9 Rules of Money to Make You Financially Worry Free
Master these nine non-negotiable money rules to eliminate financial worries and secure a wealthy, stress-free future. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and founder of The Richness Academy, I have helped countless professionals, entrepreneurs, and families achieve financial freedom. In this blog, discover the proven financial wisdom to build wealth while enjoying life.
Discover nine essential money rules that will help you eliminate financial stress and build lasting wealth. Learn from a Certified Financial Planner how to manage money smartly and achieve financial freedom.
Introduction
I often meet people who earn well yet constantly worry about money. Some have high incomes but no savings, while others struggle with impulsive spending or financial mismanagement. Over the years, I have seen a pattern: people who follow specific money principles enjoy financial security, while those who ignore them face financial stress regardless of their earnings.
Through my journey as a Financial Planner in Gurgaon, I have helped clients—including senior professionals, business owners, young couples, and retirees—adopt simple yet powerful money rules that transform their finances. If you are ready to make smart financial decisions, here are nine essential rules that can make you financially worry-free.
Rule 1: Be Frugal, but Avoid Being Cheap
Spending wisely is not about being stingy—it is about maximizing value.
I once had a client, Anuj, a successful IT professional earning Rs 35 lakhs per year. Despite his high income, he always bought the cheapest things—cheap furniture, discount groceries, and even low-cost investment plans. While he thought he was "saving," he compromised on quality and often had to spend more on replacements and repairs.
Instead of cutting corners, focus on getting the best value for your money whether you buy high-quality shoes that last years instead of cheap ones that wear out quickly or choose a sound financial plan over the cheapest one, investing in quality pays off in the long run.
What You Should Do:
Make a spending vs. value list before buying anything major
Invest in quality over quantity for long-term savings
Avoid false frugality—cheap purchases often lead to higher expenses later
Rule 2: Spend on What Brings You Joy, but Live Within Your Means
Financial success does not mean sacrificing happiness—it is about balancing joy with responsibility.
One of my clients, Richa, loved travelling. However, she used credit cards to fund trips, accumulating over Rs 8 lakhs in debt. She realized the problem was not travelling—it was overspending without planning. We created a budget where she set aside a travel fund without touching her savings.
What You Should Do:
Identify what truly brings you happiness
Allocate a guilt-free budget for enjoyment
Never use loans or credit for luxury expenses
Rule 3: Keep a Six-Month Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is your financial safety net.
During the pandemic, my client Sunil, a restaurant owner, struggled as his income dropped. However, he had a Rs 10 lakh emergency fund and did not have to take loans to survive. This fund saved his business and personal finances.
What You Should Do:
Save at least 6 months’ worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account
Never use this fund for regular spending—it is for genuine emergencies
Keep your emergency fund liquid and easily accessible
Rule 4: Invest in Experiences, Not Just Possessions
Memories last longer than material things.
I once had a client who spent crores on a luxury home but never felt happy. On the other hand, my friend Rohit, a middle-class schoolteacher, prioritized family vacations and learning new skills. Today, he feels richer than ever—not in money but in experiences.
What You Should Do:
Prioritize memorable experiences over material purchases
Invest in learning, travelling, and relationships
Avoid peer pressure to own luxury items that do not add value
Rule 5: Wait Seven Days Before Buying Expensive Items
Impulse buying is one of the biggest wealth killers.
One of my clients, Sneha, loved instant shopping gratification. She often bought expensive gadgets and fashion items she barely used. When I introduced her to the 7-day rule, she realized that most impulse desires faded within a week.
What You Should Do:
When tempted to buy something expensive, wait 7 days
After 7 days, ask yourself if you still need it
If yes, ensure you can afford it without loans
Rule 6: Discounts Do not Always Mean Savings
Many people think sale shopping = saving money, but it often leads to overspending.
During a festive sale, my client Aman bought 10 pairs of shoes because they were discounted. The reality? He did not need most of them, and the “discount” was not actual savings.
What You Should Do:
Before buying something on sale, ask if you would buy it at full price
Avoid marketing traps that encourage unnecessary spending
Understand that spending is spending, even at a discount
Rule 7: Never Buy What You Cannot Pay Off Immediately
Do not buy if you cannot pay for it in full when the bill arrives.
I have seen credit card debts destroy financial health. One of my clients, a well-paid executive, had Rs 15 lakh in credit card debt because he spent beyond his financial limits. Following this simple rule, he cleared his debt and started living within his means.
What You Should Do:
Use credit cards only if you can pay the entire bill
Avoid buying things on EMI if you cannot afford them outright
Track monthly expenses to avoid overspending
Rule 8: Have a Fun Budget to Enjoy Without Guilt
Financial planning should not feel restrictive—it should empower you.
One of my clients, Raj, felt guilty whenever he spent money on fun. After working with me, he created a "fun budget," which allowed him to enjoy himself without financial stress.
What You Should Do:
Set a monthly fun budget (e.g., 5-10% of income)
Use this money guilt-free for hobbies, entertainment, or travel
Never feel guilty for spending within planned limits
Rule 9: Take Action Immediately—No Matter Where You Are
The biggest mistake people make is waiting for the perfect time to start. Whether you are just beginning your financial journey or already have wealth, the key is to take action now.
- Begin by setting clear financial goals.
- Invest a portion of your income today, no matter how small.
- Eliminate high-interest Debt immediately.
- Commit to learning and growing your financial knowledge.
What You Should Do:
Write down one financial goal and take the first step today to achieve it.
Final Thoughts: Being Financially Worry-Free is a Journey, Not a Destination
Final Thoughts
These nine rules of money are non-negotiable for achieving financial freedom. Adopting these principles can eliminate financial stress and build lasting wealth.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies.
About the Author
Taresh Bhatia is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and a Coach at the Richness Academy. With years of experience guiding individuals and families toward financial freedom, Taresh specializes in helping clients achieve a rich and fulfilling life by aligning their financial decisions with their personal values and long-term goals. As the author of the Amazon best-seller The Richness Principles, Taresh is dedicated to empowering people to take control of their financial destinies and create a life of true wealth and happiness. He offers personalized coaching and mentoring, focusing on senior professionals, entrepreneurs, young married couples, retirees, single mothers, and divorced women.
"Financial Freedom with Taresh: Ask Away!" Send your Query to taresh@tareshbhatia.com and join his live webinar here: https://bit.ly/TRMC-wbnr
