Pay Yourself First
Automatically save or invest a fixed percentage of every dollar you earn before spending on anything else. The simplest wealth-building rule that most people ignore.
Steps
Decide on a percentage — start with 10% if you're new to saving
Set up automatic transfers on payday to a separate savings or investment account
Adjust your spending to fit what's left, not the other way around
Increase the percentage by 1% every quarter
Never touch this money for daily expenses — it's for future you
Practitioners
Related Systemsin Money & Wealth
5/25 Rule
List your top 25 goals, circle the top 5, and avoid the other 20 at all costs. Warren Buffett's ruthless prioritization system for focus and wealth building.
Daily Financial Reading
Spend 5-6 hours every day reading financial reports, newspapers, and industry analysis. Warren Buffett's lifelong habit that compounds knowledge into investment edge.
Lean In
Proactively take on leadership roles, speak up in meetings, and advocate for yourself. Sheryl Sandberg's framework for career advancement and closing the ambition gap.
Annual letter writing
Write a candid yearly letter summarizing your results, mistakes, and thinking. Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letters force clarity of thought and build trust through radical transparency.