For years, I watched my neighbor, Mark, take extravagant vacations while I clipped coupons. I assumed he had a trust fund.
One day over the fence, he confessed his secret: it wasn’t inherited wealth, but ten specific money moves he started making when he was broke.
These strategies are deceptively simple and almost never discussed in mainstream financial advice. They are the real difference between getting by and getting rich.
Here’s his exact playbook. Not all of these ideas will work for you, but some will, so be sure and read them all.
1. Stop overpaying for insurance
Mark realized early on that big expenses require more attention. For example, how would you feel if you found out you’re throwing away $1,200 annually just to pad some insurance company’s bottom line?
It’s very possible. But there’s only one way to know for sure.
This new car insurance shopping tool can tell if you’re overpaying for your car insurance with just a few clicks.
This new home insurance comparison tool exposes what home insurers don’t want you to see: identical coverage for hundreds less.
Take 3 minutes right now, click those links and see if you can save serious money: that’s what I did.
But don’t forget the cardinal rule: When you find ways to spend less on major expenses, don’t blow that extra money: Put it toward your mortgage, or invest it.
2. Stop drowning in credit card debt
Worrying about debt is probably the worst way you can spend your time, and paying interest and late fees is the worst way you can spend your money.
If you’ve got a problem, the sooner you deal with it, the better.
If you have over $10,000 in debt, National Debt Relief is one of the most respected providers of debt relief in the U.S.
There’s no upfront fee and no obligation to get started.
Ready to start a new, happier chapter of your life?
3. Earn $1,340 watching TV in your downtime
Swapping a little spare time for extra money is easier than most people think. Some make up to $1,340/month doing it.
Lots of companies let you earn money for testing apps, playing games and taking surveys. But the one I used, FreeCash, is in a league of its own.
They list thousands of offers from companies with most taking only around 5-10 minutes to complete.
4. Double your retirement (get a pro)
As debt disappeared and savings swelled, Mark found himself with more to invest. And for a long time, he did all the investing himself.
It’s not all that hard, right?
Well, a Vanguard study found that, on average, a hypothetical $500,000 investment over 25 years would grow to $1.7 million if you manage it yourself, but more than $3.4 million if you work with a financial adviser. That’s twice as much!
Even if you don’t want help picking investments, an adviser can help lower your tax burden, create a comprehensive financial plan, maximize your Social Security and much more.
If you’ve got at least $100,000 in investments, check out a free service called Advisor Match. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll be offered a free consultation with up to three vetted, fiduciary financial advisers in your area. No cost,no obligation. And you’ll probably get some great advice at the first meeting.
5. Don’t let high-interest debt crush you
When home values soar, smart homeowners turn to a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to replace high-interest credit card debt with much lower-interest loans.
The savings from simply swapping credit card interest for HELOC interest can add up to hundreds annually.
Those savings could eventually help pay off your house.
HELOCs could be the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to access extra cash, for whatever purpose, from consolidating debt to upgrading an outdated kitchen: HELOC rates are less than half what credit cards charge
In seconds, Money.com's comparison page will show you the best rates in your area, so you know you’re getting the best deal.
6. Diversify your savings with gold
One of the best ways to protect your savings is having money in different types of investments: ideally, ones that can go up when others are going down. For example, stocks tend to do poorly when inflation and interest rates are rising and there’s political turmoil brewing.
One investment that thrives in this scenario: gold.
It’s important you deal with a trusted gold dealer with a long proven track record of assisting clients.
Anthem Gold Group is committed to helping investors protect their wealth and retirement with physical precious metals. They offer gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars delivered directly to your home. Plus, enjoy up to $25,000 in complimentary gold and silver, along with waived IRA storage fees for up to 10 years!
Professional consultation included. $10,000 minimum investment required.
Gold has been hitting record highs. Why not take a look right now?
7. Don’t stay with a bank that gives you nothing (Get up to $400 to switch)
Another example of getting an edge: getting paid simply for opening a better bank account. If you’re banking at a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, you’re getting ripped off. They’re charging you monthly for a checking account and paying a pittance on your savings.
Better idea? SoFi.
They offer a combination checking-and-savings account, and if you set up direct deposit, you’ll earn 3.10% on your savings — with new members eligible for a limited-time boost of up to 3.80%. (Can change without notice.) That’s eight times the national average.
Direct-deposit $5,000 or more within the first 25 days, and you'll get a $400 bonus. Direct-deposit $1,000 to $5,000, you’ll get a $50 bonus.
That’s free money.
Earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account between 3/31/26 and 12/31/26, then within 60 days of account opening receive an eligible direct deposit OR $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits. You must maintain eligible direct deposit or $5,000 in qualifying deposits every 31 days to keep the Boost, for up to 6 months. Rates variable, subject to change.
Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
8. Cut your phone bill in half without sacrificing coverage
If you’re with a major carrier, pull up your last phone bill right now. Chances are, you’re paying $70-100+ per month for unlimited data – money that could be growing in your investment accounts instead.
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network and offers unlimited data for just $30/month (with upfront payment required). This isn’t just a great price—it’s truly unlimited.
Customers get unlimited talk, text, and high-speed 5G • 4G data on the nation’s largest 5G network, with no hard data caps. Over 2 million people have already made the switch.
Still unsure about coverage quality? Every Mint plan comes with a 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee for purchases made on Mint Mobile
Switching is simple: bring your own phone and number, and get started in as little as 15 minutes.
Calculate Your Exact Savings Based on Your Current Bill
See additional terms and conditions, here.
9. Don’t leave your family unprotected, secure them $3M
While doing everything possible to build wealth, protecting family shouldn’t be neglected.
What would happen to your family if you died today? If you don’t like the answer, do something about it.
If you’re between the ages of 20 and 59, and not living in New York, check out a term life insurance policy. It’s probably cheaper than you think.
For example, Ethos is one company where you can find up to $3 million in coverage for less than your monthly streaming subscriptions.*
Better yet, there’s typically no medical exam, ** and 90% of applicants get instant approval. They even offer free will and estate planning tools valued at $898.*
Peace of mind is only a click away. Check out their easy online application.
Perks: *Estate Planning Tools are available with the purchase of an eligible policy; not available in SD or WA. Pricing: *Term length, health, age, coverage amount, No medical exams. **Answer a few health questions
10. Don’t pay interest charges on balance transfers until 2027
High-interest credit cards can make it ridiculously hard to get ahead.
But there’s a solution: transfer your balance to a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR until 2027 on balance transfers and no annual fee, which means more of your money actually goes toward paying down your balance.
It could be worth considering if you want to break that high-interest cycle.
Stop letting high-interest credit card payments eat into your budget. Paying those steep rates every month? It’s like throwing money away! If you’re ready to break free, now might be the perfect time to switch to a card that allows you to pay no interest on balance transfers into 2027.
The FinanceBuzz editors have uncovered an incredible deal: with cards offering exactly that! That could mean over a year of no interest on balance transfers, giving you the chance to pay down your balances faster and keep more money in your pocket.
Even better? These cards come with a $0 annual fee. It’s the ultimate way to take control of your finances and escape the high-interest trap.
Hands down some of the best credit cards for balance transfers.
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