Money can be a tricky subject, am I right? But it’s also something we all need to understand. Whether you’re trying to save more or learn wealth-building strategies, knowing how money works is really important.
Vivian Tu, a money expert and creator of “Rich AF: Your Rich BFF“, shares some great advice to help with that!
In this post, I’ll cover simple tips from Vivian on how to improve your finances, manage money in relationships, and get ready for a strong financial future!
Whether you’re a pensioner, a low-income earner or a single mother, Vivian’s financial education and wealth strategies are incredibly valuable. What makes her advice stand out is that it’s usually the kind of knowledge you’d only find in pricey wealth-building courses.
Is It Possible for Anyone to Become Rich?
One of the first questions people ask about money is, “Can anyone become rich?” Vivian says yes, but it takes more effort than most realize.
You may hear about quick success stories, but real wealth-building strategies involve long-term planning and consistency.
Vivian also explains that part of smart wealth strategies is being around people who understand money.
If you’re not in those circles, it’s much harder to succeed. Even if you work hard and get a great education, not having the same financial background can hold you back.

Vivian Lu, your Rich BFF. Author of “Rich AF”.
The Importance of Building Soft Skills
Vivian explains that becoming wealthy isn’t just about smart financial decisions; it also involves “soft skills,” which she calls “knife and fork” skills. These are the social skills needed to navigate social situations, build relationships, and open doors to opportunities.
Wealth strategies aren’t just about picking the right stocks; they also involve knowing how to network and present yourself well. People who are truly rich don’t brag about money—they talk about their experiences.
By mastering these skills, you can unlock wealth-building strategies that could help you succeed in the future.
Breaking Down the Strip Method for Financial Health
Vivian uses what she calls the “Strip Method” to help people improve their financial health. Here’s what it stands for:
S: Savings
The first step is building an emergency fund. Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, whether it’s a medical emergency or a job loss.
T: Total Debt
Not all debt is created equal. Some debts, like credit cards with high interest rates, should be tackled first. Vivian suggests making a list of all your debts, ranking them by interest rate, and paying down the highest ones first.
This is often called the “avalanche method,” and it helps you minimize the amount of interest you pay overtime.
R: Retirement
Even if you’re young, it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. Vivian points out that many people in their 50s and 60s have nothing saved for retirement, which can lead to financial stress later in life.
Take advantage of tax benefits by contributing to retirement accounts like 401(k)s or Roth IRAs.
I: Investing
Putting money into a retirement account is just the first step. You actually need to invest that money in assets like stocks, bonds, or index funds. Many people make the mistake of contributing to their retirement accounts but never investing that cash, so it just sits there.
Imagine walking into a grocery store, filling your cart with cash, and walking out without buying anything. That’s what happens when you don’t invest your savings.
P: Plan
You need to have a clear financial plan in place. This means sitting down with your partner (or by yourself) and discussing what your financial goals look like. Do you want to retire in Florida or Italy? How many vacations do you want to take each year? Do you want to pay for your kids’ education? The clearer your plan, the easier it is to map out how much you need to save and invest to achieve it.

Asking for a Raise: How to Do It Smartly
One of the most straightforward ways to increase your income is to ask for a raise. But how do you do that without sounding super entitled?
Ahh, the classic raise request—always fun, right? 😅
Well, Vivian suggests keeping a brag book—a folder where you store all the good feedback, compliments, or results you’ve achieved at work. When it comes time for your review, you can pull out concrete examples of how you’ve contributed to the company’s success.
In addition to showing your value through your work, you also need to build relationships in the workplace.
Vivian refers to this as being a “knife and fork” person, someone who is not only good at their job but also well-liked and respected. Go to the office happy hour, participate in team activities, and make sure you’re visible at work. This will make it easier for your boss to say yes when you ask for that raise.
Handling Money in Relationships
Money is one of the top reasons for tension in relationships. Vivian says that anyone who claims money doesn’t impact a relationship is lying. It’s crucial to talk about money with your partner, especially if one person makes more than the other.
You need to ensure that both partners feel respected and that no one is using money as a tool for control or manipulation.
For example, if one partner makes more money, it’s important not to “buy” affection by simply sending money or gifts. Instead, focus on creating meaningful gestures, like spending quality time together or finding thoughtful ways to support each other.
When discussing money, honesty is key—better to chat now than let financial grudges sneak up later.
Why Women Should Want a Prenup
Prenups aren’t just for rich men anymore!
What I really liked, after reading Vivian’s book “Rich AF”, is that Vivian is a really big advocate for women getting prenups as well. A prenup ensures that both partners are protected if the relationship doesn’t work out.
This is especially important for women who are building successful careers. Having a prenup in place means that you can protect your business or assets without fear of them being taken away if the marriage ends.
Vivian points out that many people mistakenly believe that prenups are only about protecting money. In reality, they’re about protecting your future and making sure that both partners are taken care of fairly. It’s not about trusting your partner—it’s about being smart and preparing for any possibility.

Diversifying Your Investments
Another important financial tip from Vivian is the need for diversification in your wealth-building strategies. Putting all your money into one thing, like stocks or real estate, can be risky. Instead, spread your investments across different types of assets. This approach helps protect you if one market crashes, so you don’t lose everything.
Consider a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and index funds. These wealth strategies give you exposure to many companies and reduce the risk of losing money on one bad investment.
How to Protect Yourself from Layoffs
With the job market constantly changing, many people are worried about layoffs. Vivian advises making yourself indispensable at work by being the go-to person for critical tasks. Whether it’s sales, IT, or customer service, being the person that the company can’t live without increases your job security.
In addition to that, Vivian suggests checking WARN notices, which are public notices companies must file if they plan on laying off a large number of employees. Keeping an eye on these notices can help you prepare if you think your company might be next.
Practical Tips for Improving Financial Health
If your financial health is in bad shape—maybe you don’t have savings, and you’re carrying a lot of debt—Vivian has some practical advice.
First, accept that getting out of financial trouble won’t be easy, but it will be temporary. You might need to cut back on non-essential expenses like dining out or shopping, but it’s only until you get back on track.
Instead of focusing solely on cutting costs, learn how to earn extra income. Asking for a raise, starting a side hustle or even switching jobs could give you the extra cash you need to build savings and pay down debt.
Take Charge of Your Financial Future

The key to financial success isn’t just about working hard or saving money. It’s about understanding the big picture, developing wealth-building strategies, and having tough conversations when needed.
For example, if you’ve ever wondered how to save 10K, it starts with making intentional choices and staying consistent with your goals.
Whether it’s asking for a raise, talking to your partner about money, or planning for retirement, being proactive is crucial. By following Vivian’s “Strip Method” and focusing on strong financial habits, anyone can improve their financial situation (in a very reasonable amount of time too!).
The path to your success might get a little tough, but with the right wealth strategies and mindset, building wealth is possible for everyone…and that includes YOU, my peeps! 💪 🔥