Ankur Warikoo’s 5 Couple Money Rules: Investing Before Spending, Prioritizing Experiences

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo discusses the five core money rules that he and his wife, Ruchi, follow as a couple. Warikoo, who notes that neither he nor his wife were born into wealth and only experienced financial abundance in the last 6-7 years, shares their principles for building wealth and living a fulfilling life at the age of 46, with two children aged 15 and 9.

One of the foundational principles Warikoo highlights is the distinction between spending to appear wealthy and spending to become wealthy. He states:

“We don’t spend to look rich. We spend to become wealthy.”

Warikoo elaborates that their financial strategy prioritizes investments in assets, stocks, and gold. This approach means they own only one house and use a rented car, consciously avoiding purchases made solely for outward display of financial success. As Ankur Warikoo points out, “We buy nothing just to show people how well we’re doing :)”.

Prioritizing Health and Experiences

Beyond wealth accumulation, Warikoo emphasizes the importance of judicious spending on well-being and life experiences. He notes that high-quality food is a significant area of expenditure for his family, viewing it as crucial for health.

According to Ankur Warikoo, the investment in good food, even if not cheap, is a worthwhile one. He mentions their practice of sourcing organic vegetables from a rented farm and their preference for home-cooked meals over frequent takeout. This reflects a broader philosophy he shares:

“What goes into your body matters most.”

Furthermore, Warikoo advocates for prioritizing experiences over material possessions. He shares that his family embraced travel extensively, spending 116 days away from home in the previous year. They are willing to allocate funds for activities like attending live sporting events, visiting museums, or engaging private guides for cultural enrichment.

Investment and Continuous Learning

A key tenet of the couple’s financial discipline, as outlined by Warikoo, is the practice of investing before spending. This means that upon receiving income, the immediate priority is to allocate funds to investments.

Warikoo explains their system: “The day our income arrives, we invest. We live on what’s left.” He illustrates this by noting that only a small portion of their income typically remains by the end of the month, with the majority already at work through investments.

The Value of Lifelong Learning

Another non-negotiable aspect of their financial philosophy, according to Warikoo, is the commitment to continuous learning. They maintain no specific budget for books and educational pursuits.

The Warikoo household is described as a haven for reading, with all family members engaging in extensive reading and pursuing various classes. As Ankur Warikoo puts it, they invest in skills ranging “from pottery to piano to Python.” This dedication to learning underscores their belief in personal growth as a vital component of a wealthy and fulfilling life.

In closing, Warikoo acknowledges that these rules are personal and may not suit everyone, but he stresses the importance for each individual or couple to establish their own financial guidelines. His insights offer a practical framework for those looking to shift their spending habits towards wealth creation, health, experiences, and lifelong learning.