The 10 Money Rules of the Rich

The 10 Money Rules of the Rich

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THINK

“Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.”

– Jackie Mason

Wealth isn’t built on luck or talent.

It’s built on knowing a simple set of rules and sticking to them.

People want to know the flashy tricks or quick hacks to wealth. There aren’t any.

The rich follow unbreakable rules forged by experience that shape every pound they make, spend, and invest.

These aren’t tips for the curious… They’re the bedrock principles that divide those who dream about wealth from those who build it.

On the surface, they might seem straightforward, but each one changes how you see money and what you do with it.

They demand discipline, set habits in motion, and create systems that work without you.

They stretch your perspective beyond instant rewards, setting you on a path to real Financial Freedom.

What are these rules? I hear you ask. 👂

Well, my Financial Freedom friend… here they are…

The ‘10 Money Rules of the Rich’.

Enjoy!

1) It’s Not the Income, it’s the Outcome

Income ≠ Wealth

Sure. It helps!

But it’s not a guarantee to wealth…

How many professional athletes, musicians or movie stars – who earn a shit-ton of money – have ended up broke?

Earning £ 1,000,000’s a year, they inflate their lifestyle, party hard and spend freely, not giving any consideration to Money Rule #1.

This isn’t limited to celebrities. You probably know someone who earns £100,000’s a year and spends every penny without thinking about investing.

Why would they? They’ll get paid again next month. 🤷

The wealthy know the secret isn’t in making more…

It’s in keeping more.

Combine that with smart investments, and even a modest income can build real wealth over time.

Discipline trumps desire.

The Millionaire Illusion

Think you need to be earning hundreds of thousands to hit the millionaire mark?

Nope!

Plenty of millionaires never cracked £100,000 a year in salary. Their trick?

They mastered living small and investing big.

They didn’t waste money on shiny toys or keeping up with the neighbours. They ploughed their savings into things that generate cash – whether it’s stocks, property, or businesses that pay them back while they sleep. 👌

It’s not what you earn. The real game is in:

a) What you keep.

b) How well you make it work for you.

Once you’ve dialled that in, THEN you can obsess over income and skyrocket your wealth 🚀🚀🚀

2) Master The 10% Lifestyle

The rich live on a fraction of what they earn.

10% or less.

What do they do with the rest?

They funnel it into assets which generate more income or wealth.

Living on 10% seems ridiculous to most people… but so does having millions in the bank.

It’s not the number. It’s the mentality.

Living on a fraction of what you earn forces you to strip down your life, cut the fluff, and figure out what REALLY matters.

This isn’t about depriving yourself, but about getting lean so you can pile the rest into things that will make you richer in the long run.

Start Small, Build Big

You won’t get to 10% overnight, and you might not ever get there. That’s fine.

Start small, and trim away at the fat over time.

You might start by living on 80% of your income, then 70%, and so on.

Every step you take toward cutting back gets you closer to Financial Freedom.

The less you need to live, the more of your money can be pumped into growth machines – stocks, property and businesses.

Living on 10% is a big ask, but the power lies in adopting the mindset. Do what YOU can and look to progress the number every year.

The aim is simple: cut back on what you “need”, “want”, and “like”, and throw the rest into assets that grow.

As your lifestyle shrinks, your investments swell, and soon enough, your money will be working harder than you ever have.

3) Build a War Chest

Before you start slinging your money into stocks, you need to make sure you have a War Chest in place.

This is non-negotiable.

The rich have at least 6 months of living expenses set aside in low-volatile assets (Eg. cash) that they can access quickly.

Over time, you can build the War Chest to >12 months.

Why six months?

Because when life goes sideways – and trust me, it will – you want to be the one who keeps their cool while everyone else is losing the plot.

Why You Need a War Chest

That cushion of savings is what allows you to make smart, calculated moves when financial storms hit.

Maybe it’s a job loss, a business dip, or some unexpected cost out of nowhere. With six months of savings, you can stay calm and take charge.

Without it? You’re at the mercy of bad decisions – selling off assets for peanuts, racking up debt, or missing out on the next big opportunity.

The War Chest is more than a safety net. It serves two main purposes:

Financial Defence – Protection and peace of mind against loss of earnings and unexpected bills.
Financial Offence – Capital to deploy on earning opportunities (Recessions or market downturns).

The War Chest prevents you from being a victim of circumstances and sets you up to succeed when the chips are down.

Are you ready for battle?

4) Acquire Assets

The rich have one thing down to an art…

They prioritise investments that grow their wealth over time.

While the middle class throws their cash at things that lose value – flashy cars, shiny gadgets, extravagant holidays.

The wealthy are putting their money into assets that outstrip inflation. We’re talking stocks, property and businesses. Or anything that can pay income or appreciate in value while they sit back and let the money roll in.

Appreciating Assets vs Depreciating Assets

The wealthy make their money work for them, rather than working for it.

Sure, a new car or the latest gadget might give you a buzz for a minute, but they lose value the second you buy them. Depreciating Assets are money pits that keep you running in circles, constantly trying to keep up with your bills.

But Appreciating Assets is the gift that keeps on giving. The goose with the golden eggs. They pay you back with income, dividends, rent or capital gains, and they keep coming in without lifting a finger.

Invest in Upskilling

It’s not just about investing in stocks and property. Invest in YOU.

Learn new skills, sharpen the ones you’ve got, and grab every opportunity that boosts your income potential.

The rich don’t just sit on their arses. They’re always looking to grow and find ways to increase their value.

That’s why the wealthy keep getting wealthier. They make sharp choices about where to put their money and their time, whether it’s in education, training, or coaching that levels up their game.

Want to get ahead?

Stop pouring your money into things that lose value the moment you buy them.

Instead… focus on Acquiring Assets that increase in value over time.

The rich make their money do the heavy lifting for them. Start thinking like they do, and soon enough, you’ll join them.

5) Don’t Think. Automate.

Automation is a crucial component of building wealth. Why?

It stops you thinking, that’s why, and you know I hate it when you think! 😝

Successful investing involves emotionless decision-making. The rich invest without listening to fear and greed.

It’s simple…

Create a plan and execute.

Set up systems to help you execute so your money flows automatically into savings and investments. You’re on track with your goals, whether you’re watching the numbers or not.

How Automation Works

Decide in advance how much you want to allocate to stocks, cash, property or business.

Set up Direct Debits or Standing Orders to move that allocation to each account as soon as your salary hits your account.

You don’t spend that money. You don’t touch it. I’m just about OK with you looking at it. 👀

By setting this up, you make sure that your Net Wroth is expanding without lifting a finger. Nowadays, you can automatically invest in your chosen Index fund, so you really don’t have to do anything. All I do is capture the Portfolio Cost (how much money I’ve put in) and Value (what it’s worth) at the end of every month to track progress.

Wealth is built on smart systems and rock-solid habits. Automation removes the guesswork, ensuring a steady stream of investment growth. By automating, you guarantee that your money is always at work, without leaning on willpower or restraint.

6) Leverage Wisely or Lose Everything

Over-leveraging is a one-way ticket to financial ruin.

Sure, it’s tempting to borrow money for that shiny new car, the latest iPhone, or a luxury holiday, but consumer debt is a trap.

Before you know it, those “easy” purchases start piling up interest and tightening their grip on your finances. Compound Interest works against you. Not for you.

Wealth isn’t built by buying flashy shit with borrowed cash. It’s made with the discipline to live within your means.

Morgan Housel (author of ‘The Psychology of Money’) put it best, “The most valuable personal finance asset is not needing to impress anyone.”

Don’t Borrow for Luxuries

The rich don’t leverage things that lose value. They borrow only when it’s likely to increase their wealth.

They’ll take a mortgage for a rental property or a business loan to fund expansion – but never debt for the newest gadget or car upgrade. This is how they stay financially robust, growing their net worth instead of eating away at it with needless debts.

The rich buy luxuries with income from assets. They use their rental income, dividends or business profits to cover the cost of luxuries.

Borrowing money to buy depreciating assets is financial suicide.

If you can’t afford it… save up and earn it!

Yes, it’ll take longer, but so will financial ruin.

And it’s this mindset that will build wealth, not debt.

7) Risk Less, Earn More

The rich understand and constantly look for the risk/return ratio.

Minimum downside, maximum upside. Also known as ‘Asymmetric Returns’.

This isn’t about throwing money at anything that promises a return. It’s about carefully calculated bets in areas where you know the score.

Invest Where You Have Knowledge

Invest in what you understand. Your expertise is a powerful asset, cutting down your risk while increasing your chances of big wins. Whether it’s property, tech, stocks, or your own industry, stick to your territory to maximise gains.

When you know the market, the risks, and the trends, you’ve got the advantage.

Your Knowledge is your edge. It helps you make better calls, avoid traps, and spot real opportunities.

The wealthiest investors don’t get swayed by the next “big thing” in an unknown territory. They put their money where they have experience and know the odds.

Avoid High-Risk, Low-Return Traps

High-risk, low-return opportunities are money pits in disguise. They lure you in with big promises but often leave you high and dry, or worse… broke.

The wealthy avoid these traps because they know real growth is about steady, consistent returns, not gambles. Focus on investments with high returns and low risk in areas where you have insight.

The best investors aren’t thrill-seekers. In fact, they’re quite the opposite. They play boring games, for the long haul, with their eyes wide open.

8) Your Money is Your Business

If you’re serious about building wealth, start treating your finances like a business. Track every penny that comes in and every penny that goes out. What you’re left with is Cashflow. Like any business owner, your job is to grow it.

Wealth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of deliberate, strategic money management.

Your Income is Revenue and Your Savings are Profit

Think of your income as revenue and your savings as profit. Your goal?

Maximise profit by cutting unnecessary costs.

Track your expenses down to the last detail and find places to trim the fat. Question if you can eliminate, switch or negotiate a better rate on every expense.

The ‘Financial Freedom Planner’ can help you with this process.

The beauty with this approach is you’re not just holding on to more money, but you’re making sure every penny is actively working to move you closer to your financial goals.

Accountability and Strategy

Managing your finances like a business isn’t just about scrimping and saving. It’s about building accountability and setting a strategy.

Each month, review your personal “profit and loss” statement (income minus expenses) and your “balance sheet” (assets minus liabilities), see where you’re at, and make adjustments.

When you approach your finances like a business, you bring focus, precision, and efficiency to every decision. Wealth is a game of discipline and strategy, so handle your personal finances with the same attention a company would. Track your money, fine-tune your assets, and become the CEO of your own financial future.

9) Your Network is Your Net Worth

The calibre of those around you isn’t just a background detail. It’s the fuel (or dead weight) on your path to wealth.

The rich surround themselves with people who push them higher, who breathe ambition and chase goals that matter.

You don’t need crowds, but you need fire-starters. People who compel you to step up and lift your own game to greater heights, rather than stacking up contacts.

Curate Your Circle for Continuous Growth

The wealthy understand that growth isn’t about loyalty. To keep advancing, they continually “upgrade” their connections. Analysing whether those closest to them share or align with their goals. If the connection feels out of sync, it’s time to rethink.

Seek out those whose values and vision mirror yours.

Your inner circle should inspire and energise you.

Identify “anchors” in your life. The well-meaning yet limiting influences that slow you down. Not every tie needs severing, but those who don’t help push you forward don’t deserve your precious time and attention. Focus on the people that fuel progress and get the best out of you.

The Upside of Feeling Out of Place

It’s not easy being the smallest fish in the room. But lean into it. You’re on the right path.

Standing among people who operate at a higher level sparks growth, challenges your limits, and expands your view of what’s achievable. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s the discomfort that drives you forward.

When I decided to start Property Investing, I paid £20,000 to join a 12-month Mastermind. Some friends thought I was crazy, but I built a £1,000,000 portfolio in 18 months.

Would I have achieved that working on my own?

Not a FOOKING chance!

If you want to experience being the smallest fish in the biggest pond, and fast-track your path to Financial Freedom, check out my ‘Financial Freedom Mastermind’. When you become a member, you get:

Monthly 1-to-1 coaching calls with me (worth £350 pm)
Monthly group coaching with the Mastermind (worth £50 pm)
Monthly accountability day (worth >£200 pm)
Annual meet-up (worth >£100)
Advanced courses (worth £ 100’s each)

£ 1,000’s worth of value for only $125 pm (<£99 pm).

This is a limited-time price that can LOCK IN FOREVER – meaning it will never increase as long as you remain a member.

I have limited availability for coaching, so this offer will be increasing to $197 pm very soon!

JOIN TODAY, to lock in the discounted price, and you can join our first Mastermind Accountability Day on Saturday 2nd November.

10) Money Is a Means, Not the Mission

It’s easy to get lost in the chase for cash, but money itself isn’t the endgame. Money is just a tool. A resource to build, give, and grow.

The wealthy know that true satisfaction doesn’t come from piling up zeros in the bank. It comes from using those resources to create something worthwhile.

Think of money as fuel for your vision. It’s there to launch businesses, back causes you care about, or invest in skills that make you sharper, stronger, and more capable.

When you see money as a tool, it’s not just a measure of success – it’s a way to expand your horizons.

The True Purpose of Wealth

The real purpose of wealth isn’t endless accumulation or consumption….

It’s about buying yourself Financial Freedom.

Financial security puts you in control of your most precious asset = Time. With money on your side, you’re free to work on yourself, dive into meaningful projects, and build a life that’s yours, without getting trapped in the grind just to get by.

Wealth is about living on your terms.

Are you?

Reflect and share this with someone.

ASK

“Which ‘Money Rule’ is eluding you? And how could you move towards it today?”

“Are you treating your finances with the discipline and strategy of the rich?”

“What’s one limiting belief about money that’s holding you back from following these rules?”

Write down what comes to mind.

TRY

Money isn’t magic. It’s maths.

The rich aren’t smarter than you. They’re just more disciplined, determined and patient.

These ten rules are the backbone of Financial success. Here’s a quick summary:

It’s Not the Income, it’s the Outcome: It’s not what you earn, but what keep and invest.
Master the 10% Lifestyle: Live on 10% of your income. It’s not the number. It’s the mentality.
Build a War Chest: Put aside at least 6 months of living expenses to cover emergencies and to deploy during downturns.
Acquire Assets: Invest in assets that produce an income or grow in value over time, and avoid depreciating assets.
Don’t Think. Automate: Use Direct Debits and Standing Orders to invest automatically as soon you get paid to limit emotional decision-making.
Leverage Wisely or Lose Everything: Borrowing money to buy depreciating assets is financial suicide. Only borrow money when it’s likely to increase your wealth.
Risk Less, Earn More: Invest in what you understand, and look for Asymmetric Returns (low risk, high reward).
Your Money is Your Business: Think of your income as revenue and your savings as profit. Maximise profit by cutting unnecessary costs.
Your Network is Your Net Worth: Put yourself in circles where you’re the smallest fish. Get around people who inspire you, energise you and compel you to grow.
Money is a Means, Not the Mission: Money is not just a measure of success, it’s a tool that expands your horizons. It allows you to back meaningful causes, invest in skills, become more, and eliminate financial concerns.

These aren’t dreams. They’re principles.

Stick to these Rules, and you’ll no longer be hoping for wealth. You’ll be building it.

Which Rules would you add to the list?

HIT REPLY and let me know. 👇

I read and reply to every email, and remember, I’m rooting for you!

Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot.

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