Chapter: “Rule Number 1 – Make the Money, Save the Money, and Invest the Money. Rule Number 2 – Don’t Forget Rule Number 1:”

Money, while not the source of happiness, is the foundation upon which much of our freedom, choices, and opportunities are built. Understanding how to properly manage money is one of the most crucial life skills—yet it’s rarely taught with enough depth or urgency. In this chapter, we explore two deceptively simple rules that, if applied with discipline and purpose, have the power to transform your life.

MAKE THE MONEY:

You can’t save or invest what you haven’t earned. That’s why the first part of Rule Number 1 is to make the money—but not just any money. You must develop the skills, mindset, and hustle necessary to create income streams that are sustainable and scalable. There’s dignity in every job, but there’s power in ownership, skill-building, and value creation.

1.) Find Your Hustle:

Whether it’s a 9-to-5, entrepreneurship, freelancing, or investing, find the route that fits your passion, talents, and the demands of the market. Money is attracted to value, so the more problems you solve or value you provide, the more money you can make.

2:) Don’t Settle for Just One Source:

In today’s economy, having multiple streams of income isn’t just wise—it’s necessary. The average millionaire has at least seven. Start with one, get it solid, then add others: side hustles, rental income, royalties, online businesses, dividends—the options are endless.

3.) Skill Up or Be Left Behind:

What you know today may not be enough tomorrow. Continually invest in your knowledge. Learn high-income skills: sales, copywriting, software development, digital marketing, public speaking, financial literacy—whatever keeps you competitive and relevant.

SAVE THE MONEY:

Making money is exciting. Spending it can be satisfying. But saving money is where financial discipline is born. If you don’t respect the money you make, it will leave you just as quickly as it came.

1.) Pay yourself first:

Before you pay bills, before you treat yourself, before you do anything—pay yourself first. Set aside at least 10% of every dollar you earn into a savings account. This isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

2.) Create an Emergency Fund:

Life happens. Car trouble. Medical expenses. Job loss. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, even a small emergency can become a crisis. Build an emergency fund with at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. It gives you peace of mind and protects your hustle.

3.) Don’t Let Lifestyle Creep Steal Your Growth:

As your income increases, don’t inflate your lifestyle in proportion. Avoid the trap of spending more just because you earn more. That raises your expenses but leaves you no wealth to show for it. Live below your means and let the surplus build your future.

INVEST THE MONEY:

Saving is essential, but saving alone will never make you wealthy. The money you save must be put to work—quietly, steadily, and with purpose. That’s where investing comes in.

1.) Understand the Power of Compound Interest:

Einstein called it the eighth wonder of the world: those who understand it, earn it; those who don’t, pay it. Compound interest means your money earns money—and then that money earns more money. Time is your ally, so start early.

2.) Learn the Vehicles of Wealth:

Stocks. Bonds. Real estate. Mutual funds. ETFs. Business ownership. Don’t invest blindly. Educate yourself. Choose investments that align with your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.

3.) Automate Your Investments:

Set up automatic transfers into your investment accounts. The less emotion and decision-making you bring to the process, the more consistent you’ll be. Consistency beats timing every time.

4.) Think Long-Term:

Wealth is not built overnight. Don’t chase hype or trends. Don’t panic during market downturns. Stay the course. Long-term, diversified investing in quality assets is the proven path to wealth.

RULE NUMBER 2: “DON’T FORGET RULE NUMBER 1:”

It’s tempting to complicate success. It’s easy to get distracted by trends, to lose focus chasing quick money or lifestyle validation. But all roads lead back to these simple truths:

• Make the money. Find your value, hustle, and multiply your income.

• Save the money. Respect every dollar. Build your cushion.

• Invest the money. Let your money work harder than you do.

Do this, and then do it again. And again. Let these rules become habits. Let them guide your decisions, shape your discipline, and build your legacy.

Rule Number 2 isn’t just a reminder—it’s a warning.

If you forget Rule Number 1, you will eventually trade freedom for stress, abundance for struggle, and opportunity for regret.

Remember: Money is a tool. When you control it, you gain options. When it controls you, you lose freedom.

So write it down. Say it out loud. Teach it to your children. Tattoo it on your mindset:

Make the money. Save the money. Invest the money.

And don’t ever forget it.

That wasn’t in the playbook, but it should be!

MICHAEL A. WYCHE

OWNER AND CEO

MICHAEL WYCHE ENTERPRISES