10 Cheat Codes I Used to Get From Debt to $1 Million

Most people think that building wealth is hard and complicated—but it’s not. I came from a very humble background, so if I can build wealth, so can you. All it takes is knowing the cheat codes and using them. Don’t just read the list below. Take action. Here are 10 cheat codes that helped me fast-track my journey to financial freedom. They are the same cheat codes that can also help you build wealth.

I invested my time gaining knowledge

To gain knowledge, I read over 200 books, listened to countless podcasts, and followed successful people so that I could better understand how to both generate income and grow my wealth. Sometimes, it was just a single idea that propelled me forwards. I still prioritize lifelong learning—it compounds just like money does.

I chose a high-paying career that I loved

I knew that my main income stream would be what built most of my wealth, so I chose a career that was well-paid. For me, that was working in IT. I’m an introvert, so was perfectly suited to that work. What career works for you will very likely be different. The key here is to have a successful career and not just a job.

I monetized my free time with side hustles

Earning extra money alongside my 9-to-5 job was a real game-changer for me. Two sources of income instead of one was instrumental in accelerating my wealth-building journey. This is where I see many go wrong. They may have a 9-to-5 job and build a successful side hustle, but they then give up their job and live off the side hustle income. To me, that’s just throwing money away.

I wrote an ebook about my side hustles. If you’re interested in starting one, check out The Side Hustle & Passive Income Blueprint.

I invested early and diversified

The earlier you start investing, the more you benefit from compounding. As soon as I started earning, I invested in individual stocks and later into proeprty. They worked well for me. Over the last few years, I sold all my properties and stopped investing in individual stocks. I now invest in index funds, crypto, and high-yield savings accounts. This diversification reduces risk while allowing my money to grow in multiple areas. I’m on target to make over $100,000 this year just from these investments.

I understood the power of compounding

I think most people get this but few take advantage of it. It takes time. Most people are too impatient. But it works. For example, $500 monthly invested at a 10% return can grow to over $1 million in 30 years. It really is that simple.

Source: calculator.net

I avoided lifestyle inflation

I didn’t let my expenses grow with my income. I’ve never bought a new car and didn’t upgrade when I had a payrise. I delayed my gratification by prioritizing my needs over my wants. I was focused on my long-term goals. My main goal was to reach financial freedom before age 50. I got there a year early.

I lived below my means

This is similar to the point above. I spent less than I earned. If I wanted something but couldn’t afford it, I saved up for it. I didn’t buy it with a credit card like most people seem to do.

I automated my finances

As soon as I was earning regular income, I set up automated transfers to my brokerage and savings accounts. That made sure that I didn’t skip investing for any month. My spending money was whatever was left over. Too many people spend first and then invest if they have any money left at the end of the month. They usually don’t have anything left.

I reviewed and adjusted regularly

As mentioned above, I now have a different set of investment compared to the ones I originally had. Circumstances change and goals change. You need to make adjustments for this to ensure you’re still heading in the right direction. I do annual reviews. I might add an extra review if something changes drastically.

I had patience

I think I have more patience than the average person, so it wasn’t too difficult for me to just let my investments grow. But let me clarify one thing here. I didn’t live in poverty while waiting until the day I got to $1 million. I hear many people mistakenly think that’s what investing for the future means. They couldn’t be further from the truth. I lived a full and rich life the whole time, and so should you.

I hope these cheat codes also help you to build wealth. Remember, you need to take action and not just read the list and move on with your day.

Let me know if you have any similar cheat codes.