The Propeller – Only 212 Shopping days ‘til Christmas! – 6-1-2025

Most of us were taught money rules that keep us stuck:

• Save Money, but never spend.

• Cut lattes, not expenses/costs that actually matter.

• Work 40+ years, then maybe retire.

But if you’re reading this, you’re probably like me:

You want more than just stability. You want freedom, options, and ownership of your time.

Here are 9 non-traditional money rules I’ve adopted on my journey. They’ve helped me stop playing defense and start creating real financial momentum for myself and my future.

Focus on Earning More, Not Just Saving More
Saving is smart but income is what really moves the needle. I put energy into building income streams, learning new skills, and increasing value, not shrinking my lifestyle to fit a tight budget.

Yes, budgeting matters but there’s a limit to how much you can cut. The real game changer? Growing your income. I’d rather earn an extra $1,000 than stress over saving $10.

High earners who invest wisely build wealth faster than extreme savers stuck in the same income bracket. Focus on skills, side hustles, and scalable income streams that grow over time.

Use Debt Intentionally, Not Emotionally
Not all debt is bad. If the debt funds an asset, grows my income, or increases my skills, I consider that a smart move, not a setback.

While credit card debt is a trap, strategic debt can be a tool. Low-interest loans for value growing assets, real estate, business ventures, or skills can deliver way more value than saving to pay cash.

Wealth builders leverage money to grow. Don’t fear debt, learn how to use it.

Don’t Wait Until 65 to Live
I’m not working just to someday retire. I’m working toward freedom. Time with my family/friends, the ability to choose how I spend my days. That’s what financial independence means to me.

Why wait until 65 to enjoy your life? Design your lifestyle for freedom now. Financial independence isn’t about a number, it’s about having the option to work, not the need to.

That means investing aggressively, building multiple income streams, and questioning the “retire later” mindset society handed you.

Save for Opportunities, Not Just Emergencies
Yes, I keep a cushion, but I also keep cash ready for what’s possible. I want to be in a position to say yes to the right opportunity when it shows up.

An emergency fund is smart, but an opportunity fund is smarter. Instead of parking money just in case something bad happens, have cash ready for when something great does.

A hot investment, a business idea, a chance to buy a cash-flowing asset, that’s what real wealth is built on.

Treat Credit as a Wealth-Building Tool
Credit isn’t just about buying stuff, it’s leverage. Used right, it gives you access to bigger deals, faster growth, and greater flexibility.

In today’s world, credit is power. A strong credit profile can get you access to high-limit cards, business loans, real estate deals, and other leverage opportunities cash alone can’t unlock.

Protect and build your credit score, it’s often the key to scaling up.

Use Money to Reclaim Your Time
The real flex isn’t money, it’s time. I use money to buy back hours, outsource where I can, and invest in systems that give me back my life.

Remember: you can always make more money, but you’ll never get back time.

Invest in Mindset Before Markets
Before I put a dollar into stocks, I invest in what’s between my ears. Mindset shifts lead to income shifts. That’s why I read, reflect, and keep learning.

The best ROI I’ve ever gotten? Learning high-income skills. Before you throw cash into crypto or ETFs, ask yourself: “What skill could double my income this year?”

Skill stacking beats stock picking. Level up your earning power first, then let your money work for you in those ETFs!

Build Relationships, Not Just Revenue
People matter. I’ve found more opportunities through connection than any app or ad. I protect my network and pour into people. It always pays off.

I’ve learned this over and over: who you know can be more valuable than what you own. The right connection can open doors to investments, partnerships, and next-level wealth opportunities.

Surround yourself with people who are leveling up and find ways to add value to them, too.

Prioritize Cash Flow Over Clout
A flashy net worth means nothing if you’re cash poor. I want income that pays the bills, builds the dream, and buys back my peace.

Steady cash flow gives you freedom. Net worth looks nice on paper but freedom is the goal.

These money rules didn’t come from textbooks. They came from experience. What’s worked (and what hasn’t) on my journey to financial independence.

These aren’t hacks, they’re mindset shifts that open up a whole new way of thinking about money.

If even one of these shifts something for you, that’s a win.

What about you?

Which of these money rules are you already living or ready to try? Hit reply and let me know. I read every message.
 

Let’s talk about something that gives many mild anxiety: multi-factor authentication. You know, that moment when you’re trying to log in to check something quickly and suddenly you’re on a scavenger hunt for your phone, your app, your code, your sanity.

Well, Fidelity just made a move that’s going to make all of our lives a little easier and a lot more secure.

They’ve officially expanded support for most authenticator apps. That means you can now use your favorite app—whether it’s Microsoft Authenticator (Of course this is the prefered and best app!) or Google Authenticator to secure your Fidelity account. No more being locked into the Symantec VIP app like it’s 2020.

And here’s the kicker: you no longer have to call Fidelity or go into a branch to manage your MFA settings. That’s right no more awkward hold music. You can now link your authenticator app directly through their new self-service enrollment process.

Fidelity is phasing out new enrollments for the Symantec VIP app. If you’re still using it, it might be time to make the switch. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

If you aren’t using 2 Factor Authentication with your Fidelity or other brokerage accounts, SET IT UP TODAY!

If you haven’t already connected an authenticator app to your Fidelity account through the new process, here’s how:

After logging in to Fidelity.com on the web:

1. Select Security Settings from the Accounts & Trade tab.
2. Navigate to the Multi-factor authentication at login section.
3. Connect an Authenticator app.
4. It’ll guide you through the rest of the setup process.

When logging in to your Fidelity Investments^® mobile app:

1. Open the most up-to-date version of the Fidelity Investments^® mobile app and select the profile icon at the top right.
2. Select Security settings and then Authenticator app.
3. Toggle Authenticator app on.
4. It’ll guide you through the rest of the setup process.

Once you’re enrolled, use codes from the newly connected authenticator app to complete authentication challenges. You’ll get challenged at any Fidelity login with a username and password unless you already indicated that your device is a trusted one.