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The rich don’t always play by the same rulebook as everyone else when it comes to managing wealth. Their financial habits can seem unorthodox—some bordering on controversial—but there’s no denying their results. Here are nine strategies wealthy individuals often swear by, even if they’re not always popular.

Borrowing Money To Invest

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Wealthy people often borrow money, not out of need, but to make their money work harder. They use low-interest loans to invest in things like stocks or real estate that can offer higher profits. It’s risky, but carefully planned moves can lead to big gains. That said, it’s not without danger—one mistake could lead to major losses.

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Treating Debt as a Tool, Not a Burden

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While most people steer clear of debt, the wealthy see it as a tool. Credit cards with high limits, lines of credit, and even mortgages are used strategically to earn rewards, save on taxes, or invest further. For them, it’s all about managing the cost of debt versus the potential upside. This perspective flips the “debt is bad” narrative on its head.

Taking Advantage of Tax Loopholes

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This one’s no surprise, but it’s definitely controversial. The rich pay lawyers and accountants to exploit every possible tax deduction or credit. Offshore accounts, charitable donations, and investment write-offs are just the start. While it’s all perfectly legal, this strategy doesn’t always sit well with those who pay a higher tax percentage on much lower incomes.

Prioritizing Net Worth Over Salary

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The wealthy understand that a high salary doesn’t necessarily equate to a higher net worth. Instead, they focus on increasing their net worth through investments, assets, and savings. A luxury car or flashy clothes might degrade net worth, while stocks and income properties may enhance it. To them, it’s not about how much you make—it’s about how much you keep and grow.

Avoiding Ownership To Save Money

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Sometimes, wealthy people find renting more cost-effective than owning. This includes homes, cars, and even private jets. Renting helps them avoid taxes, upkeep costs, and losing value over time. It goes against the usual advice that owning equals success. But if it saves money, they’re not worried about others’ opinions.

Working for Free To Build Equity

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It might sound unusual, but many wealthy people avoid taking salaries. Instead, they choose equity in a company or project. If things go well, their shares or ownership stakes can be worth much more than a paycheck. It’s a gamble that takes confidence, but it’s the kind of risk that’s made billionaires.

Obsessively Tracking Every Penny

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You may assume the rich don’t track their spending, but many do it carefully. They use finance apps or spreadsheets to monitor every dollar. It may seem like overkill, but it helps them spot trends and make smarter investment choices.

Investing in “Boring” Assets

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Forget the hype around stock market trends. Wealthy people often choose simple investments like municipal bonds or index funds. These low-risk options don’t make headlines, but they provide steady returns over time. By keeping it consistent, they grow their wealth without taking huge risks.

Practicing Extreme Frugality

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Surprisingly, many wealthy people are very frugal. They negotiate, buy used cars, and avoid paying full price. For them, saving $5 can feel as rewarding as earning $500. It’s not about being stingy—it’s about making every dollar count to grow their wealth.

Don’t Knock it Til You Try it

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Like them or not, these tactics work—that’s why the wealthy stick with them. Their methods aren’t always flashy and can sometimes be risky, but they’re all about building wealth. At the very least, they make you rethink how money can be used to its full potential.

10 Money Rules Rich People Break (and Still Win)

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Ever wondered why the rich often seem to break common financial rules and still manage to win big? They don’t play by the same playbook most people follow. Instead, they take unconventional approaches to money that often challenge traditional advice. Here are 10 financial “rules” the wealthy break—and how those breaks actually help them build long-term success.

Read it Here: 10 Money Rules Rich People Break (and Still Win)

10 Habits That Turned Ordinary People Into Millionaires

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Many millionaires are made from ordinary people who practice specific financial habits consistently over time. Here are ten habits to get yourself started on the path to becoming a millionaire and achieving financial freedom. How many of these habits are you already practicing?

Read it Here: 10 Habits That Turned Ordinary People Into Millionaires