Ep 469 The Money Habit: Mike Michalowicz on How to Finally Take Control of Your Finances

The Money Habit on How to Finally Take Control of Your Finances

 

What if your biggest money problem isn’t how much you earn—but how you manage what you already have?

 

In this week’s episode of Richer Soul, bestselling author Mike Michalowicz (Profit First, Clockwork, All In) returns to share insights from his new book, The Money Habit. It’s a simple, behavior-based approach to mastering personal finances—no spreadsheets, guilt, or complicated budgets required.

 

Key Insights from the Conversation: 

1. Making Money Is One Skill—Keeping It Is Another. Most people learn how to earn but never master how to keep money. Mike reminds us that wealth isn’t built by income alone—it’s built by intentional systems that preserve and direct your money before it slips away.
2. Financial Independence vs. Financial Freedom. Financial freedom is doing what you want, when you want, without worrying about money. Financial independence means having authority over your money—so it no longer controls you. That authority starts with awareness.
3. How Credit Cards and “Points” Hack Our Brains. Credit cards are engineered to make you spend more. Points and perks are psychological triggers that override rational decision-making. Mike shows how to flip the script by setting up commitment devices—systems that protect you from yourself.
4. Build Your Money “Envelopes” at the Bank. Instead of one big account, divide your money into clear purposes—needs, wants, dreams, and slush funds. Label debit cards for each category. When you spend, you’ll instantly see whether you’re honoring your priorities or drifting off course.
5. Teach by Example. Your kids don’t learn about money from what you say—they learn from what you do. Modeling calm, structure, and intentional spending plants lifelong financial wisdom in the next generation.

 

Money Learning from Mike:

We often think more money will solve our problems. It won’t. The real transformation happens when we gain authority over what we already have. Whether you earn $50,000 or $500,000 a year, financial independence starts by giving every dollar a job before it leaves your account.

 

Key Takeaway:

Financial peace isn’t found in making more—it’s found in mastering what you already have. Start small: create one new account for your biggest money worry today, label it clearly, and fund it consistently. Small actions, done repeatedly, become lifelong habits.

 

Bio:

Mike Michalowicz (my-CAL-o-wits) is the entrepreneur behind four multi-million-dollar companies and the author of bestselling business books including Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and All In. His newest book, The Money Habit, is a groundbreaking approach to personal finance. The television host of The 4 Minute Money Maker and a former columnist for The Wall Street Journal, Mike now travels the world helping individuals grow thriving businesses and live richer lives.

 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeMichalowiczFanPage/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemichalowicz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mikemichalowiczofficial

TikTok: Mike Michalowicz

https://dontwritethatbookpodcast.com/

https://mikemichalowicz.com/mikespodcast/

https://substack.com/@mikemichalowicz?utm_source=user-menu

 

Hear the full conversation with Mike Michalowicz on the Richer Soul podcast — where we explore the systems and mindsets that help you live richer in every area of life.

 

#TheMoneyHabit #MikeMichalowicz #ProfitFirst #FinancialIndependence #WealthBuilding #MoneyMindset #RicherSoulPodcast #RockyLalvani

 

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let’s talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let’s figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It’s about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening!

 

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Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast

 

Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.