9 Rules of Money to Make You Financially Worry-Free

By Taresh Bhatia CFP
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 ₹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 ₹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 ₹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 ₹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. Readers should consult a qualified financial advisor or legal
professional before making financial decisions. The views expressed in this article
are the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of any
organization or entity the author is affiliated with.

Disclosure

The author may have a financial interest in the topics discussed in this article. The
content is based on the author’s personal experiences, research, and knowledge and
is intended to provide general insights into the subject matter. The author does not
guarantee any specific outcomes or financial returns based on the information
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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. Through his blog, Taresh shares insights on financial planning, wealth creation, and the pursuit of happiness, helping his readers navigate the complex relationship between money and well-being.
“Financial Freedom with Taresh: Ask Away!” Send your Query to taresh@tareshbhatia.com and join his live webinar here: https://bit.ly/TRMC-wbnr