'Your Rich BFF' shares 3 ways to be smarter and more successful with money in 2023 (2024)

Increasing savings and paying off credit cards are among the top financial New Year's resolutions for Americans in 2023, according to a recent Bank of America survey.

But setting money goals can be easier said than done.

"When we think about budgets, we think about something that's super restrictive and makes our lives really unfun," says Vivan Tu, a former J.P. Morgan trader turned TikToker who now gives personal finance advice to her millions of followers as "Your Rich BFF."

However, being smarter with money doesn't have to be overwhelming. "Budgeting can be really easy," Tu tells CNBC Make It.

Here are her top three tips for getting better with money in 2023.

1. Follow the 50/30/20 method

The 50/30/20 method is one of Tu's favorite ways to manage her money because it can make budgeting really easy. It only requires you to track three spending categories and can help you create a budget you'll be able to maintain.

To try this strategy, start by allocating 50% of your income toward needs like rent and groceries. Next, set aside 30% for wants, such as dining out with friends, Tu says. Lastly, put the final 20% of your money toward savings, investments and paying down additional debt.

It's OK if you're off by a few percentage points when divvying up your money. This guideline can help you get started, then you can adjust the numbers according to your lifestyle, Tu says.

2. Balance paying down debt and investing

High-interest debt can easily balloon to an unmanageable amount, and it can be tempting to put all of your money toward paying it down.

However, saving for the future is important too. The earlier you start investing early, the longer you give your money to earn compound interest and grow.

It can feel like you have to choose between the two, but it's feasible to do both, says Tu, who is working with Citi to explain popular topics related to credit cards.

Start by chipping away at debts with high interest rates, she says. Higher interest rates will cost you more in the long run, so it's smart to pay those debts off first.

Next, you can turn your attention toward paying down debts with lower interest rates. Since low-interest debt tends to be less costly, you can also start putting money toward investments like your 401(k).

And don't let market volatility scare you away from investing.

"If you're planning on holding your investments and being a long-term investor for over 40 years, statistically speaking, the chances of you losing money are very low, and you're going to be able to grow your wealth," Tu says.

3. Get an accountability buddy

Whether it's saving up for a vacation or vowing to spend less money in general, letting someone know about your financial goals can help you reach them.

"My best advice is write it down on a piece of paper. Say it out loud to a friend. Have it be so that it's not just you who knows about this goal," Tu says.

It can be easy to dismiss failing to meet a goal that only you know about, but it's a little more embarrassing when you don't meet a goal that you've told others about.

"We can actually guilt ourselves into being a little smarter with our finances when we're doing it with a buddy," Tu says. If you and a friend are both trying to be more successful with money, it can be more fun to do together too, she adds.

And while it can feel taboo to talk candidly about improving your finances, there can be benefits.

"If we all talk about money, we are all better off," she says. "Having these conversations more openly means all of us get to be better."

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'Your Rich BFF' shares 3 ways to be smarter and more successful with money in 2023 (1)

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'Your Rich BFF' shares 3 ways to be smarter and more successful with money in 2023 (2024)

FAQs

'Your Rich BFF' shares 3 ways to be smarter and more successful with money in 2023? ›

The first step is to earn enough money to cover your basic needs, with some left over for saving. The second step is to manage your spending so that you can maximize your savings. The third step is to invest your money in a variety of different assets so that it's properly diversified for the long haul.

What is the best way to get rich in 2023? ›

  1. Earn more. I think one of the first steps for building wealth is to earn as much as possible for a while. ...
  2. Watch your student debt. There are different approaches to debt, but I tend to agree that there's good debt and bad debt. ...
  3. Separate time from money. ...
  4. Buy assets. ...
  5. Build assets. ...
  6. Start saving for retirement. ...
  7. Educate yourself.

What are the top 3 ways to build wealth? ›

The first step is to earn enough money to cover your basic needs, with some left over for saving. The second step is to manage your spending so that you can maximize your savings. The third step is to invest your money in a variety of different assets so that it's properly diversified for the long haul.

How do you invest your first $1,000 in 2023? ›

How to invest $1,000 right now — wherever you are on your financial journey
  1. Build an emergency fund. An emergency fund is crucial to your financial health. ...
  2. Pay down debt. ...
  3. Put it in a retirement plan. ...
  4. Open a certificate of deposit (CD) ...
  5. Invest in money market funds. ...
  6. Buy treasury bills. ...
  7. Invest in stocks.
May 8, 2023

How can we protect money in 2023? ›

5 Proven Ways to Protect Your Money in 2023
  1. Tip 1: Save more and earn more. ...
  2. Tip 2: Your bank account needs to be switched. ...
  3. Tip 3: Audit your memberships. ...
  4. Tip 4: Get your bills renegotiated. ...
  5. Tip 5: Don't forget to check your 401(k) ...
  6. Make sure you don't wait until it's too late.
Dec 24, 2022

What will 2023 look like financially? ›

In 2023, economic activity is projected to stagnate, with rising unemployment and falling inflation. Interest rates are projected to remain high initially and then gradually decrease in the next few years as inflation continues to slow.

What are the 7 secrets of wealth? ›

Here, I share a set of seven principles that reflect my overall philosophy and offer some core practices for effectively managing wealth.
  • Wealth is a responsibility. ...
  • Wealth is an instrument of choice. ...
  • Good choices require good goals. ...
  • It's a three-legged stool. ...
  • Scorecards matter. ...
  • Enough is enough.
Jul 20, 2016

What builds wealth the fastest? ›

10 Ways To Build Wealth Fast
  • Save. You can't begin any type of wealth-generation plan without having money to invest. ...
  • Buy an S&P 500 Index Fund. ...
  • Buy Dividend-Paying Stocks. ...
  • Buy a Rental Property. ...
  • Keep Asking for Raises. ...
  • Start a Business. ...
  • Broaden Your Education and Skill Set. ...
  • Set Up Multiple Streams of Income.
5 days ago

What are the 3 P's of wealth? ›

Social stratification refers to the unequal distribution around the world of the three Ps: property, power, and prestige.

Where to invest $25,000 in 2023? ›

What are the best types of investments of 2023?
  • High Yield Savings Accounts. ...
  • Short-Term Certificates of Deposits. ...
  • Short-Term Government Bonds Funds. ...
  • S&P 500 Index Funds. ...
  • Dividend Stock Funds. ...
  • Real Estate & REITs. ...
  • Cryptocurrency.

Where to invest $10,000 right now? ›

5 ways to invest $10,000
  • Fund an IRA. One of the most popular ways to invest $10,000 is funding an individual retirement account. ...
  • Invest in mutual funds or ETFs. Investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds is another option for your $10,000. ...
  • Buy stocks. ...
  • Buy bonds. ...
  • Invest in REITs.
May 3, 2023

Where to invest $10K for 1 year? ›

How to invest $10K: 9 smart ways to use your money
  • Put money in a high-yield savings account. ...
  • Pay off high-interest debt. ...
  • Max out your individual retirement account (IRA) ...
  • Fund a Health Savings Account (HSA) ...
  • Save for education costs with a 529 account. ...
  • Open a taxable investment account. ...
  • Build a CD ladder.
May 9, 2023

What banks are in danger 2023? ›

List of Recent Failed Banks
Bank NameCityClosing Date
First Republic BankSan FranciscoMay 1, 2023
Signature BankNew YorkMarch 12, 2023
Silicon Valley BankSanta ClaraMarch 10, 2023
May 8, 2023

Is my money safe in the bank in 2023? ›

While banks are insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA. "Whether at a bank or a credit union, your money is safe. There's no need to worry about the safety or access to your money," McBride said.

What is the weekly money saving challenge 2023? ›

52-Week Saving Challenge

This challenge encourages you to build a savings habit by gradually saving a little more each week. During the first week of the year, you save $1. In the second week, you save $2. And the week after that, you save $3, and so on, until you reach $52 saved for the last week of the year.

How do I become financially free ASAP? ›

8 steps to reaching financial independence
  1. Step 1: Get your own bank account. ...
  2. Step 2: Create your own budget. ...
  3. Step 3: Make a plan to pay off student loans. ...
  4. Step 4: Begin building your credit. ...
  5. Step 5: Save up for rent. ...
  6. Step 6: Learn about health insurance options. ...
  7. Step 7: Figure out transportation.

What is the fastest way to become financially free? ›

How to become financially independent: 7 helpful habits to build
  1. Clearly define your financial goals. ...
  2. Track and analyze your spending. ...
  3. Automate your money. ...
  4. Pay down your debts. ...
  5. See whether investing makes sense. ...
  6. Keep an eye on your credit score. ...
  7. Consider meeting with a financial adviser.
Oct 11, 2022

How much money do I need to be financially free? ›

Having trotted out those disclaimers, the math result is that financial independence happens when your assets are equal to your expenses divided by 4%. In other words, Assets = Expenses / 0.04 = Expenses * 25. Once your assets are 25x your expenses then you're financially independent and able to retire at any time.

Is 2023 a good time to invest? ›

U.S. equities may disappoint in 2023, but patient investors can find potential income and returns in other markets. A grueling bear market, touched off by decades-high inflation and an aggressive Federal Reserve response, made 2022 one of the most challenging years for investment returns in the last half century.

Is a recession coming 2023? ›

Geopolitical tensions, energy market imbalances, persistently high inflation and rising interest rates have many investors and economists concerned that a U.S. recession is inevitable in 2023. The risk of recession has been rising as the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in its ongoing battle against inflation.

Which is the fastest growing economy in the world 2023? ›

India Emerges As Fastest-Growing Economy Among Top 5

These widely varying figures are the real or inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) growth numbers of the world's top five economies during January–March 2023. The USA, the world's largest economy, grew 1.1 percent.

What are the 4 C's of wealth? ›

Before loaning anyone your hard-earned money, remember the 'Four Cs' of credit: character, collateral, covenants and, the most important, capacity.

What is the secret of rich people? ›

One of the biggest secrets of the rich is that they invest in themselves first. They understand that their success depends on their effort and ability, so they always look for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. As business owners, you should be doing the same thing.

What are secrets of millionaires? ›

The secret sauce to becoming a millionaire is to invest part of your income every month, and let compound interest do its work. Every dollar you save by living frugally and avoiding debt is money that can help you build long-term wealth.

What can make you extremely rich? ›

  • Establish Financial Goals. To get rich, you need to start by defining exactly what rich means to you. ...
  • Destroy Your Debt. ...
  • Create a Cushion. ...
  • Start Investing Now. ...
  • Diversify Your Portfolio. ...
  • Boost Your Income. ...
  • Learn about FIRE. ...
  • Avoid the Schemes.
Mar 24, 2023

How can I double my money fast? ›

5 ways to double your money
  1. Get a 401(k) match. Talk about the easiest money you've ever made! ...
  2. Invest in an S&P 500 index fund. ...
  3. Buy a home. ...
  4. Trade cryptocurrency. ...
  5. Trade options. ...
  6. How soon can you double your money? ...
  7. Bottom line.
Apr 7, 2023

What are the 8 areas of wealth? ›

The eight capitals: intellectual, financial, natural, cultural, built, political, individual and social. To build a region's wealth, WealthWorks considers not just financial assets, but includes the stock of all capitals in a region.

What are the four stages of building wealth? ›

Barbara Stanny describes the four stages of wealth as Survival, Stability, Wealth, and Affluence.

What stocks will make the most money in 2023? ›

10 of the Best Stocks to Buy for 2023
StockYTD Total Returns Through June 6
Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)50.7%
Walt Disney Co. (DIS)6.1%
PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL)-8.7%
EOG Resources Inc. (EOG)-10.9%
7 more rows
2 days ago

Where to invest $5,000 in 2023? ›

Here are a few options to consider if you're sitting on $5,000.
  • Buy individual stocks. When you buy individual stocks, you take on a couple of risks. ...
  • Invest in ETFs. ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, are funds that trade publicly. ...
  • Put money into real estate.
Feb 24, 2023

What is the safest investment with the highest return? ›

The Best Safe Investments of June 2023
Investment TypeSafetyLiquidity
Treasury bills, notes and bondsHighHigh
Money market mutual fundsHighHigh
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)HighHigh
High-yield savings accountsHighHigh
3 more rows
May 9, 2023

How to flip 10K into 100K? ›

Here are the most effective ways to earn money and turn that 10K into 100K before you know it.
  1. Real estate investing. ...
  2. Product and website flipping. ...
  3. Invest in index funds. ...
  4. Invest in mutual funds or EFTs. ...
  5. Invest in dividend stocks. ...
  6. Peer-to-peer lending (P2P) ...
  7. Invest in cryptocurrencies. ...
  8. Buy an established business.

Where to invest $5,000 right now? ›

What is the best way to invest $5,000?
  • Try real estate investing for rental income.
  • Invest in individual stocks.
  • Invest in mutual funds or ETFs.
  • Consider low-risk bonds.
  • Leverage robo-advisors for hands-off investing.
  • Open a CD for steady returns.
  • Put a little into cryptocurrency for high potential returns.
Mar 29, 2023

How to turn $1,000 into $10,000 quickly? ›

  1. Invest In Yourself. It's possible that you could learn something that will allow you to increase your earning potential by $10,000 per year. ...
  2. Buy Products and Resell Them. ...
  3. Start a Side Hustle. ...
  4. Start a Home Business. ...
  5. Invest In Small Businesses. ...
  6. Invest In Real Estate.

What if I invest $600 a month for 10 years? ›

If you'd invested $600 in a lump sum and allowed it to grow for 10 years at 10.3% a year, you'd have almost exactly $1,600. Stock market returns are never guaranteed, of course. But the longer your holding period is, the higher your odds of success are.

What if I invest $50 a month for 20 years? ›

Let's start with the obvious: If you're not contributing any money to retirement, even $50 per month will make a substantial difference. That monthly contribution could add up to nearly $24,600 after 20 years, $56,700 after 30 years, and $119,800 after 40 years. That's still not enough to retire on, but it's a start.

What should I invest $100 K in right now? ›

Best Investments for Your $100,000
  • Index Funds, Mutual Funds and ETFs.
  • Individual Company Stocks.
  • Real Estate.
  • Savings Accounts, MMAs and CDs.
  • Pay Down Your Debt.
  • Create an Emergency Fund.
  • Account for the Capital Gains Tax.
  • Employ Diversification in Your Portfolio.
Apr 19, 2023

What will banks never ask for? ›

Protect your Confidential Information.

Your bank will never ask for your account number, social security number, name, address or password in an email or text message.

What bank is too big to fail? ›

Companies Considered Too Big to Fail

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. Citigroup Inc. The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

What is the safest bank to bank at? ›

Asset-heavy, diversified and regulated banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank and U.S. Bank are among the safest banks in the U.S. and should be considered if you are weighing your options.

How much money can I deposit in the bank without being reported? ›

Depositing a big amount of cash that is $10,000 or more means your bank or credit union will report it to the federal government. The $10,000 threshold was created as part of the Bank Secrecy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, and adjusted with the Patriot Act in 2002.

How much money can you put in a bank without questions? ›

A cash deposit of more than $10,000 into your bank account requires special handling. The IRS requires banks and businesses to file Form 8300, the Currency Transaction Report, if they receive cash payments over $10,000. Depositing more than $10,000 will not result in immediate questioning from authorities, however.

What is the most money you should keep in a bank? ›

Most financial experts end up suggesting you need a cash stash equal to six months of expenses: If you need $5,000 to survive every month, save $30,000. Personal finance guru Suze Orman advises an eight-month emergency fund because that's about how long it takes the average person to find a job.

How to save $5000 in 52 weeks? ›

Trying to save $5,000 in one year is near impossible if you wait until the last few of the 52 weeks to actually start saving. If you take advantage of the whole 52 weeks, however, you can do it by just saving $416.67 a month, $192.31 biweekly, $96.16 a week, or $13.70 a day.

What is the $1000 challenge? ›

Middle-class incomes are stretched more than ever. Feeling the strain himself, personal finance columnist Brian O'Connor decided to put his own family's spending to the test. He began a ten-week experiment to see if his family could cut its monthly living expenses by $1,000—without sacrificing anything truly important.

How to save $10,000 this year? ›

If you need to save $10,000 a year, that means saving $833.33 a month. Breaking it down even further, this means you'll have to save $192.31 each week or $27.40 every day. If you're sharing this with a spouse – cut these numbers in two. You will need to save $13.70 a day.

What's the fastest way to get rich right now? ›

The 5 Fastest Ways To Become Rich, According To Experts
  • Avoid (and Pay Down) Debt. Debt is not necessarily bad in all instances, but it is something to be avoided most of the time. ...
  • Spend Intentionally and Minimize Costs. ...
  • Invest as Much as Possible in a Diversified Portfolio. ...
  • Work On Your Career. ...
  • Find Extra Work.
May 15, 2023

How to get rich in next 5 years? ›

  1. Know Where Your Money Is Going. Knowing where your money is going is the first step of any successful financial plan. ...
  2. Financially Educate Yourself. ...
  3. Pay Down Debt. ...
  4. Have Multiple Sources of Income. ...
  5. Increase Your 'Grow' Category.
Mar 28, 2023

How to start investing in 2023? ›

Here are five steps to start investing this year:
  1. Start investing as early as possible. Investing when you're young is one of the best ways to see solid returns on your money. ...
  2. Decide how much to invest. ...
  3. Open an investment account. ...
  4. Pick an investment strategy. ...
  5. Understand your investment options.
Mar 21, 2023

What is the year 2023 known for? ›

2023 is a year of the Water Rabbit, starting from January 22nd, 2023 (Chinese New Year), and ending on February 9th, 2024 (Chinese New Year's Eve). The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

What should I focus on 2023? ›

However, in the spirit of optimism, here are three New Year's resolutions that everyone should take to heart for a better 2023.
  • Get your finances in order. There is a good chance you have been impacted by inflation. ...
  • Limit time spent on social media. ...
  • Beat procrastination.
Dec 14, 2022

How to grow personally in 2023? ›

  1. Read something every day.
  2. Give 10% more.
  3. Improve your self-care.
  4. Develop your relationship skills.
  5. Grow your network.
  6. Keep your space tidy.
  7. Explore a professional or creative skill.
  8. Tips to Achieve Your Personal Development Goals.
May 17, 2023

How can I make money extremely fast? ›

How to make money fast
  1. Become a rideshare driver. ...
  2. Make deliveries. ...
  3. Help others with simple, everyday tasks. ...
  4. Pet sit. ...
  5. Sell clothes and accessories online. ...
  6. Sell unused gift cards. ...
  7. Earn a bank bonus. ...
  8. Take surveys.
May 8, 2023

How to get rich without a job? ›

How to Make Money Without a Job: 11 Ways in 2022
  1. 1 11 ways to make money without a real job. Get paid to test websites. Become a crowdworker. Design and sell t-shirts. Work as a transcriber. Shop for others. Sell crafts online. ...
  2. 2 Being unemployed doesn't have to mean being without money.
  3. 3 Want to learn more?
Feb 8, 2022

What to do once you get rich? ›

What will you do if you suddenly become rich?
  1. First steps. ...
  2. Gift and estate tax planning around a liquidity event. ...
  3. Take your time. ...
  4. Gauge your risk tolerance. ...
  5. Know your short-term needs. ...
  6. Liquidity needs and time horizons. ...
  7. Create appropriate estate planning structures.
Jan 5, 2023

Which stock can make you a millionaire? ›

10 Penny Stocks That Will Make You A Millionaire
  • Zevia PBC (NYSE:ZVIA) Share Price as of January 6: $4.64. Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 3. ...
  • Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE:TMQ) ...
  • Matterport, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTTR) ...
  • Absci Corporation (NASDAQ:ABSI) Share Price as of January 6: $2.43. ...
  • Unity Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBX)
Jan 10, 2023

How to become a millionaire after 60? ›

How to Become a Millionaire in Your 60s
  1. Consider Having an advisor. ...
  2. Start investing early. ...
  3. Follow a budget. ...
  4. Live within your means. ...
  5. Build an emergency fund. ...
  6. Contribute to a retirement account Early and Often. ...
  7. Take advantage of windfalls. ...
  8. Build your financial knowledge.
Sep 3, 2019

Is 50 too late to become a millionaire? ›

It's entirely possible to start a business after age 50, and Kerry Hannon profiles 20 successful older entrepreneurs in her latest book, “Never Too Old To Get Rich: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life. ” “In today's world, you don't need a brick-and-mortar store,” Hannon said.

What is the best investment for 2023 recession? ›

9 Best Recession Stocks Of 2023
  • The Best Recession Stocks of June 2023.
  • Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX)
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. ( TMO)
  • Merck & Company, Inc. ( MRK)
  • PepsiCo, Inc. ( PEP)
  • CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)
  • Ameren Corporation (AEE)
  • Xcel Energy Inc. ( XEL)

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