05/22/2026
Things I changed at 30 that made me a millionaire at 36 👇🏻
1 - I created a budget and stuck to it.
Budgeting works on any income. Plain and simple.
2 - I educated myself.
I read books, listened to podcasts, followed personal finance experts to learn as much as I can.
3 - I maxed out my retirement accounts.
Your HSA, 401k and Roth accounts are retirement cheat codes. Even if you did nothing else, you’d still end up with a solid retirement.
4 - I pay myself first then live off the rest
I make investing the no. 1 priority. Future me will thank me.
5 - I kept my housing costs as low as possible
I did not inflate my lifestyle with every promotion. I aim to keep my housing costs no more than 25% of my net income.
6 - I saved 6 months worth of expenses for an emergency
There’s nothing like the feeling of safety and security knowing you have money just in case.
7 - I truly understood the concept of opportunity cost
This has saved me thousands of dollars over the years.
8 - I automated everything
Savings transfers, investing, bill and credit card payments, everything is automated and I only spend 10-15 mins each week on my money.
9 - I stopped trying to keep up with the Joneses
Because they’re probably broke.
10 - I worked really hard to increase my income as quickly as possible
Saving alone won’t make me rich so I work hard to increase my income as much and as quickly as possible in my 20s and early 30s. Compound interest works in your favor here too.
11 - I focus on being rich (v. just looking rich)
I don’t need any designer items or a new car. I want high quality items that will last a long time and a used paid off car that gets me from point A to point B.
12 - I started saying no to things that weren’t in my budget
Your bachelorette party in Thailand? Go without me.
13 - I now evaluate big financial decisions with data and logic rather than emotion
Buying a home, having children, getting a puppy, etc. require careful consideration.
14 - I redirect money to the things I really care about
And relentlessly cut the rest.
💬 comment RICH for the 🔗 to enroll in my free (yes it’s FREE) personal finance 101 course!
