked (and what hasn’t) on my journey to financial wellness.
These aren’t hacks, they’re mindset shifts that open up a whole new way of thinking about money.
If even one of these shifts something for you, that’s a win.
Post felt familiar? It’s because this isn’t a one-time habit. It’s a pattern most people never learn how to interrupt.
Having an opportunity fund is my biggest takeaway from this❤️
So ideally a person should have an opportunity fund and an emergency fund? if so that's a beautiful duo.