9 Money Rules To Live By

The homes we grew up in as team members of The Thrifty Issue were mostly open about finances.

Our parents taught us about frugality, budgeting, ways to make money and there were finance books available.

A few of us weren’t as fortunate and had to learn through trial and error.

Here are 9 of the rules we live by and feel are important.

Disclosure – this post may contain affiliate links to products and services I use.

1. Pay Yourself First

You pay all your bills and everyone else but if you don’t pay yourself first by putting money into savings, you’ll get nowhere.

Transfer 10% at a minimum if possible then build it to be able to transfer more to savings and investments as you reduce debt and other expenses.

Increase the amount you transfer as your income increases as well.

Otherwise, lifestyle creep happens. Meaning, because you earn more, you spend more.

This money rule is in most finance books but started in The Richest Man In Babylon.

Pay yourself into a high-interest savings account to begin with but plan to invest it to make it for further.

Compare interest rates and always use fee free banking e.g. ING who offer $100 as a sign-up bonus for new customers or UP Bank who offer $15 instantly.

2. Avoid Debt

While it’s not always possible to avoid debt, avoid it if you can.

Pay off any debt you have quickly.

Debt is taking from tomorrow to pay for today.

Too often we end up with huge credit card bills, personal loans or car loans because of consumerism.

If we stepped back, most of the stuff we’ve bought or thought we had to have, we don’t.

To clear debt quickly, check out this post.

It includes tips for dealing with debt collectors as well.

3. Live BELOW Your Means

Living within your means isn’t enough, you have to live below your means.

Spend less than you earn and treat your savings as a bill.

Pay yourself first then reduce all your other expenses to be less than you earn.

It might be hard at first but it is essential.

Even Living $2 below your means is better than overspending.

Go over all your expenses and look for ways to reduce them.

This post shares tips on how to reduce all your expenses from food to transport, accommodation to hobbies.

4. You Can Always Make More

In our view, there is a limit as to how much you can cut back but there are so many ways to make more.

We’ve experimented with different side hustles and tend to go for ones that are more flexible.

Blogging, freelance writing, renting out my place on Airbnb, renting out the garage, buying things to resell etc.

Check out how I made $33,277 on the side in 12 months, how we’ve made over $10,000 in a month buying things to resell.

My tips on how to become a freelance writer or virtual assistant.

Also, 43 ways for single mums to make money has a huge list of flexible options that anyone can do.

Pick something and do it but decide what you will do with the money before you make it so you don’t waste it.

Extra money gets split between debt, splurge and investing in my home at the moment.

5. Have a Splurge/Sanity Account

Have some money you can use for whatever you want.

It is often referred to as Sanity Money, Scott Pape called it Splurge Money in The Barefoot Investor but the idea is the same.

Set aside an amount for you to spend on whatever you want.

This money can be used for anything and helps prevent massive budget blowouts or shopping sprees that have not been budgeted for.

Some people have a set amount they each get and it has to cover alcohol or extras such as that.

Others use it for nights out with friends or saving for a specific item they want which they don’t want coming from the family budget.

6. Life Is For Living

Be smart with your money but don’t be a total scrooge. Life is for living and enjoying.

Many things can be done for free for example we love the beach, swimming, snorkelling, hiking etc.

None of that costs us anything and it is great time together as a family.

Have a hobby, take care of yourself, do things you love.

No one gets to the end of their life and wishes they had worked more. Save, invest, live below your means and have fun!

Check out this post for a list of freebies and discounts, read how to get a discount on everything and work out what you love doing then do it.

For me, travel when possible, diving, experiences and self-care are a priority. When I neglect them, I get stressed and my money gets worse.

7. Diversify

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Meaning, spread out your investments, always have some savings and don’t overextend yourself.

Speak with a financial advisor for some professional advice specific to your situation and goals.

Our investments are spread across shares, business and real estate.

And with that, our shares are diverse, as our property portolio grows that will be diverse too and thankfully, with businesses, we have a few options.

Doing it this way means if one goes belly up or there are major issues, you have other options and income streams still working for you.

8. Abundant Mindset & The Law of Attraction

If you don’t know anything about the law of attraction and keeping an abundant mindset check out Unleash Your Inner Money Babe plus Kathrin’s podcast, as well as books and content by Aussie Denise Duffield-Thomas.

While we might always be aiming higher, we still need to be grateful for what we have.

Having gratitude for what you have and living with an abundant mindset makes it easier for your mind to locate opportunities to make more or manage money better.

If you are grateful for what you have and focus on feeling abundant, you are less likely to blow through money.

When we feel depressed about our financial situation we’re more likely to manage our money poorly, overspend or indulge in an effort to make ourselves feel better. Inevitably, we feel worse and it creates a downward spiral.

Check out 7 tips for managing money when you are struggling with mental health issues.

9. Know Your Money & Investments

Create a budget or spending plan, track your spending and be smart with your money.

Check your accounts regularly.

Know what you invest in and ensure you are comfortable with the risk level as well as how they are performing.

Many things can be set and forget such as regular savings but you must know what is happening with all your money.

Otherwise, you will waste a lot.

Note: If you like freebies and discounts, check out how to get a $100 cash bonus from ING, $15 from Up Bank or have a look at the full list of freebies, offers and discounts for every state.

What Money Rules Do You Live By?

For more ways to make and save money follow us on social media:

TheThrifty Issue Facebook Page
The Thrifty Issue Facebook Group
The Thrifty Issue Instagram