Oct. 12, 2026

Know Nothing, Build Wealth: 7 Simple Money Habits Anyone Can Start

Know Nothing, Build Wealth: 7 Simple Money Habits Anyone Can Start
Know Nothing, Build Wealth: 7 Simple Money Habits Anyone Can Start
YogaWellnessMoney
Know Nothing, Build Wealth: 7 Simple Money Habits Anyone Can Start
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts

What if you could know practically nothing about money and still build a financially comfortable life? In this Money Monday episode, I share the 7 simple habits that helped me go from a broke college student with a "shotgun" 401(k) to early retirement. We cover embracing your inner frugalista, keeping housing costs low, the 3 questions to ask before any splurge, the personal finance books worth reading, and why you should never play rich instead of being rich.

P.S. I promised five tips, said "number five" twice, ended on six, and gave you seven. Money I can count. Tips, apparently not.

Show notes:

In this episode:

  • 00:00 You can know nothing and still build wealth
  • 00:31 My orthodontist's money advice and the graph that changed everything
  • 03:33 #1: Embrace your inner frugalista
  • 05:58 "In this family, we earn interest. We don't pay interest."
  • 08:17 #2: Watch your housing costs
  • 10:59 Get a roommate (or two)
  • 11:55 Divorce: why keeping the house can cost you
  • 13:31 #3: Ask "Can I afford it?" The 3 questions
  • 17:05 #4: Read at least 3 personal finance books
  • 19:33 #5: Have a long-term plan, and don't play rich
  • 22:40 #6: Make a spending plan (and loosely track it)
  • 27:50 The $800-a-month alcohol story
  • 29:52 #7: Grow your income: skills, experience and an updated resume
  • 31:50 Recap

Before you splurge, ask yourself:

  1. Do I have a 3–8 month emergency fund, based on my actual expenses rather than my take-home pay?
  2. Am I out of consumer and student loan debt?
  3. Am I automatically putting 10–20% into retirement every month?

If the answer to all three is yes, you can probably enjoy that trip or treat.

Books mentioned:

  • As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
  • Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence by Charles Schwab
  • The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman
  • Smart Couples Finish Rich and Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach
  • The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
  • The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer and Michael LeBoeuf
  • The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Also mentioned:

  • The Ramsey Show's "debt-free screams" on YouTube

Connect: yogawellnessmoney.com

If this episode helped you, I'd love a 5-star rating and review.