There’s always conflicting money advice. There has to be since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to personal finance. What works for some people won’t work for others and vice versa.
However there are a few pieces of financial advice that always ring true and that you can benefit from no matter your situation. These seven pieces of money advice are timeless.
Live Below Your Means
One statement that every financial guru makes is that you need to live below your means. Sounds like common sense but ignoring this simple piece of advice is what lands many people deep into debt.
If you want to build financial stability and eventually financial freedom, you need to live below your means. (I.E. don’t spend more than you earn.)
Save for a Rainy Day
This age old adage certainly holds true. Saving up money for emergencies is extremely important. The amount you need will vary but most financial experts recommend having at least three-six months’ worth of income saved in an emergency fund.
Related: How I Saved a $10,000 Emergency Fund on a Low Income
Gratitude is the Cure for Discontentment
In a world where you can see the highlight reel of everyone’s life all the time (hello, social media) it’s easy to feel discontent. Discontentment can lead to excess spending in order to “keep up with the Joneses” and can wreak havoc on both your finances and mental state.
The cure for discontentment is gratitude. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have.
Not Buying Anything Saves You the Most Money
How many times have you walked into a store and read a sign that said “Buy more, save more?” It’s a common advertising practice. Stores hope to entice you by giving a discount if you buy a certain number of items.
But do you know what would save you the most money? Not buying anything. And many times just buying one of the items and paying a bit more per item will save you over buying more of an item you won’t use to receive a discount.
Not buying anything saves you the most money. It will save you more than the amount of the sale or coupon you have.
Invest in Yourself and Your Future
Investing both in yourself and in the future is a smart move to make. Some of my best investments have been the ones I’ve made in my career.
If you want your income to grow you need to invest in yourself.
If you want your savings to grow you need to invest them in vehicle that suits you, your risk tolerance and needs.
Related: Investments for Beginners
If It Sounds to Good to Be True…
In the investment and earn more money arena you’ll come across a lot of scams. Promises to earn 20% interest on your money. Also, promises that you can make hundreds of dollars per day with no experience by clicking ads. In short, all kinds of crazy promises.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true it is. It’s really as simple as that.
The Best Things in Life are Free
The most important money advice that is always true is this: The best things in life are free.
I didn’t realize this until having children of my own and experiencing first hand just how powerful that love and bond is. This statement will come to fruition in others ways for other people.
It’s important to recognize that money isn’t everything. It’s a tool, that’s all. The best things in life really do come free.
What else would you add to the list?
Alexa Mason is a freelance writer and wanna be internet entrepreneur. She is also a newly single mom to two beautiful little girls. She chronicles her journey as a single mom trying to make it big at www.singlemomsincome.com.