Which wealth-building principle relates to saving before spending?

• A. Invest all money in the stock market.
• B. Don't save at all.
• C. Save by paying yourself first.
• D. Spend more than you earn.

Answer: (C)

Paying yourself first means treating savings as a non-negotiable priority right after you earn income. By automating a portion of your pay to go directly into savings or investments, you establish a consistent habit that builds wealth over time. This approach removes the temptation to spend first and rely on leftover money, which almost always disappears. It creates a firm foundation for emergency funds, retirement, and goal-oriented saving.

This is why saving before spending is the best match for wealth-building. It ensures you actually accumulate assets rather than chasing growth with no reserve, and it counters the risk of spending more than you earn or trying to invest everything without a safety cushion.