Pillars of Money

A framework for thinking about personal financial management through core pillars.

The Pillars

1. Earn — Increase your income through skills, career growth, and side ventures
2. Save — Pay yourself first; automate savings before spending
3. Invest — Put money to work through compounding (index funds, real estate, business)
4. Protect — Insurance, emergency fund, estate planning
5. Budget — Track where money goes; spend intentionally

Key Principles

• Income is the foundation — you can't save or invest what you don't earn
• Lifestyle creep is the enemy — increase savings rate as income grows
• Time in market > timing the market
• Debt is a tool — use it strategically, not emotionally