Who does not want to be wealthy? Some people may live thriftily to save while others may invest in high-risk instruments to build wealth. But before discussing how to become wealthy, let us begin by understanding the meaning of wealth.
What is wealth?
The meaning differs for every person. For some, it may mean investing in profitable instruments while others may consider wealth as property ownership.
Wealth is the accumulation of valuable resources measurable in money or real goods. It is determined by subtracting your debt from the market value of all your tangible and intangible assets.
Different types of income
Building wealth without a regular source of income is difficult. Without an income, you may not be able to save and invest. Income can be classified as earned and passive earnings.
Earned income
Sustainable wealth can be built through value creation over the long term. It is recommended you find a good job and retain it to earn regular income. If you are a business owner, focus on long-term value creation.
Passive income
Unlike a job or business, passive income is generated without your constant presence. It can be earned either via investing or from other sources.
There are several ways on how to make money online, but it is advisable to be cautious about websites that promote proposals on getting rich quickly.
Some ways to earn are through digitally selling products, affiliate marketing, blogging, and drop shipping.
Three things involved in accumulating wealth over time
The three things needed for wealth creation are as follows:
Making money
Before saving or investing, you must have a regular and stable source of income where you have some amount left after paying for your debts and necessities. Some ways to make money are as follows:
- Side hustles
Relying only on one source of income is not advisable. Use a talent or hobby to increase your earnings. There are several ways on how to make money by running side hustles.
Some of these include freelance editing and writing, app or web development, working as a virtual assistant, online coaching, consulting, or tutoring.
You can also run side hustles by becoming a part-time gym instructor, college professor, or freelance bookkeeper.
- Invest in your education
Most people focus on reducing their expenses to increase savings. However, you can also increase your income to have higher savings.
Investing in your education to hone your skills can give you several additional opportunities to increase your income.
You may pursue a Masters’ degree or take up a specialized course to be eligible for promotion and appraisal.
- Venture into a business
Some of the wealthiest people are business owners and not employees. Entrepreneurship gives you the chance to earn higher income and returns for wealth accumulation.
The business does not have to be big, and you can create wealth even with a small business idea.
Saving money
After earning enough to take care of your basic requirements, develop a proactive savings plan.
- Cut down your expenses
Once you are committed to reducing your expenses, you will be surprised to know about different ways on how to save money.
Buying your groceries in bulk and cooking your meals at home can significantly reduce your food expenses.
And if you still want to order online, look for deals and offers to reduce your costs. Make a budget to determine your necessities and trim the excess to increase your savings.
- Stop buying unnecessary things
Impulsive shopping can significantly reduce your saving capability. Stop spending on unnecessary things like designer clothes and accessories.
Also, avoid taking frequent holidays. Learn to differentiate between your needs and wants.
Being frugal may seem unsatisfying but the wealth you accumulate over the years is worth the effort.
- Save on vehicles
Car loans make it easy to buy one; however, do your research and do not go beyond your budget. And even if you have your vehicle, carpooling, renting a car, and using public transport for daily commute can significantly reduce your travel costs while also saving on maintenance expenses.
- Save on shelter
Having your own house can indicate being successful. However, if you have a job that requires moving frequently, consider renting to avoid the hassle of buying and selling a home in every new location.
Also, if the rent is lower than the mortgage payment, you will have more money to save and invest.
- Create a budget
Making a budget and adhering to it can go a long way to build wealth over the long term. A monthly budget helps you to determine your income and estimated expenses and gives you control over your spending.
It also allows you to identify ways in which you can reduce your expenses to add to your savings.
- Build an emergency fund
You must set aside some money to meet emergency requirements like job loss or car or home repairs.
If you do not have an emergency fund, you may need to avail of a loan or sell your assets to meet unexpected circumstances.
It is advisable to have between three and six months of your expenses in an emergency fund. Ensure these funds are kept in a savings account that is easily accessible when required.
- Settle your debts
Settle debts like credit card bills without delay. If you rely heavily on your credit cards, you will pay a huge interest as the rates are humongous. Use these savings to invest and build wealth over the long term.
Investing money
Having developed a monthly savings plan, you need to invest wisely to maximize returns and build wealth.
- Embrace passive investing
Once you have savings, the next step is to know how to invest money. Investing in the right instruments ensures your money is working for you. Do not leave a huge balance in your savings account as the rate of interest is low.
Also, timing the market is not the best strategy. Instead, focus on investing for longer periods to build wealth.
Some investment options include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and stocks.
You may choose from different types of mutual funds like debt, equity, and balanced funds based on your risk appetite. ETFs are passive funds with lower risk, greater transparency, higher ability to deliver profits over the long term. Stock investing can provide higher returns, but the risks are much more than other investment options.
- SIP vs. lump sum investment
A systematic investment plan (SIP) allows you to invest smaller amounts at periodic intervals. It does not create a financial burden and allows you to tide through market fluctuations.
On the other hand, if you invest a lump sum and the market falls, there is a risk of losing your capital.
- Use Robo advisors for improved investment decisions
Robo advisors automate your investments depending on your profile and risk appetite. Your investment portfolio is customized and diversified based on your requirements.
There is no shortcut on how to get rich. However, you can achieve your goals with financial discipline. Following the tips discussed above and making regular savings and investments is the best way to accumulate wealth over the long term.
Here’s how you can maximize wealth
1. Discipline for Budgeting and Saving
Track Expenses: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your income and expenses.
50-30-20 Rule: Allocate 50% of your salary to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and investments.
Emergency Fund: Save 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid account for emergencies.
2. Control Lifestyle Inflation
As your salary increases, avoid proportional increases in spending. Instead, save or invest the additional income to build wealth.
3. Maximize Tax-Advantaged Investments
EPF and PPF: Contribute to Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) to benefit from tax exemptions and compounded returns.
National Pension Scheme (NPS): Offers tax benefits and long-term retirement savings.
ELSS: Tax saving mutual funds
4. Invest in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans)
Mutual Funds: Start with SIPs in mutual funds for long-term growth. Equity mutual funds generally offer higher returns over time.
Equity Markets: If you’re comfortable with risks, invest directly in stocks or equity-oriented mutual funds.
5. Automate Savings and Investments
Set up auto-debits from your salary account to a savings or investment account so that you don’t spend money impulsively.
6. Debt Management
Limit Loans: Avoid high-interest loans like credit card debt or personal loans.
Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: Loans for education or property that appreciate in value over time are considered good debt, whereas car loans or credit card debt are bad.
7. Buy Assets, Not Liabilities
Real Estate: Invest in real estate for appreciation and rental income. Consider buying property after building a significant down payment.
Stocks & Equity: These have the potential to appreciate over time and generate dividends.
Gold: Purchasing gold bar or coins can be a good investment (not the jewellery in general).
8. Invest in Yourself
Skill Development: Invest in education, certifications, or courses that enhance your professional skills, leading to salary growth.
Side Income: Explore freelancing, consulting, or starting a small side business based on your skills.
9. Retirement Planning
Start saving for retirement early. Compounded returns on long-term investments like PPF, NPS, or mutual funds will grow significantly over time.
10. Insurance
Health Insurance: Protect your wealth with adequate health insurance to avoid financial strain due to medical emergencies.
Term Insurance: Ensure you have term insurance to secure your family’s financial future in case of an untimely event.
11. Diversify Investments
Gold: Invest in gold or gold ETFs for diversification.
Bonds and FDs: Fixed Deposits (FDs) and bonds provide stable returns and add a safety net to your investment portfolio.
12. Regularly Review Financial Goals
Reassess your financial goals every year. Adjust your savings and investment strategies based on life changes, market conditions, and income growth.
