2 Things You Can Spend Money on That Will Actually Make You Richer
Discover the two smart spending habits that build wealth over time, turning everyday expenses into long-term financial gains.
In a world obsessed with saving every penny, it’s easy to overlook the power of smart spending. While cutting expenses is crucial, true wealth building comes from spending money on things that generate more money in return. This article reveals the two essential categories where your dollars should flow to make you richer over time, drawing from timeless financial wisdom and modern data.
Understanding the Difference: Assets vs. Liabilities
Before diving into what to spend on, grasp the core principle popularized by Robert Kiyosaki in ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’: assets put money in your pocket, while liabilities take it out. Spending on assets builds wealth; spending on liabilities drains it. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, households with higher net worth allocate more to assets like stocks and real estate.
For example, buying a luxury car is a liability—depreciating and costing maintenance. In contrast, investing in dividend stocks is an asset, providing passive income. This mindset shift is foundational: evaluate every purchase by whether it appreciates or generates returns.
Thing #1: Productive Assets That Generate Income
The first smart spend is on productive assets—items or investments that produce cash flow. These include rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, or even a small business. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that real estate investors see average annual returns of 8-10% through appreciation and rent.
- Rental Real Estate: Purchasing a property to rent out turns your money into monthly income. Start small with a duplex or use platforms like Fundrise for fractional ownership, minimizing upfront costs.
- Dividend Stocks: Companies like Procter & Gamble offer yields over 2.5%, compounding over time. Vanguard data shows dividend aristocrats outperforming the S&P 500 by 2% annually over decades.
- Peer-to-Peer Lending: Platforms like LendingClub allow lending money at 5-7% interest, higher than savings accounts.
Table comparing common productive assets:
| Asset Type | Average Annual Return | Risk Level | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Property | 8-10% | Medium | $50,000+ |
| Dividend Stocks | 4-7% | Medium | $100 |
| P2P Lending | 5-9% | Medium-High | $25 |
| Index Funds | 7-10% | Low-Medium | $1 |
Start by allocating 10-20% of income to these. Over 20 years at 8% return, $500 monthly grows to over $300,000, per compound interest calculators from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Thing #2: Investments in Yourself for Higher Earnings
The second powerhouse spend is investing in yourself—education, skills, health—that boosts earning potential. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) finds that each additional year of education increases earnings by 10% on average.
Consider:
- Education and Courses: Online platforms like Coursera offer certifications for under $500, leading to 20% salary bumps in fields like data analysis.
- Health and Fitness: Regular gym or nutrition coaching reduces medical costs. CDC data shows healthy habits save $3,000 annually in healthcare.
- Networking Events: Conferences yield high-ROI connections; professionals report 15-25% career advancement from targeted networking.
A study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce reveals that individuals with bachelor’s degrees earn $1 million more over a lifetime than high school graduates. Spend $5,000 on a bootcamp today for a $20,000 annual raise tomorrow.
How to Implement These Spending Strategies
Transitioning to richer spending requires discipline:
- Audit Your Budget: Track expenses for 30 days using apps like Mint. Cut liabilities like unused subscriptions (average $200/month waste per household, per Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Set Allocation Rules: Follow the 50/30/20 rule—50% needs, 30% wants (prioritize assets), 20% savings/investments—but tweak to 50/20/30 favoring growth spends.
- Automate Investments: Dollar-cost average into index funds via Vanguard or Fidelity for hands-off growth.
- Measure Progress: Review net worth quarterly. Tools like Personal Capital track asset growth.
Real-world example: A 30-year-old investing $400/month in S&P 500 at 10% historical return retires a millionaire by 65, per Vanguard simulations.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Spending to Get Richer
Not all ‘investments’ pay off. Beware:
- Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: Cryptocurrency hype or MLMs often lose money; SEC warns 90% of day traders underperform markets.
- Over-Leveraging: Debt-financed assets without cash flow lead to bankruptcy. Maintain emergency fund covering 6 months expenses.
- Impulse Buys Masquerading as Assets: That ‘business opportunity’ gadget? Test ROI first.
Long-Term Impact: Building Generational Wealth
Spending on these two things compounds across generations. The Federal Reserve notes top wealth holders derive 60% from investments, not salary. Teach kids early: family stock accounts or real estate co-ownership build habits.
Pro Tip: Tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs supercharge returns—$7,000 annual limit grows tax-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I have no money to spend on assets right now?
Start micro: Apps like Acorns invest spare change. Build from $5/week.
Is real estate still viable in 2026 with high rates?
Yes—rents rise with inflation. Focus on cash-flow positive properties.
How much should I spend on self-investment?
5-10% of income; prioritize high-ROI skills like coding or sales.
What’s the best first asset for beginners?
Low-cost index funds—diversified, historical 10% returns.
Can spending on experiences count as self-investment?
Absolutely if they build networks or skills, like industry conferences.
This approach flips spending from drain to engine. Implement today for a richer tomorrow.
References
- 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances — Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 2022-10-01. https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf22.pdf
- Consumer Expenditure Survey — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2025-09-10. https://www.bls.gov/cex/
- Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index — Vanguard Group. 2025-01-15. https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vig
- Compound Interest Calculator — U.S. Department of the Treasury. 2024-05-20. https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-calculator/savingsCalculator.htm
- Education at a Glance 2024 — OECD. 2024-09-12. https://www.oecd.org/education/education-at-a-glance/
- Chronic Disease Prevention — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2025-03-05. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/index.htm
- The College Payoff — Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. 2023-08-07. https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/collegepayoff-complete.pdf
- Investor Alerts on Day Trading — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 2024-11-20. https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-and-bulletins/ib_daytips
- Retirement Topics – IRA Contribution Limits — Internal Revenue Service. 2025-11-01. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits
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