Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can certainly buy peace of mind and flexibility. As such, it’s crucial that you understand how many works, how to make money, and how to maximize your wealth. These traits, taken collectively, can transform you from a typical 9-to-5 worker to a money guru.

Even acknowledging the importance of getting better with money, actually taking action is easier said than done. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can about personal finance if you’re really wanting to boost your income, and, ultimately, your wealth. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind as you work to become a money guru.

Save money whenever possible.

Even when you have the money to pay for something, if you never pay full price you’ll be getting ahead even as you have to spend money. Comparison tools are critical to saving money, whether it’s looking for ways to save on your internet service or finding different online coupons before making a large purchase like a new computer.

Moneygains is one such example of a comparison tool that makes it easier to save money. Moneygains lets users quickly compare different electricity providers so that they can save on their monthly utility bills. These regular kinds of charges add up on an annual basis, so cutting your energy bill in half can really go a long way to giving you more breathing room in your budget each month. Beyond that, the money you save each month can be invested in other ways, continuing to help you get ahead.

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Learn to code and leverage these skills as much as possible.

It’s no secret that the field of computer science can be incredibly lucrative. It’s 2020 and those same skills are just as in-demand as they were ten years ago, with no signs of slowing down. One coding language worth learning is Python, which has a wide range of applications in the finance and tech space.

Nick McCullum is one leading educator working to help people learn how different Python functions and codes can be applied to wide data sets and lists in the financial space. His courses are straightforward and affordable, making even complicated-sounding phrases like maintainers, dimensional arrays, or np.arange clear and understandable. If you’re interested in learning how to use Python in order to streamline some of your own financial analysis or just want the skill on your resume to find a new job, an online course can be a great way to build the skills you need without re-enrolling in a formal school.

Stick to a written budget.

Having a budget goes a long way to offering you financial security. This is because a budget clearly delineates your priorities and holds you accountable for these kinds of decisions. Just as your calendar showcases how you spend your time, a written budget illustrates your values in regards to your finances. You may say that you care about saving money each month, but if you spend more money in your budget at drive-throughs than in automatic deposits to your savings account, something clearly isn’t adding up. Make sure that your written budget aligns with your true priorities and values so that you have a way to get ahead each month without making frivolous purchases.

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Increase your income.

Many financial gurus try and get you to save money by cutting expenses. However, sometimes it’s just as important to find ways to increase your income if you really want to boost your wealth. For example, even finding a side hustle or a part-time job for ten hours a week could drastically increase your financial station.

Hypothetically, you could make at least $15 an hour doing some freelance work online. If you were able to dedicate 10 hours per week to this enterprise, you’d make an extra $150 a week — which adds up to $600 a month. Even if you drink one $5 coffee every day, cutting out your annual coffee habit completely only comes out to about $150 a month (and the sacrifice of your daily caffeine ritual). In this example, increasing your income is far better than solely cutting your spending.