10 Smart Money Habits to Develop for Financial Success: Practical Tips to Build Wealth and Avoid Common Mistakes

Do you find yourself struggling to save, budget, or even just get a handle on your finances? You’re not alone. Many people face the same challenges, but the good news is, there’s a simple solution: smart money habits to develop.

These habits can transform the way you manage money, helping you build wealth, avoid common financial pitfalls, and finally feel in control of your financial future. The problem isn’t that we don’t know what to do; it’s that most of us aren’t applying the right strategies consistently. But imagine if you could fix that. What if a few small changes could lead to big results?

In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to develop these smart money habits, step by step, with actionable tips that you can implement today. Ready to take charge of your money and set yourself up for financial success? Let’s dive in and explore how these habits will set you on the path to financial freedom.

The Foundation of Smart Money Habits

When it comes to building a solid financial future, smart money habits to develop are the key to success. But before diving into specific habits, it’s important to understand the foundation that makes them effective. Think of these habits as the building blocks of a strong financial house. Without a solid base, everything else can crumble.

Why Smart Money Habits Matter

Smart money habits aren’t just about saving money—they’re about creating a mindset that leads to better decision-making and long-term financial health. These habits help you manage your money more effectively, avoid common mistakes, and reach your financial goals faster.

Without them, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overspending, accumulating debt, and missing opportunities to build wealth. But when you get these habits right, you’ll notice a shift in your financial life. You’ll feel more confident, have a clearer financial roadmap, and reduce stress related to money.

The Role of Consistency in Financial Success

Consistency is key. It’s not about making one big change or finding a quick fix. The most successful people with money didn’t get there by chance—they developed habits that they stuck to day in and day out. Whether it’s regularly saving a percentage of your income or sticking to a budget, consistency ensures you build momentum over time.

What Happens When You Build the Right Habits?

Building smart money habits means you’re setting yourself up for success. As you begin to track your spending, set financial goals, and invest wisely, you’ll notice that the financial goals you once thought were impossible will become achievable. Even small habits, when done regularly, add up to big changes.

In the next section, we’ll break down 10 practical and actionable money habits that will set you on the path to financial freedom. Ready to start? Let’s go!

Habit #1 – Track Your Spending

One of the most powerful smart money habits to develop is tracking your spending. It may sound simple, but knowing exactly where your money goes each month is the first step to taking control of your finances.

Why Tracking Your Spending Matters

If you’re not tracking your expenses, it’s easy to lose sight of where your money is disappearing. Small, regular purchases like coffee, dining out, or subscriptions can add up quickly without you even noticing. Tracking your spending helps you identify these leaks and take action to fix them.

By having a clear view of your expenses, you’ll be able to:

• Spot areas to cut back – From unnecessary subscriptions to impulse buys.
• Stay within your budget – Keep track of spending limits for better financial control.
• Save more – Knowing exactly what you’re spending will help you allocate more toward savings or investments.

How to Track Your Spending Effectively

Tracking your spending doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to get started:

1. Use a Budgeting App: Apps like Mint or You Need A Budget (YNAB) automatically categorize your expenses and give you a breakdown of where your money is going.
2. Create a Simple Spreadsheet: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, set up a spreadsheet with categories like groceries, entertainment, transportation, etc.
3. Keep Your Receipts: Write down every purchase or keep receipts for a week to see how often small purchases add up.

Practical Tips to Stay Consistent

• Track Daily: Spend a few minutes each day reviewing your transactions. It’s much easier to stay on top of things this way.
• Set Limits: Create spending goals for each category (e.g., $100 per week on groceries) and track your progress.
• Review Weekly: At the end of each week, take a look at your overall spending. Did you stick to your budget? Where can you improve?

Real-Life Example

Imagine you’re spending $5 a day on coffee. That’s $150 a month or $1,800 a year! By tracking your spending, you might realize that cutting back on coffee or making it at home could save you a substantial amount of money over time.

AEO Answer:

Tracking your spending allows you to see where your money goes, making it easier to spot wasteful habits and save more.

Habit #2 – Build and Stick to a Budget

One of the most crucial smart money habits to develop is building and sticking to a budget. Without a clear budget, it’s easy to overspend and miss out on opportunities to save or invest. A well-planned budget helps you manage your money more effectively, ensuring you can live within your means and work toward your financial goals.

Why a Budget is Essential

A budget acts as a financial roadmap, guiding your spending and helping you allocate money for essentials, savings, and fun. Without a budget, it’s easy to get distracted by impulse purchases or end up in debt. By sticking to a budget, you’ll:

• Prioritize Your Spending: You’ll know exactly where your money should go each month—whether it’s toward savings, bills, or entertainment.
• Avoid Overspending: Having a set spending limit for each category ensures you don’t exceed your income.
• Save for the Future: A budget makes it easier to allocate funds for short-term and long-term goals, such as an emergency fund or retirement.

How to Build a Budget That Works for You

Building a budget doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these simple steps to create one that fits your financial situation:

1. Track Your Income: Start by calculating your monthly income. This is the money you have available to cover expenses and save.
2. List Your Expenses: Write down all your monthly expenses, including rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance, and debt payments. Don’t forget to include variable expenses like entertainment or dining out.
3. Follow the 50/30/20 Rule: This rule divides your budget into three categories:
   • 50% for essentials (housing, utilities, groceries, etc.)
   • 30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out, etc.)
   • 20% for savings and debt repayment.
4. Review and Adjust: Review your budget regularly to see if you’re sticking to your limits. Adjust your spending categories if necessary to meet your financial goals.

Tips for Sticking to Your Budget

• Be Realistic: Make sure your budget is practical. Don’t overestimate how much you can save or undershoot your expenses.
• Use Budgeting Tools: Apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or even a simple spreadsheet can help you track your spending and keep you on track.
• Set Up Automatic Payments: To avoid late fees and ensure your bills are paid on time, automate recurring payments like rent, utilities, or credit card bills.
• Review Monthly: At the end of each month, look back at your spending and adjust if you’ve gone over or under in certain categories.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you earn $3,000 per month. If you follow the 50/30/20 rule, you’ll allocate:

• $1,500 for essentials (rent, utilities, groceries)
• $900 for discretionary spending (dining out, entertainment)
• $600 for savings or debt repayment (emergency fund, credit card payments)

By following this structure, you’re not only keeping your finances in check but also making progress toward your future.

AEO Answer:

A budget helps you control your spending, save for the future, and avoid debt. The 50/30/20 rule is a simple, effective way to get started.

Habit #3 – Pay Yourself First

One of the most effective smart money habits to develop is the concept of paying yourself first. It’s a simple yet powerful habit that helps ensure you’re building your financial future before spending money on anything else. Instead of saving whatever is left over after paying bills, you set aside a portion of your income for savings and investments first.

Why Paying Yourself First Matters

Paying yourself first means treating your savings and investments as a non-negotiable expense. It’s about prioritizing your financial health, ensuring that you’re building wealth, and protecting your future, even if you have to sacrifice a bit today. This habit helps you:

• Build Wealth Automatically: By saving first, you make your financial future a priority, which leads to gradual wealth accumulation over time.
• Avoid Living Paycheck to Paycheck: Setting aside savings each month ensures that you don’t spend everything and end up with little left over.
• Feel Secure and Confident: Knowing that your savings and investments are growing gives you peace of mind and confidence in your financial situation.

How to Pay Yourself First

It’s easier than you think to make this habit stick. Here are some practical steps to help you pay yourself first:

1. Set Up Automatic Transfers: As soon as you get paid, automate a percentage of your income to go into a savings or investment account. This makes it effortless and consistent.
2. Treat Savings Like a Bill: Include savings in your monthly budget as a fixed expense—just like rent or utilities. Once you pay yourself first, you’ll have the rest of your income to cover everything else.
3. Start Small, Scale Up: If you’re just starting, set aside a smaller percentage (e.g., 5-10%) and gradually increase it as your income grows or expenses decrease.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you earn $3,000 per month. Before paying bills or spending on anything else, you decide to save 10% ($300). Automatically, that $300 is transferred into your savings or investment account as soon as you receive your paycheck. After paying yourself first, you’ll have $2,700 left for bills, discretionary spending, and fun.

By prioritizing your savings, you’re ensuring that no matter what happens, you’re steadily building your financial future.

AEO Answer:

Paying yourself first means setting aside a portion of your income for savings and investments before anything else. This habit helps build wealth and secure your financial future.

Habit #4 – Build an Emergency Fund

One of the most critical smart money habits to develop is building an emergency fund. Life is unpredictable, and having a financial safety net can make all the difference when unexpected expenses arise. Whether it’s an urgent medical bill, a car repair, or losing your job, an emergency fund provides you with the security to handle life’s surprises without going into debt.

Why an Emergency Fund is Essential

An emergency fund is your financial cushion, protecting you from having to rely on credit cards or loans when life throws a curveball. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have money set aside for emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety about unexpected events.
• Avoiding Debt: Without an emergency fund, you might turn to high-interest credit cards or loans to cover unplanned expenses, which can quickly spiral into debt.
• Financial Flexibility: Having an emergency fund means you can make decisions based on what’s best for you, rather than what’s most urgent.

How to Build Your Emergency Fund

Building an emergency fund doesn’t happen overnight, but with small, consistent efforts, you’ll get there. Here’s how to start:

1. Set a Goal: Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses. If that feels too daunting, start small, with the goal of saving $500 or $1,000 as an initial buffer.
2. Automate Savings: Just like paying yourself first, set up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings account each payday. This ensures that you’re consistently adding to your emergency fund without thinking about it.
3. Cut Back on Non-Essential Spending: Redirect some of your discretionary spending (like dining out or entertainment) toward building your fund.
4. Use a High-Yield Savings Account: Store your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, where it can earn interest while remaining easily accessible.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say your monthly living expenses total $2,000. Your goal should be to have at least $6,000 in your emergency fund. If this feels like a lot, start by saving $200 each month. In 30 months, you’ll have your full emergency fund. But if you can save a little more or find extra income sources, you can reach your goal faster.

AEO Answer:

An emergency fund is a savings cushion that helps you handle unexpected expenses without going into debt. Aim to save 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses for peace of mind and financial security.

Habit #5 – Avoid High-Interest Debt

One of the most damaging financial habits to fall into is accumulating high-interest debt, especially from credit cards. These types of debts can snowball quickly, eating up your money in interest payments and making it harder to achieve your financial goals. Avoiding high-interest debt is one of the most effective smart money habits to develop to ensure long-term financial health.

Why High-Interest Debt is Harmful

High-interest debt, like credit card debt, payday loans, or store financing, works against your financial goals by charging you interest rates that can be as high as 20% or more. Here’s how it affects your finances:

• Rapidly Accumulating Debt: The higher the interest, the faster your debt grows. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of making minimum payments, but the interest keeps piling up.
• Stifling Financial Growth: Paying off high-interest debt leaves you with less money to save, invest, or spend on things that will improve your financial future.
• Stress and Anxiety: Debt can cause a significant amount of stress. The more you owe, the harder it becomes to feel financially secure.

How to Avoid and Manage High-Interest Debt

1. Pay Off High-Interest Debt First: Use the debt avalanche method—focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first while making minimum payments on others. This will save you money in the long run.
2. Avoid Using Credit for Non-Essential Purchases: Think twice before charging things like dining out or entertainment to your credit card. If you can’t pay it off right away, you’re just adding to your debt burden.
3. Refinance or Consolidate Debt: If you already have high-interest debt, consider consolidating it into a lower-interest loan. This can help reduce the amount of interest you pay overall.
4. Use Credit Wisely: If you use credit cards, try to pay them off in full each month to avoid interest. Set a reminder to pay before the due date, or set up automatic payments.
5. Build an Emergency Fund: An emergency fund can prevent you from relying on credit cards when unexpected expenses arise, which can help you avoid taking on high-interest debt in the first place.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you have $3,000 in credit card debt at an interest rate of 18%. If you only make the minimum payment, it could take years to pay off and cost you hundreds of dollars in interest. However, by focusing on paying off this high-interest debt first, you’ll save money and get out of debt faster. In this case, it might make sense to use a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate to pay off the credit card balance.

AEO Answer:

High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can quickly spiral out of control and make it harder to achieve your financial goals. Prioritize paying it off and avoid using credit for non-essential purchases.

Habit #6 – Invest Early and Consistently

One of the smartest money habits to develop is to invest early and consistently. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow through the power of compound interest. Consistency in investing ensures that your wealth steadily builds over time, even if you’re starting small.

Why Investing Early Matters

The key to building wealth is giving your money time to grow. The earlier you start investing, the more your investments can compound, meaning you earn interest not only on your initial investment but also on the interest that accumulates. This “snowball” effect can result in massive growth over time.

• More Time to Grow: The earlier you begin, the more time your investments have to grow. A few years of early investing can set you up for a much larger nest egg later on.
• Less Risk: By investing early, you can afford to take on a bit more risk in the beginning. Over time, your portfolio will balance out as you continue to invest consistently.
• Financial Freedom: Consistent investing allows you to build a financial cushion, which can lead to financial independence and security in the future.

How to Invest Consistently

1. Start with Low-Cost Index Funds or ETFs: If you’re new to investing, consider starting with low-cost index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These options provide broad market exposure, which is a safer, long-term strategy for new investors.
2. Set Up Automatic Contributions: Automate your investments so that a set amount is invested into your chosen funds regularly (e.g., monthly or quarterly). This ensures consistency and prevents the temptation to spend the money elsewhere.
3. Reinvest Dividends: Many investments, such as stocks and ETFs, pay dividends. Reinvesting these dividends into additional shares can help grow your wealth faster.
4. Stay Focused on the Long-Term: While it’s tempting to make short-term moves based on market fluctuations, staying focused on long-term goals will yield better results. Keep your investments growing steadily without reacting to every market change.
5. Diversify Your Portfolio: Spread your investments across different asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.) to reduce risk and ensure stable growth.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you start investing $200 a month at age 25 in a diversified index fund with an average annual return of 7%. By the time you’re 65, you could have over $300,000 with just those monthly contributions. But if you wait until you’re 35 to start, you’ll need to invest $400 a month to reach the same amount by 65. The power of starting early is undeniable!

AEO Answer:

Investing early allows your money to grow through compound interest, and consistent contributions will build wealth over time. Start with low-cost index funds and automate your investments for long-term success.

Habit #7 – Automate Savings and Investments

One of the easiest and most effective smart money habits to develop is automating your savings and investments. By setting up automatic transfers, you ensure that saving and investing happen without you having to think about it. This habit not only helps you stay on track but also removes the temptation to spend the money before you save it.

Why Automation is a Game-Changer

Automating your savings and investments takes the effort and decision-making out of the equation. It’s a way to make your financial growth happen in the background, while you focus on your daily life. Here’s why automation works:

• Consistency: Automation ensures you save and invest regularly, no matter what. Whether it’s a fixed percentage of your paycheck or a set amount every month, it happens automatically.
• Less Stress: By automating, you eliminate the stress of remembering to transfer money or feeling like you don’t have enough to save. The process becomes simple and automatic.
• No Temptation to Spend: You’re automatically putting money aside before you can even consider spending it. This helps build your financial foundation without the temptation to dip into your savings for non-essentials.

How to Automate Your Finances

1. Set Up Automatic Transfers to Savings Accounts: The first step is to set up a direct deposit or transfer from your main account to your savings or investment accounts. Whether it’s a percentage of your income or a fixed amount, make it happen automatically right when you get paid.
2. Automate Investment Contributions: Just like savings, set up automatic contributions to investment accounts, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, or brokerage accounts. This ensures you’re building wealth consistently, even if you’re not paying close attention to the markets.
3. Use Apps for Micro-Investing: Apps like Acorns or Round allow you to automate small investments from your daily purchases, rounding up to the nearest dollar and investing the difference.
4. Set Up Bill Payments: Automating your bills ensures you avoid late fees and helps maintain a good credit score. Set up automatic payments for utilities, credit cards, insurance, and other recurring expenses.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly: Every few months, review your automatic contributions to make sure they align with your current financial goals. If you get a raise, increase your savings rate or investments accordingly.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you automate $100 a month into a retirement account. Over the course of 10 years, assuming an average annual return of 7%, that $100 will grow into more than $20,000 without you having to think about it. The beauty of automation is that even small amounts grow over time, making your financial goals more achievable.

AEO Answer:

Automating savings and investments ensures you consistently build wealth without the stress of manual transfers. Set up automatic payments to your savings and investment accounts for effortless financial growth.

Habit #8 – Continuously Educate Yourself About Finances

One of the best smart money habits to develop is continuously educating yourself about finances. Financial literacy isn’t something that’s mastered overnight. The more you learn, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions that will help you grow and protect your wealth.

Why Financial Education Matters

Money can be complex, and the financial landscape is always changing. From understanding investment strategies to keeping up with tax laws, knowledge is power. Here’s why financial education is essential:

• Informed Decision-Making: The more you know, the better decisions you can make. Whether it’s choosing the right investment or managing debt, financial education helps you weigh the pros and cons effectively.
• Empowerment: Financial knowledge empowers you to take control of your money and avoid costly mistakes. When you understand how money works, you’re more confident in your financial decisions.
• Long-Term Success: Financial literacy helps you plan for retirement, manage risks, and create strategies that work in your favor. The more educated you are, the easier it becomes to stay on track and achieve your financial goals.

How to Continuously Educate Yourself

1. Read Books on Personal Finance: There are countless books on managing money, investing, and building wealth. Start with classics like The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, or The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley.
2. Follow Financial Blogs and Podcasts: Websites like Investopedia, The Financial Diet, or NerdWallet offer valuable insights. Podcasts like The Dave Ramsey Show or The Ed Mylett Show provide expert advice and practical tips you can apply.
3. Take Online Courses: Many platforms, like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy, offer free or affordable finance courses. Consider learning about investing, budgeting, or personal finance management.
4. Attend Webinars and Workshops: Look for online or local workshops on topics like budgeting, investing, and credit management. These can offer real-time advice from financial professionals.
5. Stay Updated on Current Financial News: Read articles, watch news videos, or subscribe to financial magazines like Forbes or The Wall Street Journal to stay current on market trends, investment strategies, and financial tips.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you’re starting to invest, but you don’t know much about stocks. By reading a few books and following financial podcasts, you’ll quickly understand basic concepts like diversification, risk management, and long-term investing strategies. With this knowledge, you’ll feel more confident making smart investment choices that align with your financial goals.

AEO Answer:

Financial education helps you make informed decisions, avoid mistakes, and achieve your financial goals. Keep learning by reading books, following blogs, and taking courses to build your financial literacy.

Habit #9 – Set Realistic Financial Goals

Setting realistic financial goals is one of the most effective smart money habits to develop. Without clear and attainable goals, it’s easy to lose focus and get off track. Financial goals give you something to work toward, help you measure progress, and keep you motivated as you work toward financial success.

Why Setting Realistic Financial Goals is Important

Setting financial goals is the roadmap to your financial future. Without goals, it’s easy to drift, making impulsive decisions that don’t align with your long-term vision. Here’s why setting realistic goals matters:

• Provides Direction: Clear goals give you a sense of purpose and a clear direction to follow in your financial journey.
• Increases Motivation: When you know exactly what you’re working toward, you’ll stay focused and motivated to stick to your savings and investment plans.
• Makes Progress Measurable: Realistic goals allow you to track progress and celebrate small wins along the way, keeping you motivated for the bigger picture.

How to Set Realistic Financial Goals

1. Be Specific and Measurable: Instead of vague goals like “save more money,” set specific, measurable goals like “save $5,000 for an emergency fund by the end of the year.”
2. Break Goals Into Smaller Steps: Large financial goals can seem overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, saving $5,000 in a year is much easier when you break it down into saving about $417 each month.
3. Set Both Short-Term and Long-Term Goals: Short-term goals (like paying off credit card debt) can help you build momentum, while long-term goals (like saving for retirement) keep you focused on the bigger picture.
4. Make Goals Achievable: Make sure your goals are realistic based on your income and current financial situation. Setting an unrealistic goal can lead to frustration and burnout.
5. Adjust as Needed: Life changes, and so should your goals. Regularly review your financial goals and adjust them based on your current circumstances and any new priorities.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say your long-term goal is to save for a down payment on a house. Break this goal down into smaller, more realistic steps:

• Short-Term Goal: Save $1,000 over the next 3 months for an emergency fund.
• Medium-Term Goal: Save $10,000 over the next 12 months for your house down payment.
• Long-Term Goal: Save 20% of the home price within 3-5 years.

This breakdown makes the larger goal of homeownership feel more manageable and allows you to track your progress step-by-step.

AEO Answer:

Setting realistic financial goals helps you stay on track, measure progress, and stay motivated. Break your goals down into specific, measurable steps to make them achievable and actionable.

Habit #10 – Practice Mindful Spending

One of the most impactful smart money habits to develop is practicing mindful spending. It’s all about making intentional, thoughtful decisions about how you spend your money, ensuring each purchase aligns with your values and financial goals. By being more mindful, you can avoid impulse purchases, cut unnecessary costs, and focus on what truly matters to you.

Why Mindful Spending Matters

Mindful spending is about being in control of your money, rather than letting it control you. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Reduces Impulse Purchases: When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to make snap decisions that you’ll regret later.
• Aligns Spending with Values: You’ll spend money on things that matter most to you, whether that’s experiences, saving for a goal, or investing in quality products.
• Helps You Stay on Track: Practicing mindful spending makes it easier to stick to a budget and reach your financial goals. Every dollar spent is a step toward or away from your goals.

How to Practice Mindful Spending

1. Pause Before You Buy: Take a moment to ask yourself if the purchase is truly necessary. Do you really need it, or is it an impulse buy? This simple pause can save you a lot of money in the long run.
2. Evaluate Your Wants vs. Needs: Before making a purchase, determine whether it’s something you truly need or just a desire. Needs are essential items, while wants are often non-essential luxuries.
3. Set Spending Limits for Discretionary Purchases: Create a specific budget for categories like entertainment, dining out, or shopping. Once you hit that limit, it’s time to stop spending in that area.
4. Use the 24-Hour Rule: If you’re tempted to buy something non-essential, wait 24 hours before making the purchase. This gives you time to reconsider and avoid unnecessary spending.
5. Track Your Purchases: Keep a spending journal or use an app to track every purchase. Seeing where your money goes helps you spot areas where you can cut back.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you’re tempted to buy a new gadget that’s on sale for $150. By practicing mindful spending, you step back and think: “Do I need this gadget, or can I wait?” After 24 hours, you realize that it’s more of a want than a need. You decide to save the $150 instead, putting it toward your emergency fund. Over time, this practice can result in significant savings.

AEO Answer:

Mindful spending involves making thoughtful decisions about your purchases, ensuring they align with your financial goals. It helps reduce impulse buying and supports better budgeting.

Developing smart money habits is the key to taking control of your financial future. By practicing these 10 habits—tracking your spending, building a budget, paying yourself first, and more—you’re not just making small changes to how you handle money. You’re laying the foundation for long-term financial success, security, and peace of mind.

Remember, it’s not about making drastic changes overnight. It’s about taking small, consistent steps that add up over time. Whether you’re paying off debt, saving for an emergency fund, or investing for the future, each positive action builds momentum toward achieving your financial goals.

Start implementing these habits one by one, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Financial success is a journey, not a destination. Stay focused, keep learning, and adjust as needed. Your future self will thank you for the smart money habits you’re building today.

Now, it’s time to take action. Pick one habit from the list and start working on it today. Progress may be slow at first, but with persistence, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your finances and building the wealth you deserve.