The ‘Rich Girl’ Habits That Are Actually Saving Me Money

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The ‘Rich Girl’ Habits That Are Actually Saving Me Money

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Kate

Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Why “Rich Girl” Habits Aren’t Just for the Wealthy
  2. Habit #1: Embracing a Wealth Mindset
  3. Habit #2: Building a Detailed Budget (That Feels Good)
  4. Habit #3: Automating Your Financial Life
  5. Habit #4: Investing Early and Often
  6. Habit #5: Prioritizing Health for Wealth
  7. Habit #6: Valuing Experiences Over “Stuff”
  8. Habit #7: Cultivating Multiple Income Streams
  9. Habit #8: Curating Your Environment (Digital & Physical)
  10. Habit #9: Lifelong Learning & Mentorship
  11. Habit #10: Tracking Net Worth and Financial Milestones
  12. Habit #11: Building a Circle of Wealth
  13. Habit #12: The Power of Giving Back
  14. Conclusion: Putting It All Together
  15. Additional Resources & External Links

1. Why “Rich Girl” Habits Aren’t Just for the Wealthy

Hey there, it’s Kate! If you’ve been following my journey on KateFi.com, you already know I’m all about making money moves that are practical, fun, and stress-free. Let me start by saying that “rich girl” habits aren’t about flashing designer bags or driving around in a brand-new Tesla (though that’s cool if you can afford it). They’re about cultivating the kind of mindset and daily routines that actually build wealth over time, no matter your current income level.

When I talk about “rich girl” habits, I’m talking about a combination of strategic and psychological shifts that helped me go from living paycheck-to-paycheck to enjoying a life where my money works for me—not the other way around. And guess what? These aren’t secrets gatekept by trust-fund babies. They’re doable, actionable habits that anyone can adopt.

In this post, I’m going to show you how the habits typically associated with “rich” people are exactly the ones that saved me from constant financial stress. This is going to be a long, detail-packed read—so buckle up! By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of powerful habits you can start practicing today. Whether you’re trying to dig yourself out of debt, save for a dream vacation, or plan for early retirement, these principles are going to be your new BFF.

Before we get started, I want to share something deeply personal: money was once my biggest stressor. I’d lie awake at night thinking about how to pay rent, juggle bills, and still have a social life. It was exhausting! But after diving head-first into personal finance research, adopting some bulletproof “rich girl” habits, and staying consistent, my finances (and my mental health) turned around. Now, I’m passionate about showing you how to do the same.

Let’s dive into these habits and see how they can transform your finances, one day at a time.

2. Habit #1: Embracing a Wealth Mindset

2.1. What Is a “Wealth Mindset”?

So, let’s talk about mindset. This is the foundation of every other habit I’m going to share. A “wealth mindset” isn’t just about believing you’ll get rich; it’s about truly valuing the process of building, managing, and growing your money. Think of it as having a positive and proactive attitude toward finances. Instead of asking, “Why is this so hard?” you start asking, “How can I make this work?”

2.2. Overcoming Negative Money Stories

One of the biggest blockers to a wealth mindset? Negative money stories you picked up along the way, such as:

  • “I’ll never earn more than minimum wage.”
  • “Investing is only for the rich.”
  • “Debt is normal—everyone has it.”

I used to say things like this all the time. Changing these narratives was tough, but once I did, my bank account started growing. Here’s how I flipped the script:

  1. Identify the Story: Recognize when a limiting belief pops up. For example, “I’m just not good with money.”
  2. Challenge It: Ask yourself if it’s actually true or if it’s an excuse.
  3. Replace It: Say something more empowering: “I’m learning new skills every day, and I’m improving my financial literacy.”

2.3. Resources for Shifting Your Mindset

(Note: These links are examples—feel free to use any retailer or library resource to find the books.)

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If you find yourself constantly self-sabotaging, try journaling about your money feelings. It’s amazing how writing things down helps clarify where your blocks are coming from.

3. Habit #2: Building a Detailed Budget (That Feels Good)

3.1. Understanding Budgeting Anxiety

For the longest time, I resisted budgeting because it felt restrictive—like a diet you absolutely hate. But let me tell you: budgets are not about restrictions; they’re about choices. When you create a budget, you’re telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

3.2. Popular Budgeting Methods

  1. 50/30/20 Rule
    • 50% of your income goes to needs (rent, groceries, bills).
    • 30% goes to wants (dining out, entertainment, shopping).
    • 20% goes to savings/investments.
      This is a starting point that works for many. If your expenses are high, tweak the percentages to reflect your reality.
  2. Zero-Based Budgeting
    • Every dollar of your monthly income is assigned a role, whether it’s groceries, rent, savings, or fun money.
    • By the end of each month, your income minus expenses and savings/investments should be zero because every dollar is accounted for.
  3. Envelope System
    • Great if you like visuals or if you tend to overspend on certain categories.
    • Put your money into “envelopes” labeled with categories: groceries, gas, dining out, etc. Once an envelope is empty, that’s it for the month.

3.3. Tools & Apps I Swear By

  • You Need A Budget (YNAB): This tool helped me finally understand how to give every single dollar a job.
  • Mint: Great for automated tracking of credit card and checking account transactions.
  • Goodbudget: Virtual envelope budgeting system.

(No affiliation, just love ’em!)

3.4. My Personal Budgeting Experience

I started with the 50/30/20 rule but quickly realized I needed a zero-based approach to feel truly in control. Every month, I create a fresh spreadsheet—yes, I’m an Excel nerd—and list all my expected income alongside my expense categories. I track how much goes to bills, groceries, and personal splurges (can’t live without those iced lattes and occasional Target runs!). The coolest part? Every time I discipline myself to follow the budget, I actually free up extra cash that I can invest or save. It feels like giving yourself a raise!

4. Habit #3: Automating Your Financial Life

4.1. Why Automation Is a Game-Changer

Ever forget to pay a bill on time? Or maybe you meant to transfer $200 into your savings but never got around to it? Automation fixes these slip-ups by putting your finances on autopilot. “Rich girl” habits often involve having systems do the heavy lifting so you can focus on living your life.

4.2. What to Automate

  1. Bill Payments: Automate your recurring bills (rent, utilities, internet) through your bank’s bill pay feature or the billing company’s autopay system.
  2. Savings: Set up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings account on payday. Start with a small, achievable amount if you’re new to saving.
  3. Investments: Automate contributions to your 401(k), IRA, or brokerage account. Many employers let you automatically funnel a percentage of each paycheck into these accounts.

4.3. Apps & Services

  • Acorns: Rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. Great for passive saving.
  • Betterment: Robo-advisor that automates your investing according to your risk profile.
  • Digit: Automatically saves small amounts every day based on your spending patterns.

4.4. How Automation Saved Me

I used to stress about remembering dates and sometimes racked up late fees on my credit card payments (seriously, those fees are no joke). Once I embraced automation, it was like the clouds parted. My bills are paid on time, my savings grows quietly in the background, and every month I get a text from my bank verifying that all my money moves happened without me lifting a finger.

5. Habit #4: Investing Early and Often

5.1. The Power of Compound Interest

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world,” let me confirm: it’s absolutely true. The earlier you start investing, the more you benefit from the snowball effect of your returns being reinvested.

  • Example: If you invest $200 a month at an average annual return of 8% starting at age 25, by age 65, you’ll have significantly more money than someone who starts the same contributions at age 35 or 45.

5.2. Types of Accounts

  1. 401(k): Offered by many employers, often with a matching contribution. If your company offers a match, take it—it’s free money!
  2. Roth IRA: Contribute post-tax dollars, and watch your money grow tax-free. When you retire, qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
  3. Brokerage Account: A taxable account for investing in stocks, bonds, ETFs, index funds, etc.

5.3. Investment Strategies

  • Index Fund Investing: Low-cost, diversified, and recommended by legends like Warren Buffett. Check out Vanguard’s Index Funds as a starting point.
  • Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Invest a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions. This reduces the impact of market fluctuations over time.
  • Robo-Advisors: Platforms like Wealthfront or Betterment create a diversified portfolio for you based on your risk tolerance.

5.4. My “Rich Girl” Investing Story

I used to be terrified of investing—no one in my family had done it, and it seemed super complicated. Then I read a couple of personal finance books, started with a teeny-tiny amount in an index fund, and watched it grow over time. Seeing small gains turned into bigger gains encouraged me to increase my contributions. Now, I’m that person preaching the gospel of investing to everyone who’ll listen because it works.

6. Habit #5: Prioritizing Health for Wealth

6.1. Health = Wealth?

You might be wondering why a health topic is in a post about saving money. Here’s the kicker: health is an investment, too. Think of all the money lost if you’re constantly battling medical bills, missing work due to illness, or paying extra for quick-fix solutions like takeout because you’re too tired to cook.

6.2. Prevention Over Treatment

  • Routine Checkups: Dental cleanings, eye exams, physicals—catching issues early is way cheaper than dealing with them later.
  • Nutrition & Fitness: Cooking at home, meal prepping, and simple exercises (like daily walks or YouTube workout videos) can save you on health costs down the line.
  • Mental Health: Stress can lead to a host of physical problems. Free or low-cost resources like apps (Calm, Headspace) or community therapy clinics help keep your mind and wallet in good shape.

6.3. My Wellness Routine

I’ve learned that when I prioritize good sleep, consistent exercise, and decent nutrition, I’m more productive, focused, and less tempted to grab overpriced snacks or skip meal prep. I also set aside a “wellness budget” for fitness classes (Zumba fanatic here) and occasional massages, so I keep stress in check. It’s funny how spending money on your health in the right ways can save you a lot in doctor bills, stress, and potential lost wages later.

7. Habit #6: Valuing Experiences Over “Stuff”

7.1. Experience vs. Possessions

A big “rich girl” habit is focusing on quality over quantity. Wealthy people often emphasize experiences—travel, unique dining, education, cultural activities—rather than mindless accumulation of goods. Why? Because experiences enrich your life and often give you a better return on happiness.

7.2. Minimalism & Decluttering

  • Minimalism: Owning fewer items can reduce stress, clutter, and unnecessary spending. For me, minimalism became a way to stop impulse buying.
  • Decluttering: Sell or donate items you no longer use. Check out Facebook Marketplace or apps like Poshmark to make some quick cash while clearing your space.

7.3. The Souvenir Shift

Instead of buying souvenirs on trips, I invest in a memorable activity—like snorkeling, a cooking class, or a unique local festival. It feels more special, and I don’t end up with a drawer full of keychains gathering dust. This habit also translates to everyday life: I’d rather spend $40 on a painting class with friends than buy another throw pillow that I don’t need.

8. Habit #7: Cultivating Multiple Income Streams

8.1. Why One Income Is Risky

Think about it: relying on just one source of income is like balancing on a unicycle. One wrong move, and you’re in trouble. Having multiple streams of income is more like riding a quad—if one tire goes flat, you can usually still move.

8.2. Side Hustle Ideas

  • Freelance Writing or Design: Websites like Upwork or Fiverr connect you with paying clients.
  • Teaching or Tutoring: Offer lessons in a subject you excel at—music, a foreign language, coding, etc. Wyzant is one platform to explore.
  • Etsy Shop: Creative? Sell crafts, digital printables, or even vintage finds on Etsy.
  • Blogging & Affiliate Marketing: Share your expertise, build an audience, and earn through affiliate links or sponsored content. It takes time, but it’s worth exploring if you love writing.

8.3. Passive Income Approaches

  • Dividend Stocks: Certain companies pay out regular dividends—reinvest or pocket them.
  • Rental Properties: If you can manage the upfront investment, renting out property can be lucrative. For smaller scale, try Airbnb with a spare room.
  • Digital Products: Ebooks, online courses, stock photography. Once created, they can sell over and over.

8.4. My Multistream Journey

I started with a little Etsy shop selling printable budget planners (funny how that synergy works, right?). It felt natural to combine my love of design with my passion for budgeting. Over time, it grew into a tidy side income, and I reinvested that money into my other projects, like this blog. Eventually, I added freelance writing gigs, affiliate marketing, and interest-bearing investments. When one channel has a slow month, another tends to pick up the slack.

9. Habit #8: Curating Your Environment (Digital & Physical)

9.1. Surround Yourself with Inspiration

You become like the five people you spend the most time with—so choose wisely. This doesn’t mean you abandon your closest friends if they’re not into personal finance; it means add people and influences that support your financial goals.

  • Join a Mastermind or local meetup group for entrepreneurs.
  • Follow personal finance influencers on social media for daily motivation (but be wary of any “get rich quick” schemes).
  • Read or listen to positive, informative content about money, success, and entrepreneurship.

9.2. Digital Detox for Your Wallet

  • Unsubscribe from store emails that lure you into sales you don’t need.
  • Clean up your social media by unfollowing accounts that trigger comparison or impulse spending.
  • Organize your digital files (receipts, tax forms, budgets) so they’re easy to find. This is a time-saver come tax season and reduces stress-related overspending.

9.3. Physical Environment Upgrades

It’s easier to be “rich in mindset” when your space feels orderly, inspiring, and calm.

  • Tidy Up: A clutter-free environment helps you think clearer about your money.
  • Designate a Finance Corner: A small nook with your computer, planner, or whiteboard helps you stay consistent with budgeting and tracking.
  • Vision Board: Create a board with images representing your financial goals—like a dream home, investment amounts, or the vacation you’re saving for.

10. Habit #9: Lifelong Learning & Mentorship

10.1. Why Continuous Education Matters

The world changes fast—especially financially! From cryptocurrencies to new apps for budgeting, there’s always something new to learn. Adopting a “rich girl” habit means never saying, “I know enough.” Instead, keep that curiosity alive.

10.2. Learning Formats

  • Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare have classes on investing, entrepreneurship, marketing, and more.
  • Podcasts & Webinars: Free and convenient. Just pop one on during your commute.
  • Books & Audiobooks: Libraries are your best friend—free knowledge, baby!
  • Conferences & Workshops: Network with like-minded people while learning from industry experts.

10.3. Finding a Mentor

  • Professional Networks: Check out events by local chambers of commerce or on sites like Meetup.
  • LinkedIn: Don’t be afraid to reach out politely to someone you admire. Genuine flattery and a respectful request for advice can open doors.
  • Community Groups: Organizations like the Rotary Club, Women in Business networks, or alumni associations can help you meet potential mentors.

10.4. My Mentorship Story

When I started KateFi, I had zero idea how to grow a finance blog. I reached out to a few established bloggers (politely!) to ask for tips. Not everyone responded, but one blogger was incredibly generous with her advice. She became my informal mentor and guided me through the early stages of SEO, affiliate marketing, and audience engagement. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to show you what’s possible.

11. Habit #10: Tracking Net Worth and Financial Milestones

11.1. Why Tracking Matters

Budgeting is about day-to-day or month-to-month finances, but net worth is the big picture. It’s the sum of all your assets (bank accounts, investments, property) minus your liabilities (loans, credit card debt, mortgages). Think of it as the ultimate financial snapshot.

11.2. How Often to Check

  • Quarterly: Minimally, check in four times a year.
  • Monthly: I do a monthly review to stay motivated and see immediate results of my new money moves.

11.3. Tools for Net Worth Tracking

  • Excel or Google Sheets: Simple, free, and customizable.
  • Personal Capital: Tracks your net worth automatically and offers insights on investment allocations.
  • Tiller Money: Pulls financial data into a spreadsheet automatically for easy tracking.

11.4. Celebrating Milestones

When you hit certain net worth milestones or pay off a big chunk of debt, celebrate—just do it responsibly. Maybe treat yourself to a small purchase you’ve been eyeing, or enjoy a special dinner. Recognizing your progress keeps you motivated on the journey.

12. Habit #11: Building a Circle of Wealth

12.1. What Is a Wealth Circle?

This isn’t a secret society—it’s about creating a strong support system that helps you grow. Think friends, mentors, family members, online communities, and even colleagues who share similar aspirations or have the knowledge to help you level up.

12.2. Networking Hacks

  • Local Events: Pop into local real estate seminars, entrepreneur meetups, or personal finance workshops.
  • Online Groups: Reddit has subreddits like r/personalfinance and r/financialindependence that are gold mines of info and support.
  • Social Media: Follow #DebtFreeCommunity or #FinancialFreedom hashtags on Instagram or TikTok for daily inspo and real-life stories.

12.3. My Personal Wealth Circle

I have a small group of friends who are just as passionate about budgeting and investing as I am. We meet for coffee once a month to chat about our current money goals, share resources, and keep each other accountable. It’s a judgment-free zone, and it’s also a lot of fun—like a book club but for finances!

13. Habit #12: The Power of Giving Back

13.1. Why Generosity Is Important

I know, it might sound counterintuitive to talk about giving away money in a post about saving and earning. But generosity has a sneaky way of coming back around. It cultivates an abundance mindset—you focus on what you have to give, not what you’re lacking.

13.2. Ways to Give

  1. Monetary Donations: Even $5 can make a difference. Regular giving also helps you budget better because you incorporate charitable giving as a line item.
  2. Time & Skills: Volunteer at local shelters, nonprofits, or community organizations. If you have specialized skills (marketing, writing, design), offer them pro bono.
  3. Resource Sharing: Organize a clothing or food drive. Share your financial knowledge with those who need it.

13.3. My Experience with Giving

When I started giving just a small slice of my income to causes I cared about, something shifted in me. I stopped feeling anxious about not having “enough.” My generosity came back in unexpected ways—like random job opportunities and new friendships. Plus, giving reminds me that I’m building wealth not just for myself but also to contribute to a better world.

14. Putting It All Together

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this mega-post, so let’s recap the “rich girl” habits you can start adopting right now:

  1. Mindset: Shift out of limiting beliefs.
  2. Budgeting: Give every dollar a job.
  3. Automation: Put your money on autopilot to avoid slip-ups.
  4. Investing: Start early, invest regularly, and let compound interest do its magic.
  5. Health: Invest in your physical and mental well-being.
  6. Experiences: Live for moments, not stuff.
  7. Multiple Incomes: Diversify your income to cushion against downturns.
  8. Environment: Curate an atmosphere that fosters financial success.
  9. Continuous Learning: Never stop educating yourself.
  10. Tracking: Monitor your net worth to see the big picture.
  11. Wealth Circle: Surround yourself with people who lift you higher.
  12. Giving Back: Cultivate an abundance mindset through generosity.

Look, I’m not going to pretend these habits will magically make you a millionaire overnight—but I will say they can transform your financial trajectory in ways you may not believe until you actually try them. The key is consistent action. Pick one or two habits to start with this week, then keep adding more as you go along.

15. Additional Resources & External Links

I want to leave you with a powerhouse list of links to help you on your journey. I’ve mentioned some of these throughout the post, but here’s everything in one place for easy reference:

  1. Budgeting & Financial Management
  2. Investing
  3. Net Worth Tracking
  4. Side Hustle Platforms
  5. Learning & Self-Education
  6. Community & Mentorship
  7. Books
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
    • The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
  8. Podcasts
  9. Mental Health & Wellness
  10. Giving Back

Closing Thoughts

Remember, these habits are not about fancy labels or high-end lifestyles—they’re about shifting your perspective, taking decisive action, and gently steering your life toward greater financial security and freedom. If I can go from stressed-out spender to confident saver, I promise you can, too.

Thank you for reading this far—you’re a rock star for powering through a 5,000+ word post! If you have any questions, want to share your own experiences, or just need some personal finance cheerleading, drop a comment or shoot me an email. I’m here for you, rooting for your success every step of the way.

Until next time, keep chasing those money goals and embrace your inner “rich girl” with pride. You’ve got this!

XOXO,
Kate

(Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional financial advice. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor or do your own research when making major financial decisions.)

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