Most people my age are broke.
They're trapped in a cycle — working jobs they hate, trying to save a few bucks here and there, with no real plan for getting ahead.
I used to be like that too, until I figured out: money isn't hard to figure out. It's just that no one tells you the truth about it.
The truth is brutal: you're either in control of your money, or it's controlling you.
If you're not making serious moves now, you'll wake up one day wondering where the hell all the time went.
I've spent the last few years learning the hard lessons about money — lessons they don't teach you in school, and you won't hear from "gurus" trying to sell you something.
And today, I want to share with you my learnings about money.
Here's what you need to know if you don't want to stay broke by the time you hit your next birthday.
1. Nobody cares about your dreams until they see results
You'll hear it from everyone — 'follow your passion.'
But try paying your rent with passion. Not possible atleast when you start.
If you want people to care, build something that works. Then they'll care.
2. Money solves 90% of the problems
Let's cut through the BS: Money buy happiness.
It buys your freedom from stress, the ability to control your time, and to stop worrying about the next bill.
That's not everything, but it's solves 90% of such problems.
3. The faster you get comfortable with risk, the faster you grow
Playing it safe keeps you poor.
The wealthiest people I've met all took big risks, and when they lost, they learned.
Comfort is a slow death for your bank account.
4. Debt is a tool, not a monster
Everyone tells you to avoid debt like it's the plague.
The truth?
Used wisely, debt is leverage. It's how the rich get richer. Fear debt, and you're stuck.
Control it, and you win.
5. Saving is not a strategy
Saving alone won't make you rich. Read it again.
You need to invest — time, effort, and yes, money — into something that grows.
You'll never save your way to freedom.
6. People will judge you, but their opinions won't pay your bills
Stop worrying about what people think about your work or your life.
They'll criticize you for being ambitious, but they won't be around when you're up late working on your future.
7. Your network is your net worth — but only if you use it
Everyone says "your network is everything," but most people don't actually ask for help when they need it.
Stop pretending you can do it all alone. Ask for help. Pay for mentors if you have to.
8. You won't get rich working for someone else
Sure, you might make a good salary, but no one gets truly wealthy clocking in for someone else.
You need to own something, even if it's small at first.
9. Stop trying to win fast — try to win often
Everybody wants to get rich quick, but the reality is, it's about stacking small wins.
Consistent progress beats short-lived success. Play the long game.
10. Luxury is a trap
You don't need a shiny car, fancy watch, or luxury apartment to show off.
That's a fast way to burn cash and impress people who don't matter.
Stay humble, invest in assets, not status symbols.
11. Your time is the most valuable currency you have
Every second you spend doing something that doesn't get you closer to your goals is wasted money.
Be ruthless about how you spend your time.
12. Luck is real, but effort makes luck happen
Yeah, luck matters.
But if you sit around waiting for it, it'll never come. The harder you work, the more "lucky breaks" you get.
13. Your income will only grow as much as you do
If you aren't constantly learning, improving, and stretching your skills, your income is going to plateau.
The richest people are lifelong students.
14. Most people will never understand what it takes
Friends and family might not get your hustle.
They'll tell you to slow down, "enjoy life."
But you know what's enjoyable? Not worrying about money.
15. Side hustles are a survival strategy
If you're relying on one stream of income, you're setting yourself up for failure.
Multiple streams are your financial safety net.
16. There's no such thing as passive income — until you've earned it
Everyone sells the dream of passive income.
It's real, but it's not what they say.
The only way to earn money while you sleep is to work your ass off while you're awake.
17. You'll never feel "ready" to start
People wait for the perfect moment.
Let me tell you: there's no perfect time to start investing, building, or chasing your dream.
The right time was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
18. Free advice is often the most expensive
Everyone's got advice for you — especially the ones who have nothing to show for it.
Be careful who you listen to. The wrong advice will cost you years of your life.
19. Comfort is the enemy of wealth
The more comfortable you get, the slower you move, and the slower you move, the further wealth slips out of reach.
Stay uncomfortable — it's where the growth happens.
20. Learn to sell, or you'll always be sold to
Whether you like it or not, everything is sales.
If you don't know how to sell your ideas, your skills, or your products, you'll always be at the mercy of someone else's pitch.
21. Investing in yourself will always have the highest ROI
People who don't invest in themselves are the same ones who complain about why nothing ever changes.
Want to make more money? Get better at something.
22. Taxes will kill your wealth if you don't understand them
The rich don't just make more money — they keep more of it.
If you don't understand taxes, you're leaving a ton of money on the table. Learn how to protect what you earn.
23. The only person responsible for your financial situation is you
This is the hardest truth.
There's no one to blame but yourself. Whether you're winning or losing, it's on you.
And that's good news — because it means you have the power to change it.
Thank you for reading!
If you enjoyed it, don't forget to subscribe to my Substack for more content like this!