Ranking Every Side Hustle I Tried in 2024 by Profitability (Worst to Best)
Imagine spending hours creating beautiful handmade jewelry, only to make a few dollars after material costs and platform fees; that was my reality with an Etsy shop, my least profitable venture. Next came online surveys, promising easy cash but delivering mere cents for what felt like endless clicking. A slight improvement was freelance writing; the pay was better, but inconsistent gigs made it unreliable. The real game-changer was creating and selling a digital budgeting template. After the initial effort, it became a source of passive income, requiring minimal upkeep and generating consistent sales, proving that leveraging a skill into a digital product was the most profitable hustle of all.
I Tested 15 Budgeting Apps With My Real Bank Account: The Brutal Ranking (Worst to Best)
My journey into budgeting apps began with a free app that bombarded me with ads, making it nearly unusable—it ranked dead last. Slightly better were apps that constantly tried to upsell me to a premium subscription, holding essential features hostage. In the middle of the pack were apps with clunky interfaces that made tracking expenses a chore. The top contenders were apps that synced seamlessly with my bank account, automatically categorizing my spending. But the undisputed winner was an app that not only tracked my past but also helped me plan for the future with customizable goals and insightful spending reports.
Ranking High-Yield Savings Accounts from Predatory to Profitable (Worst to Best)
My quest for a good high-yield savings account started with a deceptively high introductory rate that plummeted after a month, a classic bait-and-switch. Next were the accounts riddled with hidden fees for everything from transfers to not maintaining a high minimum balance, slowly eating away at my interest gains. A step up were accounts with decent rates but an outdated, clunky online experience. The best accounts, I found, offered a consistently high annual percentage yield, had no monthly maintenance fees, and provided a user-friendly mobile app that made watching my money grow a genuinely exciting and rewarding experience.
I Tried 10 Different Investing Strategies for 90 Days: Here’s What Worked (Worst to Best)
My 90-day investing experiment began with the riskiest strategy: day trading. The constant stress and initial losses quickly taught me it wasn’t a sustainable path, placing it at the bottom of my list. Next, I tried picking individual “hot” stocks based on news headlines, which proved to be a volatile and unpredictable rollercoaster. A more stable approach was investing in sector-specific ETFs, though it still required close monitoring. The clear winner for my peace of mind and portfolio growth was a simple strategy: consistently investing in a low-cost, diversified index fund, proving that slow and steady truly can win the race.
Ranking the Most Popular Robo-Advisors After a Year of Use (Worst to Best)
After a year of testing robo-advisors, the worst was one with high fees that significantly ate into my returns, making its automated advice feel overpriced. Slightly better, but still at the bottom, was a platform with a confusing interface and limited investment options, leaving me feeling boxed in. The mid-tier robo-advisors offered decent returns but lacked personalization and educational resources. The top-ranked robo-advisor not only had low fees and a sleek, intuitive platform but also provided personalized advice and easy-to-understand explanations of its investment decisions, making me feel like a confident and informed investor.
From Scam to Legit: Ranking Online Survey Sites for Extra Cash (Worst to Best)
My dive into online surveys started with sites that promised hundreds of dollars but led to endless disqualifications after I had already spent significant time on the questions – a clear scam. A little higher on the list were platforms that paid in points that were nearly impossible to redeem for actual rewards. The moderately successful sites offered a few cents per survey, but it took forever to accumulate a meaningful amount. The most legitimate and “best” of the bunch were sites that were transparent about earnings, offered consistent, albeit small, payouts, and had a low minimum for cashing out.
I Analyzed 20 Different “Get Rich Quick” Schemes: A Realistic Ranking (Worst to Best)
My investigation into “get rich quick” schemes revealed a spectrum from outright scams to simply unsustainable models. At the very bottom were pyramid schemes disguised as multi-level marketing, where the only way to make money was by recruiting others. Next were the “guaranteed” investment returns that were often just Ponzi schemes waiting to collapse. Further up, but still unrealistic, were the promises of making a fortune overnight with dropshipping or crypto trading without any knowledge. The most “realistic,” though still not a get-rich-quick method, involved building a niche online business, which required significant time and effort.
Ranking Credit Cards for Building Credit, From Debt Traps to Diamond Cards (Worst to Best)
My exploration of credit-building cards began with a card that had an astronomical annual fee and an even higher interest rate, making it a dangerous debt trap for anyone new to credit. A slight improvement were cards with confusing reward structures and poor customer service. In the middle were basic, no-frills cards that reported to the credit bureaus but offered little else. The best cards for building credit had no annual fee, offered a small, manageable credit limit, and provided clear, educational resources on how to build a positive credit history, turning a potentially risky tool into a powerful financial asset.
I Tried to Live on Minimum Wage for a Month: Ranking My Spending Cuts (Worst to Best)
Living on minimum wage for a month forced me to make tough spending cuts, and some were more impactful than others. The least effective cuts were small, inconsistent daily sacrifices like skipping a coffee, which barely made a dent. A more significant but difficult cut was eliminating all social outings, which took a toll on my mental well-being. The most effective and sustainable cuts were canceling subscription services I rarely used and, most importantly, meticulously planning my meals to avoid food waste and expensive takeout, proving that a little planning goes a long way.
Ranking Financial Gurus’ Advice from Bankrupting to Millionaire-Making (Worst to Best)
I dove into the world of financial gurus and found a wide range of advice. The worst, at the bottom of my ranking, was the “all debt is bad” mantra that ignored the strategic use of leverage for things like a mortgage. Slightly better was the hyper-frugal advice that advocated for saving every penny, which often led to burnout. More balanced advice focused on the “pay yourself first” principle through automated savings. However, the top-tier, millionaire-making advice was to focus on increasing my income through new skills and side hustles, which had a far greater impact than just cutting expenses.
I Compared 10 Different Tax Software Programs: Here’s the Easiest to Use (Worst to Best)
Comparing tax software was an exercise in patience. The worst programs had cluttered interfaces, were full of confusing jargon, and constantly tried to upsell me on unnecessary features. The mid-range options were functional but lacked clear guidance, leaving me to google every other step. The best, top-ranked tax software guided me through the process with simple, question-based prompts, explained complex tax situations in plain English, and had a clean, intuitive design that made the daunting task of filing taxes feel surprisingly manageable and even a little empowering.
Ranking the Most Common Financial Advice Millennials Get (Worst to Best)
As a millennial, I’ve heard a lot of financial advice, and not all of it is good. The worst, in my opinion, is the vague “just save more money” without any actionable steps. A close second is the outdated advice to “buy a house as soon as possible,” ignoring the financial realities and flexibility many of us need. Better advice encourages creating a budget and sticking to it. But the most valuable and top-ranking advice is to start investing early, even with small amounts, to take advantage of the power of compound interest over time.
I Secretly Shopped for a Mortgage at 5 Different Banks: The Hidden Fees Ranked (Worst to Best)
My secret mortgage shopping revealed a minefield of hidden fees. The worst offender was a bank that quoted a low interest rate but tacked on exorbitant “origination” and “underwriting” fees at the last minute. Other banks had high closing costs that weren’t immediately apparent. The more transparent banks laid out all the potential costs upfront. The best and most trustworthy bank not only offered a competitive rate but also took the time to explain each fee in detail, ensuring I understood exactly what I was paying for, which made a huge difference in my overall costs.
Ranking My Biggest Money Mistakes of the Last Decade (Worst to Best)
Looking back at my financial mistakes, some were more damaging than others. The least impactful, though still regrettable, was impulse spending on trendy gadgets. A more significant mistake was not building an emergency fund sooner, which led to stress and credit card debt when unexpected expenses arose. My biggest mistake, however, was delaying investing. The lost time for my money to grow through compounding is a cost I can never get back, making it the most significant financial lesson I’ve learned.
I Tried 7 Different “No-Spend” Challenges: A Realistic Ranking (Worst to Best)
My “no-spend” challenges had varying degrees of success. The absolute worst was a strict “buy nothing” month, which was unrealistic and led to a massive spending binge afterward. A “no takeout” challenge was more manageable but still difficult to maintain. The most effective and sustainable challenge was a “no-spend” on a specific category, like new clothes or electronics, for a set period. This allowed me to curb my spending in a targeted way without feeling completely deprived, leading to lasting changes in my spending habits.
Ranking the Best and Worst Loyalty Programs for Saving Money (Worst to Best)
Not all loyalty programs are created equal. The worst are those with points that expire quickly or have a ridiculously high threshold for redemption, making it nearly impossible to get any real value. Mid-tier programs offer small discounts but often encourage you to spend more than you normally would. The best loyalty programs provide simple, automatic rewards, like cash back on every purchase, or offer valuable perks that you would have paid for anyway, like free shipping or exclusive discounts, genuinely saving you money without changing your spending habits.
I Interviewed 10 Self-Made Millionaires: Ranking Their Daily Habits (Worst to Best)
Interviewing ten self-made millionaires, I found their daily habits varied in impact. A common but less crucial habit was waking up early. A more significant habit was dedicating time to reading and learning. However, the most universally impactful and top-ranking habit was their consistent focus on their goals. They all had clearly defined, written-down objectives that they reviewed and worked towards every single day, demonstrating that relentless focus is a key ingredient for achieving significant financial success.
Ranking the Most Overpriced and Underpriced College Degrees by ROI (Worst to Best)
Analyzing the return on investment (ROI) for college degrees revealed some surprising truths. The most overpriced degrees, with the worst ROI, were often in niche arts and humanities fields from expensive private universities, leading to high debt and limited job prospects. In the middle were business degrees from mid-tier schools, which offered a decent but not spectacular return. The most underpriced degrees, with the best ROI, were in high-demand STEM fields like computer science and engineering from in-state public universities, offering a clear path to a high-paying career with a more manageable level of student debt.
I Tried to Negotiate Every Bill for a Month: Here’s What Happened (Worst to Best)
My month of negotiating every bill was an eye-opening experience. The least successful negotiations were with my utility companies, which had fixed rates. I had slightly more luck with my car insurance, getting a small discount for being a loyal customer. The most surprisingly successful and impactful negotiations were with my cable and internet provider and my credit card company. A simple phone call to inquire about better rates or promotions resulted in significant monthly savings, proving that it never hurts to ask.
Ranking the Most Popular Personal Finance Books by Their Actual Impact on My Wealth (Worst to Best)
Reading personal finance books, I found their impact varied greatly. The least impactful were books filled with abstract theories and little practical advice. More helpful were books that focused on extreme frugality, which provided some savings but were hard to sustain. The most impactful and wealth-building books were those that shifted my mindset from just saving to actively investing and growing my income. They provided clear, actionable steps that empowered me to take control of my financial future, leading to tangible growth in my net worth.
I Tried 5 Different “Passive Income” Ideas for a Year: The Brutal Truth (Worst to Best)
My year-long quest for passive income was anything but passive. The least successful venture was a blog that earned pennies from ads despite hours of writing. A dividend stock portfolio was slightly better but required a significant upfront investment for a modest return. Selling stock photos online generated some income, but it was inconsistent. The most successful “passive” income stream was creating and selling an ebook. While it took a lot of work to write and market initially, it now generates a steady stream of income with minimal ongoing effort, proving that “passive” often means front-loading the work.
Ranking the Easiest to Hardest Frugal Living Hacks to Actually Stick With (Worst to Best)
Living frugally involves a range of hacks, some easier to adopt than others. The hardest hacks to stick with were major lifestyle changes like giving up a car or exclusively cooking every meal from scratch. In the middle were habits like always using coupons or shopping at multiple stores for the best deals, which required significant time and effort. The easiest and most sustainable frugal hacks were the “set it and forget it” types: automating savings, brewing coffee at home, and canceling unused subscriptions. These small, consistent changes made a big difference without requiring daily willpower.
I Analyzed the Portfolios of 10 Famous Investors: Here’s How They Rank (Worst to Best)
Analyzing the portfolios of famous investors, I found different approaches with varying levels of complexity. The most complex and hardest to replicate were those of active traders who made frequent, bold bets on individual companies. A more accessible approach was that of value investors who focused on finding undervalued companies, though this still required extensive research. The most straightforward and arguably best approach for the average person was the simple, diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds championed by investors like Warren Buffett for the majority of people, emphasizing long-term, consistent growth.
Ranking the Most Common Reasons People Go Into Debt (and How to Avoid Them) (Worst to Best)
Looking at the common causes of debt, some are more avoidable than others. Unexpected medical emergencies are often the hardest to prevent, making a robust emergency fund crucial. Next is the student loan crisis, often a necessary evil for career advancement, but one that can be mitigated by choosing affordable schools and scholarships. The most avoidable, and therefore “worst,” reason for debt is lifestyle inflation – spending more every time you earn more on things you don’t truly need. The simple solution is to create a budget and stick to it, ensuring your spending aligns with your values and long-term goals.
I Tried to Start a Business With Only $100: Here’s What Happened (Worst to Best)
My $100 business startup experiment had mixed results. My attempt to start a dropshipping store for physical products quickly failed as the small budget was eaten up by website fees and a single ad campaign with no sales. A slightly more successful venture was buying and reselling items from thrift stores, which turned a small profit but was very time-consuming. The most successful and profitable business I started was a service-based one: offering my existing skills in graphic design to local small businesses. With no inventory costs, the entire $100 went towards a simple website and online portfolio, leading to my first paying clients.
Ranking the Best and Worst States to Live in for Your Finances (Worst to Best)
When it comes to personal finances, not all states are created equal. The worst states financially often have a combination of high taxes (income, property, and sales), a high cost of living, and a weak job market. States in the middle of the pack might have one or two of these factors but are balanced by others. The best states for your finances typically have no state income tax, a low cost of living, and a strong, growing job market, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money and build wealth faster.
I Compared the Cost of Living in 5 Different Major Cities: A Realistic Ranking (Worst to Best)
Comparing the cost of living in five major cities was a real eye-opener. The most expensive city, with sky-high rent and daily expenses, made it nearly impossible to save money, even with a good salary. Other cities had more affordable housing but were offset by high transportation costs and taxes. The most financially manageable city on my list had a reasonable cost of living across the board – from housing and groceries to entertainment – and a solid job market. This balance made it the clear winner for not just surviving, but thriving financially.
Ranking the Most Effective Ways to Teach Kids About Money (Worst to Best)
Teaching kids about money can be done in many ways, but some are more effective than others. The least effective method is simply lecturing them about saving, as it’s not interactive. A slightly better approach is giving them a piggy bank, which teaches the basic concept of saving. A more advanced and effective method is to give them a regular allowance tied to chores, teaching them the value of work. The most effective and top-ranking method, however, is to open a savings account in their name and involve them in setting savings goals, making the concept of money and its growth tangible and exciting.
I Tried to Pay Off My Student Loans Using 5 Different Methods: Here’s What Worked (Worst to Best)
My journey to pay off student loans involved several strategies. The least effective was the standard repayment plan, which minimized monthly payments but maximized the interest I’d pay over time. The “snowball” method of paying off the smallest loans first provided psychological wins but wasn’t the most financially optimal. The “avalanche” method of targeting the highest-interest loans first saved me the most money in the long run. The absolute best strategy, however, was combining the avalanche method with bi-weekly payments, which reduced the principal faster and saved me even more on interest.
Ranking the Most Common Scams Targeting Young People Today (Worst to Best)
Young people are prime targets for scams, and some are more prevalent than others. Fake job offers that require you to pay for training or equipment are a common and dangerous trap. Another frequent scam involves social media influencers promoting fake investment opportunities. Perhaps the most insidious and “worst” scam is the “romance scam,” where a con artist builds an emotional connection before asking for money. The best defense against all of these is a healthy dose of skepticism: if something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
I Analyzed the Fine Print of 10 Different Insurance Policies: The Hidden Traps Ranked (Worst to Best)
Diving into the fine print of insurance policies revealed a world of hidden traps. The worst offenders were policies with numerous exclusions that made it nearly impossible to make a successful claim. Other policies had high deductibles that weren’t clearly stated upfront. The better policies had clear, understandable language, but the best ones also offered flexible coverage options and a straightforward claims process. Reading the fine print is tedious, but it’s the only way to ensure you’re actually getting the protection you’re paying for.
Ranking the Most Important Financial Milestones of Your 20s, 30s, and 40s (Worst to Best)
Financial milestones evolve with age. In your 20s, the most crucial milestone is establishing a budget and building an emergency fund. While paying down debt is important, having a cash cushion is paramount. In your 30s, the focus shifts to consistently investing for retirement and saving for major life goals like a down payment on a house. By your 40s, the top priority should be maximizing your retirement savings and planning for the future, including estate planning. Each stage builds on the last, creating a strong financial foundation for life.
I Tried to Live Without a Credit Card for a Year: The Surprising Results (Worst to Best)
Living without a credit card for a year was a revealing experiment. The most significant drawback was the difficulty in building a credit score, which is essential for future loans. It also made certain transactions, like renting a car, more complicated. On the plus side, it forced me to be more mindful of my spending, as I could only use the money I actually had. The best outcome was a newfound appreciation for using a credit card responsibly – as a tool for convenience and rewards, paid off in full each month, rather than a way to spend beyond my means.
Ranking the Most Overrated and Underrated Financial Goals (Worst to Best)
When it comes to financial goals, some get more attention than they deserve. The most overrated goal is often buying a house, which can be a great investment but isn’t the right choice for everyone and comes with significant hidden costs. A more balanced goal is to pay off all debt, though some “good” debt like a low-interest mortgage can be a strategic tool. The most underrated, and arguably most important, financial goal is achieving financial independence – having enough income from your investments to cover your living expenses, giving you the ultimate freedom to choose how you spend your time.
I Compared the Financial Health of 10 Different Countries: A Surprising Ranking (Worst to Best)
Comparing the financial health of different countries revealed that a high GDP doesn’t always translate to financial well-being for citizens. The countries at the bottom of my ranking had high levels of income inequality and a weak social safety net, leaving many people financially vulnerable. Those in the middle had stronger economies but also a high cost of living. The countries at the top of the list had a combination of a strong economy, a low cost of living, and robust social programs that provided a high quality of life and financial security for their residents.
Ranking the Most Effective Ways to Ask for a Raise (and Get It) (Worst to Best)
Asking for a raise can be intimidating, but some approaches are more effective than others. The least effective way is to simply state that you want more money without any justification. A slightly better approach is to mention that you’ve been with the company for a certain amount of time. The most effective method is to do your research on industry salary benchmarks and come prepared with a list of your specific accomplishments and the value you’ve brought to the company. This turns a subjective request into a data-driven business case that is much harder to ignore.
I Tried to Retire at 40: Ranking the Sacrifices I Had to Make (Worst to Best)
Retiring at 40 was a goal that required significant sacrifices. The easiest to make were cutting back on daily luxuries like expensive coffees and lunches. A more difficult sacrifice was forgoing big vacations and major purchases. The hardest and most impactful sacrifice, however, was the intense focus on saving and investing a large portion of my income, which meant living a much more frugal lifestyle than my peers for many years. It was a trade-off of short-term wants for long-term freedom, and while challenging, it ultimately made early retirement possible.
Ranking the Most Common Investing Myths That Are Costing You Money (Worst to Best)
Investing myths can be costly. One of the most dangerous is the idea that you need a lot of money to start investing, which causes people to miss out on years of potential growth. Another common myth is that you need to be an expert to pick individual stocks, which often leads to poor investment decisions. The most pervasive and costly myth is trying to time the market – selling when you think it will go down and buying when you think it will go up. The truth is that a consistent, long-term approach with a diversified portfolio is the most reliable path to building wealth.
I Compared the Cost of Owning a Car vs. Using Public Transportation for a Year (Worst to Best)
My year-long comparison of car ownership versus public transportation was telling. Owning a car was by far the more expensive option, with costs for the car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance adding up quickly. While public transportation had its own set of challenges, like less flexibility, the cost savings were significant. The best-case scenario, where possible, was a combination of using public transportation for daily commutes and using a ride-sharing service for occasional trips, offering a good balance of cost savings and convenience.
Ranking the Most Important Things to Look for in a Financial Advisor (Worst to Best)
Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision, and some qualities are more important than others. The least important factor is a fancy office or a slick sales pitch. More important is their experience and track record, but even that can be misleading. The most crucial thing to look for is a fiduciary duty, which means they are legally obligated to act in your best interest. This ensures that their advice is based on what’s best for you, not on what will earn them the highest commission.
I Tried to Live a Zero-Waste Lifestyle for a Month to Save Money: Here’s How It Went (Worst to Best)
My month of zero-waste living had a surprising impact on my finances. Some efforts, like making my own cleaning supplies, saved a little money but were time-consuming. A bigger impact came from buying food in bulk to reduce packaging waste, which also lowered my grocery bills. The most significant savings, however, came from the overarching principle of the zero-waste movement: consuming less. By avoiding single-use items and impulse buys, I naturally spent less money, proving that a more sustainable lifestyle can also be a more financially savvy one.
Ranking the Best and Worst Financial Decisions You Can Make in a Recession (Worst to Best)
A recession can be a scary time financially, but your decisions can make a big difference. The worst decision is to panic-sell your investments, locking in your losses. A slightly better, but still not ideal, decision is to hoard cash and avoid investing altogether, missing out on the eventual recovery. A good decision is to focus on building your emergency fund and paying down high-interest debt. The best financial decision you can make in a recession is to continue investing consistently, as you’re essentially buying assets at a discount, which can lead to significant gains when the market recovers.
I Analyzed the Financial Habits of the Top 1%: Here’s What I Learned (Worst to Best)
Analyzing the financial habits of the top 1% revealed some common themes. A less impactful habit, though still common, was a focus on frugality. A more significant habit was their dedication to lifelong learning and self-improvement. However, the most impactful and universal habit was their focus on owning assets. They didn’t just work for their money; they made their money work for them by investing in businesses, real estate, and the stock market. This shift from earning to owning is the fundamental difference in how they build and maintain wealth.
Ranking the Most Common Psychological Biases That Affect Your Investing (Worst to Best)
Our minds can play tricks on us when we invest. A common bias is “herd mentality” – buying or selling an investment simply because everyone else is. Another dangerous bias is “confirmation bias,” where we only seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs about an investment. The most destructive bias, however, is “loss aversion,” our tendency to fear losses more than we value gains. This can cause us to sell winning investments too early and hold on to losing ones for too long, a recipe for poor returns.
I Tried to Build a 6-Month Emergency Fund in 3 Months: My Strategies Ranked (Worst to Best)
Building a six-month emergency fund in just three months was an intense challenge. My least effective strategy was trying to cut small, daily expenses, which didn’t add up fast enough. A more impactful strategy was to take on extra shifts at my job, though this led to burnout. The most effective strategy was a combination of ruthlessly cutting all non-essential spending (like subscriptions and eating out) and selling items I no longer needed. This two-pronged attack on my finances allowed me to rapidly accumulate cash and reach my goal.
Ranking the Most Important Questions to Ask Before You Get Married (About Money) (Worst to Best)
Talking about money before marriage is crucial. A good starting question is, “What are your financial goals?” A more revealing question is, “How do you feel about debt?” as this can uncover past financial struggles and current attitudes. However, the most important and all-encompassing question to ask is, “How do you see us managing our money together?” This opens the door to a discussion about joint versus separate accounts, who will be responsible for paying bills, and how you will make major financial decisions as a team, setting the stage for a strong financial partnership.
I Compared the Cost of Raising a Child in 5 Different Countries: A Shocking Ranking (Worst to Best)
Comparing the cost of raising a child in different countries was eye-opening. The most expensive country had high childcare and education costs with little government support. Countries in the middle of the pack offered some subsidies, but the overall cost was still a significant burden. The least expensive country, and the clear winner, had a combination of affordable childcare, free public education, and generous government benefits for families. This showed that the financial cost of raising a child is heavily influenced by a country’s social policies and priorities.
Ranking the Most Effective Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Fast (Worst to Best)
Improving your credit score quickly is possible with the right strategies. The least effective method is closing old credit card accounts, which can actually hurt your score by reducing your credit history. A more effective strategy is to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card, as their good credit history can give you a boost. The most effective and reliable way to improve your credit score fast is to pay down your existing credit card balances to reduce your credit utilization ratio. This one factor can have a significant and immediate positive impact on your score.
I Tried to Start a Successful Side Hustle on Etsy: My Journey Ranked (Worst to Best)
My Etsy side hustle journey was a learning experience. My initial idea of selling a popular but saturated product resulted in few sales and a lot of competition. A slightly better approach was to find a niche, but my handmade products had a low-profit margin after accounting for materials and my time. The most successful strategy was to create and sell digital products, like printable art and templates. With no inventory or shipping costs, and the ability to sell the same product over and over, it became a much more profitable and scalable side hustle.
Ranking the Most Important Financial Lessons I Learned from My Parents (Worst to Best)
The financial lessons from my parents were a mixed bag. The least helpful lesson was an underlying fear of the stock market, which delayed my own investing journey. A more useful lesson was the importance of living below my means and avoiding unnecessary debt. The most valuable and impactful lesson, however, was the concept of a strong work ethic. Seeing them work hard to provide for our family instilled in me the understanding that your ability to earn an income is your most powerful wealth-building tool.