Rachel Cruze: Do These 6 Things in 2026 If You Want To Be a Millionaire
In a financial world filled with cryptocurrency hype, side hustles and stories of overnight success, it's easy to feel like building wealth requires risky bets or complicated strategies. Rachel Cruze, a certified financial coach with Ramsey Solutions, recently shared that the opposite is true, arguing that mastering a few simple habits in 2026 can build wealth over time.
If this advice sounds familiar, that's because it is. Cruz doesn't use complex methods because she believes wealth can be built from consistently doing the basics well. Cruze says these are the habits people often overlook that can put them on the path to a million-dollar net worth.
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Get Out of Debt To Free Up Your Income
One of the first steps Cruze emphasizes is getting out of debt. Beyond improving your net worth on paper, eliminating debt frees up income that can be used to build wealth and reduces financial stress.
"There is something about not owing anyone anything ... the paycheck you are working so hard for is coming to you and you get to make decisions about it," Cruze said in a YouTube video.
That sense of control can be the difference between feeling stuck and making progress.
Build Emergency Savings To Break the Debt Cycle
Building emergency savings is another foundational move. Without a financial cushion, unexpected expenses often push households back into debt, creating a cycle that's hard to escape.
"Every time something happens and you continue to go into debt, life seems to be on that cycle," Cruze said.
A strong emergency fund helps break that pattern and creates stability.
Track Your Spending To Create Margin
Cruze also stresses the importance of tracking spending. Knowing where money goes each month can reveal habits that quietly undermine progress.
Keep Housing Costs From Blocking Wealth
Housing costs are another area that can quietly block wealth building. When a large share of income goes toward rent or a mortgage, there is little left for saving or investing.
"When 40%, 50%, 60% of your income is going to your housing, it is hard to build wealth with the remainder," Cruze pointed out.
Keeping housing costs manageable allows room for long-term financial goals.
Invest Consistently Instead of Chasing Trends
Once debt is eliminated and savings are in place, consistent investing becomes the key next step to building wealth. Cruze recommends investing 15% of income for retirement, emphasizing steady contributions over time rather than chasing high-risk opportunities. While trends like cryptocurrency or speculative ventures promise quick gains, long-term wealth is more often built through disciplined, repeatable decisions.
Most Millionaires Don't Look Flashy
Finally, Cruze challenges common assumptions about what wealth looks like. Referring to millionaires, she said, "They evaluate purchases and know what's important to them ... usually stuff and getting more and more nicer stuff constantly is usually not their priority."
Instead of chasing status symbols, many prioritize generosity, stability and long-term security.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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