The first step to big money is to know exactly where to start, and everything else will follow organically. That’s why I made today’s article in the form of a short mini-instruction. will help you build the correct sequence of your steps, which are guaranteed to lead you to prosperity and financial well-being. However, I want to immediately warn you that behind the apparent simplicity lies many years of experience of millions of people who have managed to create financial wealth from “complete scratch.” So, meet the Secrets of material well-being: 1) Just because you decide to spend a lot of money does not make you rich. The opposite is also true. - if you start spending less money (than now), this will not make you poor. What makes us rich is the habit of “paying yourself” first. What makes us poor is the habit of immediately running to the shops after receiving our salary (that’s where the entire salary, as a rule, remains). 2) Avoid debts and loans Credit cards with high interest rates are especially dangerous. By taking on debt, we rob ourselves in the future. There are no exceptions to this rule. 3) There are three “levers” of wealth: maximizing income, minimizing expenses and investing wisely. As your salary increases (due to the growth of your skills and professionalism), focus on saving money (to do this, learn to “live by money", pragmatically spending the money you earn) + invest as much and often as possible. Shorter version: "Spend less than you earn, and continue to do so for a long time." 4) Income requires work One exception is passive income from your investment portfolio. 5) Don’t confuse “investing” with “speculation” Speculation is a modern form of gambling hidden in your smartphone. Investment involves the risk-free investment of money for the long term in various asset classes denominated in different currencies. AND FINALLY: There are a few signs that will help you understand whether you were able to get rich: 1) Your financial situation allows you to live on your own terms (money is no longer the criterion when making decisions). 2) Getting fired is not a problem for you, because you have significant savings on which you can live comfortably.3) Your investments provide you with income sufficient to maintain your usual lifestyle.4) The size of your assets and investments is 25 times your annual expenses.Additional: Read my other article " Where should you NOT invest your money? TOP 3 most dangerous places for your money.” I will be grateful for your likes and reposts of this article. Author of the article is Alexander Evstegneev, personal finance expert, author of 20 books on financial literacy, investor with 25 years of experience