The Timeless Money Lessons from The Richest Man in Babylon

If you’ve been part of my Tribe for a while, you know I love simple, timeless financial wisdom. And honestly, few books capture that better than The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.

This classic is written as a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon, but don’t let that fool you—the lessons are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago! Let's take a look at the principles in the book:

1. Pay Yourself First

The richest man in Babylon, Arkad, teaches us the golden rule: save at least 10% of everything you earn before you spend a cent - even better if you can afford to do more. Sounds familiar, right? It’s the same principle we talk about when we discuss building wealth—your money must first serve your future before it serves your lifestyle.

2. Control Your Spending

We live in a world of endless wants, but Clason reminds us: distinguish between needs and desires. Just because you can buy something doesn’t mean you should. A budget isn’t about restriction or deprivation, it’s about directing your money toward what truly matters to you.

3. Make Your Money Work for You

Saving is only the first step. The next? Invest. In Babylon, they call it “making gold multiply.” Today, we call it compounding. Whether it’s investing in ETFs, unit trusts, or even your retirement annuity, your money should never just sit idle.

4. Protect Your Wealth

Clason warns against “risky ventures” and promises of quick riches. Sound familiar to today’s scams, gambling and too-good-to-be-true investments? Always do your due diligence, seek professional guidance, and understand where your money is going.

5. Invest in Yourself

This one is my favourite. Arkad stresses that your greatest asset is your ability to earn. Whether it’s taking a course, improving your skills, or growing your knowledge of money—investing in yourself pays the best dividends.

Even though the book was published nearly 100 years ago, its wisdom hasn’t aged. It reminds us that financial success is not about luck or fancy tricks—it’s about discipline, patience, and intentional choices.

For me, reading The Richest Man in Babylon was like being reminded that wealth isn’t complicated. It’s about small, consistent actions that, over time, create freedom and options.

💡What is one financial habit you can commit to today that your future self will thank you for?