Forget 200-page finance books and complicated investment strategies. If you’re a Henry (High Earner, Not Rich Yet) what really matters are simple, repeatable rules that guide your financial decisions. Follow these 10 Rich-ish rules, and you’ll transform your income into lasting wealth.
Rule 1: Pay Yourself First
Before spending on bills, dinners, or gadgets, set aside money for savings and investments. Automate it. Your future self will thank you.
Story Example: Henry, 31, set up an automatic transfer of £1,000 each month to his ISA. Even on weeks he wanted to splurge, the money was already invested. Five years later, he was pleasantly surprised by how much had grown.
Rule 2: Automate Everything
Automation removes the risk of procrastination and forgetfulness. Set up automatic transfers to ISAs, pensions, and savings accounts. You don’t need to micromanage your money — let the system do it.
Rich-ish Tip: Use a separate account for investments so you see growth distinctly from daily spending.
Rule 3: Avoid Lifestyle Creep
Every pay rise doesn’t have to become a new baseline for spending. Increase savings and investments first, then adjust lifestyle.
Story Example: Henry earned a £5,000 raise but kept living the same. He redirected the raise to his ISA, accelerating his long-term growth without feeling deprived.
Rule 4: Know Your Numbers
Track your income, spending, investments, and net worth. Knowledge is power, and ignoring it is like driving blindfolded.
Rich-ish Tip: Monthly check-ins are enough. Use apps or spreadsheets to keep it simple.
Rule 5: Focus on What You Can Control
Don’t worry about market timing, economic news, or the latest investment fad. Control your savings rate, diversification, and discipline.
Story Example: While friends panicked during market dips, Henry stayed consistent with his investments and benefited from long-term growth.
Rule 6: Use Tax-Efficient Accounts
ISAs and pensions aren’t optional — they’re essential. Maximise your allowances yearly. Every unused allowance is effectively money given to HMRC.
Rich-ish Tip: Automate contributions to hit your allowance before the tax year ends.
Rule 7: Keep It Simple
Complex strategies are often more stressful than rewarding. Low-cost index funds, ETFs, and straightforward allocation strategies outperform most attempts to beat the market.
Story Example: Henry spent years trying to pick individual stocks, only to realize a simple diversified fund would have been better. He simplified and saved both time and stress.
Rule 8: Protect Yourself
Insurance, emergency funds, and risk management are often overlooked. Protecting your downside prevents financial disasters that can wipe out years of progress.
Rich-ish Tip: Keep three to six months of essential expenses in a high-interest savings account or Cash ISA.
Rule 9: Invest for the Long Term
Wealth is built slowly, not overnight. Compounding is your best friend, and patience is your secret weapon. Avoid frequent trading, market timing, or chasing trends.
Story Example: Henry invested steadily in his Stocks & Shares ISA over 10 years. Even through market dips, consistent investing built more wealth than short-term speculation ever could.
Rule 10: Review and Adjust Regularly
Set aside time quarterly or annually to review your net worth, savings, and investments. Adjust contributions and goals as your income, life circumstances, and ambitions evolve.
Rich-ish Tip: Use these reviews to reinforce discipline, catch leaks, and celebrate progress — it keeps motivation high.
Putting It All Together
These ten rules aren’t revolutionary individually, but together, they form a framework that transforms high income into real wealth. Henrys often get stuck trying to outsmart the market or chasing the next opportunity. The truth? Discipline, automation, and simple strategies win over time.
Story Example: Henry, 36, applied all ten rules consistently: automated savings, controlled lifestyle, simple diversified investments, and regular reviews. Ten years later, he’s financially independent enough to choose projects, reduce work hours, and travel — all while maintaining his lifestyle.
Rich-ish Rule of Rules
Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need to do everything perfectly. You just need to do the right things consistently over time. Small, repeatable actions compound into big results.
What can you do now?
Start implementing these ten rules today. Pick one rule to apply immediately and automate it. Follow Rich-ish for ongoing tips, practical strategies, and stories to help you climb the ladder from high earner to truly wealthy — the Henry way.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and you should do your own research or speak to a regulated adviser before making investment decisions.