11 Money Rules I Broke That Made Me Richer

You’ve probably heard all the usual money rules — spend less, avoid debt, invest early. And sure, some of them help. But I’ve broken a few along the way, and it actually worked out. These 11 rules didn’t fit my situation, so I did things differently. It wasn’t about being reckless — just choosing what made sense for me, and maybe a few of them will make sense for you too.

I Stopped Fearing Debt

While most people try to avoid debt like the plague, I realized not all debt is bad. When used wisely, debt can actually help you build wealth. For example, leveraging debt to invest in assets like real estate or starting a business can pay off in the long run. Instead of running from debt, I learned to use it as a tool for growth.

As long as I kept my interest rates low and focused on investments that generated returns, I found that a little well-managed debt didn’t set me back—it helped me move forward.

I Didn’t Always Buy the Cheapest Option

I used to think that saving money meant always opting for the cheapest option. But over time, I learned that spending a little extra on quality items often saved me more in the long run. For example, investing in a durable coat or a reliable laptop might seem expensive upfront, but it’s far cheaper than constantly replacing poor-quality versions.

I also applied this mindset to tools and resources for growing my business. Sometimes, a higher price tag is a reflection of better quality or longevity.

I Didn’t Max Out My 401(k)

For years, I followed the advice to max out my 401(k) each year, but I eventually realized this wasn’t always the best use of my money. While tax-deferred growth is great, I discovered that I could achieve higher returns by investing in other vehicles, like taxable brokerage accounts or real estate.

I still saved for retirement, but I diversified my investments and gave myself more flexibility with my finances. Sometimes, breaking the rule of “always max out your 401(k)” can allow you to focus on higher-yield opportunities.

I Took Risks with My Investments

Conventional wisdom says to play it safe, especially when you’re just starting out. But I broke that rule and took calculated risks with my investments. I didn’t go all in on risky ventures, but I didn’t shy away from them either.

Early on, I invested in stocks with strong growth potential and in some alternative assets that weren’t as mainstream. While not every investment paid off, the ones that did significantly outperformed safer options.

I Stopped Following the Crowd

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest financial trends and what everyone else is doing, but I realized that following the crowd isn’t always the best strategy. Instead, I focused on my own financial goals and created a plan that worked for me.

While friends and family might have followed conventional investment advice or stuck to “safe” financial decisions, I trusted my research and intuition. Not following the crowd allowed me to make bold, unconventional choices that ultimately paid off.

I Didn’t Wait to Pay Off Debt Before Investing

A common rule is to pay off all your high-interest debt before you start investing. While that may work for some, I chose to break this rule. I tackled debt while still putting money into investments that had the potential to outpace the interest rates on my loans.

By focusing on investments that yielded returns higher than my debt interest, I made my money work for me even while paying down what I owed. This approach sped up my financial growth and allowed me to tackle debt faster.

I Stopped Trying to Stick to a Strict Budget

I used to follow a strict budget, thinking that if I controlled every penny, I would reach my financial goals faster. But the reality was that this approach made me stressed and less likely to stick to it. Instead, I broke this rule and started focusing on general categories and big-picture goals.

I allowed myself to spend on what truly mattered to me, while still saving and investing in line with my financial aspirations. This flexibility gave me a healthier relationship with money and kept me motivated.

I Ignored “Safe” Investment Advice

Everyone loves to give advice about “safe” investments—like bonds, blue-chip stocks, and real estate—but I learned that safety doesn’t always equal wealth-building. While I didn’t completely disregard safe investments, I also made room for more aggressive options.

By diversifying and including high-growth stocks and other riskier assets in my portfolio, I was able to capitalize on opportunities that others overlooked. Sometimes, breaking the rule of “play it safe” can lead to bigger rewards.

I Invested in Myself Instead of Just Saving

Most money advice focuses on saving, saving, saving. While saving is important, I also broke the rule of focusing too much on putting money aside without considering how I could grow my income. I invested in learning new skills, taking courses, and even launching side projects.

The return on these personal investments has been far greater than anything I could have earned just by stashing cash in a savings account. Investing in yourself can be the most powerful way to build wealth.

I Didn’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time to Invest

Many people wait for the “perfect” moment to invest, thinking it’s all about timing the market. But I learned that waiting for the perfect time means missing out. I started investing as soon as I could, even if the market wasn’t ideal or my budget was tight.

Over time, dollar-cost averaging helped me navigate market fluctuations, and consistent investing made a huge difference in my wealth-building journey. The truth is, there’s never a perfect time—but there’s always an opportunity.

I Didn’t Focus on “Guaranteed” Returns

When I first started investing, I was all about the “guaranteed” returns, like CDs or high-interest savings accounts. But these low-risk options didn’t get me far in terms of wealth-building. I broke this rule by shifting my focus to opportunities that offered higher returns, even if they came with more risk.

I began investing in growth stocks, rental properties, and businesses. Though it wasn’t always smooth sailing, those higher-risk investments ultimately paid off more than I ever expected.

Finding What Works for You

What helped me most wasn’t following every money rule — it was figuring out what worked for me. Some advice made sense, but other parts just didn’t fit. I took a few risks, invested in myself, and skipped the “safe” path more than once. There’s no one way to handle money. Letting go of rules that didn’t line up with my goals helped me grow and feel more confident in my own choices.

10 Money Rules You Were Taught That No Longer Work Today

Money management advice that worked 20 or 30 years ago is outdated in today’s fast-moving economy. You’ve got to rethink how you save, spend, and invest if you want to stay ahead. Here are 10 old money rules that don’t cut it anymore. 10 Money Rules You Were Taught That No Longer Work Today