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Before 2018, I had money occasionally—but I had no assets. I didn’t even know what an asset was. My mind was focused only on income: earning, saving, hourly rates, and paychecks. That’s the classic employee mindset.
The real secret, I later learned, lies in understanding how income is taxed. In Switzerland, for example, you can own—but you cannot earn too much without paying heavy taxes. Income is taxed at high rates, while debt and assets are treated much more favorably. I’m sure it’s similar in many other countries.
My “Poor” Lifestyle Mindset (Before 2018)
Before I got into finance, investing, and money education, my life looked like this:
- Saving in a bank account instead of investing
- Always thinking about how to earn more
- Trying to spend less rather than grow wealth
- Saying “I can’t afford this” often
- Distracting myself with music and irrelevant content
- Believing I had to “make it on my own”
- Always cooking at home, convinced I couldn’t afford restaurants
- Trying to get along with everyone instead of seeking aligned connections
- Spending time with unsupportive people
- Buying cheap, low-quality items (and having to replace them quickly)
- Spending money on one-time experiences like flights and holidays
- Living without a concrete financial plan—just endless to-do lists
My “Rich” Lifestyle Mindset (Now)
Today, I think and act very differently. My habits have completely transformed:
- Exploring new restaurants and social spaces to connect with inspiring people
- Following a structured daily and weekly schedule
- Setting clear short- and long-term goals
- Updating my weekly and monthly action plans
- Practicing a 3-hour morning routine, EVERY day
- Continuously learning and developing new skills
- Maintaining discipline in my eating habits
- Training at the gym several times per week
- Working with a team of professionals: physiotherapist, masseuse, coaches, personal trainer, etc.
- Expanding my financial network with accountants, lawyers, and memberships
- Choosing high-quality garments and items that last for years
- Investing in personal development through courses, books, podcasts, and coaching
- Surrounding myself with financially literate people through co-workings, clubs, and memberships
- Spending more time with people and activities that truly matter to me
My core lesson for you
As you can see, it’s not just about money. Being rich—or let’s call it financially secure—is about a mindset and lifestyle, not simply a higher income or a larger bank account. Making money and keeping money are two very different skills. Both require discipline, focus, and personal growth. Wealth doesn’t happen by accident—it’s created intentionally.
What You Can Do Right Now
1 Check which habits above you’re already practicing and where you could improve.
2 Start studying for free with my finance resource list
3 Get my Love Your Money, Love Yourself book here for deeper insights.
Let’s recap together: The habits of the rich
- Cooperate and seek new opportunities
- Plan their future
- Keep their promises
- Care for their body and mind
- Continuously improve themselves
- Respect time and manage it well
- Track their money carefully: what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what things cost (Tip: start writing down your expenses daily)
- Look for ways to level up
- Surround themselves with like-minded people
- Focus on value, not just cost
- Stay in environments and use tools that keep their energy elevated
None of this is financial advice, I am just somebody who shares their lived experience with others.