2024 has been an important and dynamic year for the cryptocurrency market, its adoption, and regulation. Although regulation may not always be viewed positively, in this context, it’s better than harsh bans and persecutions. The key is to see the positive sides even in difficult situations. Many of us start the year with ambitious goals and plans but often fail to take action or give up after the first setbacks. However, it’s important to remember that financial success and successful capital management is long-term work. Today, we will discuss 5 important rules that will help you change your approach to managing money and improve your financial situation.
1. Pay Yourself First!
One of the most important rules that successful people who have accumulated wealth emphasize is “pay yourself first.” This means setting aside at least 10% of your income for the long-term and not touching that money for, say, two years. This approach will teach you discipline and create a habit of saving. It doesn’t matter how much you earn — even if the amount doesn’t seem significant, it’s important to start. The more you earn, the more your expenses will grow, and that’s natural. Don’t wait until you earn more to start saving. The habit of saving and controlling expenses comes from the very beginning.
2. Keep an Expense Tracker
Why keep an expense tracker? The answer is obvious. It’s a simple yet effective tool for managing personal finances. Many people, while keeping track of their expenses, discover that they spend a significant portion of their income on unnecessary things or unhealthy habits. For example, if you smoke, you can easily calculate how much money you spend annually on cigarettes. Multiply the number of packs by the price of one, and you’ll get an amount that could have been saved instead. It’s important not to categorize every expense but to focus on a few major ones: food, cigarettes, bills, entertainment, gifts, and charity. At the end of each month, reviewing your expenses will help you understand where your money goes and identify unnecessary expenditures.
3. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Once the habit of saving becomes a part of your lifestyle, you can start thinking about how to properly manage your savings. For example, if you plan to save $3000 in two years, divide this amount into several parts. Half can be kept “for a rainy day” (under the pillow, so to speak), and the other half can be invested. Part of it can go into a deposit, and part into riskier assets. The most important thing is to allocate a portion for investing in yourself. Whether it’s books, the gym, music, or learning a new skill — this will be the best and most successful investment in your life.
4. Read Books on Financial Literacy!
Reading books on financial literacy is one of the most accessible and useful ways to improve your understanding of financial markets. It’s important not just to read complex books with professional terms but also to look for materials that will help you understand the basics of economics and finance. Don’t underestimate the influence of literature on financial success. By reading 10-20 books a year, you will find your favorite authors and approach to finances. This will help you better understand how the market works and how to make the right financial decisions.
5. Get Rich Slowly
Many people strive for quick wealth, but it’s important to remember that success doesn’t come overnight. “No one wants to get rich slowly; everyone is in a hurry and wants everything at once. But I became rich because I followed this rule,” said Warren Buffett. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t achieved your financial goals by 25 and you’re already 28 or 30. It’s normal. The key is not to give up, to continue working on yourself, and to stick to your planned path. Sometimes it takes longer to reach your goal than we plan, but the result matters more than the speed.
2024 has been full of events in the world of cryptocurrency and finance, and the most important lesson it’s shown is the importance of the right approach to managing personal finances. By applying these 5 simple rules — saving money, keeping track of expenses, diversifying savings, reading books, and getting rich slowly — you can improve your financial situation and achieve long-term success. Remember, financial literacy and the ability to control your spending is not just theory, but practical application of each of these rules in your life. By starting small, you can achieve big goals and improve the quality of your life. The key is to stop postponing and start acting today!
