The Harsh Truth
Most young people today are better at using money than understanding it.
We can scroll for hours, shop in seconds, and “buy now, pay later” — but still have no clue where our money actually goes.
That’s not by accident.
The system is built to keep you consuming, not learning.
Schools teach algebra and history but not how to manage a paycheck, build credit, or invest in your future.
So if you feel lost about money it’s not your fault.
But staying that way is your choice.
Understand the Real Purpose of Money
Money isn’t meant to impress people.
It’s meant to buy freedom the freedom to say “no” to things that drain you, and “yes” to what matters.
That starts with one mindset shift:
Money is a tool, not a trophy.
The people who master money don’t always make the most they simply manage it better.
Track Where It Goes — Every Dollar
Here’s a truth most won’t tell you:
If you don’t know where your money goes, it’s already gone.
Start simple.
Use free tools like Notion, Google Sheets, or Mint to track income and expenses.
Even writing it down on paper forces you to see patterns the food delivery, subscriptions, or emotional spending you didn’t notice before.
What gets measured gets controlled.
And once you control your money, you control your life.
Learn the 50/30/20 Rule — But Adapt It
The 50/30/20 rule says:
- 50% needs
- 30% wants
- 20% savings/investments
Sounds simple but life isn’t.
If your income is low, you can’t save 20% right away and that’s okay.
Start with 5% and make it a habit.
Because the habit matters more than the number.
You don’t need to earn more to start saving
you need to start saving to eventually earn more.
Build Skills Before You Chase Investments
Everyone talks about investing but few talk about earning more to invest more.
Your best early investment is in yourself learning high-income skills like:
- Copywriting
- Video editing
- Digital marketing
- Sales or tech skills
Those can multiply your income faster than any stock or crypto coin ever will.
Don’t invest in Bitcoin before you’ve invested in your brain.
Learn to Delay Gratification
This is where most people lose.
They trade long-term peace for short-term pleasure the new phone, sneakers, or car they can’t afford.
But wealth isn’t built by luck.
It’s built by patience.
If you can wait longer than most people, you’ll win bigger than most people.
Final Truth
No one’s coming to teach you money you have to teach yourself.
Read, watch, learn, and apply.
Because the earlier you understand how money works, the earlier money starts working for you.