7 Steps To Get Rich and Stay Rich, According to Money Expert Vivian Tu

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Achieving financial freedom isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. Financial educator Vivian Tu, widely known as Your Rich BFF, has distilled wealth-building into a simple, actionable framework: STRIIP. This acronym stands for a step-by-step process designed to help anyone get rich—and more importantly, stay rich. By following these principles, you can build long-term wealth while still enjoying life today.

Let’s break down each component of the STRIIP method and explore how to apply it in your financial journey.

Save: Build a Strong Financial Foundation

The first "S" in STRIIP stands for Save—specifically, building an emergency fund.

Vivian Tu emphasizes that the foundation of financial health is having three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved in a high-yield savings account. This buffer protects you from unexpected setbacks like medical emergencies, car repairs, or sudden job loss.

“Without an emergency fund, bad things can happen,” Tu warns. “You want to make sure you have money to cover those last-minute expenses that you don’t plan for.”

Why a high-yield account? Because traditional savings accounts offer minimal interest—often below 0.01%. In contrast, high-yield savings accounts can offer annual percentage yields (APY) of 4% or more, helping your money grow even while it sits safely.

👉 Discover how smart saving strategies can accelerate your path to financial freedom.

Strategically Pay Down Your Debt

The "T" in STRIIP stands for Total Debt. Tu advises taking a strategic, data-driven approach to debt repayment.

Instead of spreading extra payments randomly, she recommends listing all debts by interest rate—from highest to lowest—and focusing on paying off the most expensive debt first (also known as the avalanche method). Continue making minimum payments on all accounts, but allocate any additional funds toward the top-priority debt.

This method minimizes total interest paid and shortens your repayment timeline. Whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, or personal loans, tackling them this way ensures you’re not throwing money away on avoidable interest.

“When you tackle your debt in this formation, you're paying the least in interest and getting out of debt faster,” Tu explains.

Plan For Retirement: Future-Proof Your Finances

"R" represents Retirement—a non-negotiable pillar of long-term wealth.

Tu stresses that enjoying today shouldn’t come at the cost of neglecting tomorrow. She advocates for leveraging tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as:

These accounts offer significant tax benefits and compound growth over time. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, she urges you to contribute at least enough to get the full match—it’s essentially free money.

Starting early allows compound interest to work in your favor, turning modest contributions into substantial nest eggs decades down the line.

Invest: Make Your Money Work for You

The first "I" in STRIIP stands for Invest—a crucial step in building real wealth.

“Cash sitting idle isn’t growing,” Tu points out. “You actually have to buy stuff—and by stuff, I mean investments.”

She recommends starting with low-cost, diversified options such as:

Target-date funds are especially beginner-friendly. Simply choose the fund closest to the year you turn 60, and the fund automatically adjusts its risk profile as you age—becoming more conservative over time.

For those who prefer hands-off investing, Tu suggests using robo-advisors. These platforms create personalized portfolios based on your goals, income, and risk tolerance after a quick online assessment.

“It’s super easy, and that way you get to be a lazy investor,” she says with a smile.

👉 Learn how automated investment tools can simplify wealth-building.

Prioritize Increasing Your Income

The second "I" stands for Income—a powerful lever often overlooked in personal finance discussions.

While cutting expenses helps, Tu argues that increasing income has far greater impact. “It’s a lot easier to make $5,000 more each year through asking for a raise than it is to cut out $5,000 worth of discretionary spending,” she notes.

She encourages professionals to ask for a 10% to 15% raise annually, even if they don’t always receive it. The act of asking communicates ambition and sets expectations with management.

Boosting income isn’t limited to salary negotiations. Side hustles, freelance work, passive income streams, and skill development can all contribute to higher earnings—giving you more room to save, invest, and live well without guilt.

Plan: Create a Personalized Financial Roadmap

The final "P" stands for Plan—a holistic financial strategy tailored to your life goals.

Tu emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of financial success. For some, it’s retiring early and traveling the world. For others, it’s funding children’s education or owning a vacation home.

“You do not get to ride off into the sunset on your happily ever after if you don’t have a plan,” she says.

Her advice? Calculate how much your ideal lifestyle will cost annually and determine how much capital you’ll need invested to sustain it through returns. Then reverse-engineer your savings and investment goals accordingly.

This personalized plan keeps you focused and motivated, turning abstract dreams into measurable milestones.

Bonus Step: Collaborate With Like-Minded People

While not part of the acronym, Tu adds a powerful final insight: collaborate, don’t compete.

Early in her career, she struggled with jealousy over others’ financial success. But she now believes that abundance is possible for everyone—and that surrounding yourself with supportive, goal-oriented people accelerates your progress.

“You deserve richness in your life, and it’s going to be so much easier to do if all the people around you are supporting each other.”

Sharing knowledge, celebrating wins, and holding each other accountable creates a positive feedback loop that fosters lasting wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does STRIIP stand for?
A: STRIIP is an acronym for Save, Total Debt (Strategically Pay Down), Retirement, Invest, Income (Prioritize Increasing), and Plan—a comprehensive framework for building and maintaining wealth.

Q: Can I build wealth without cutting lifestyle expenses?
A: Yes. While budgeting helps, Vivian Tu emphasizes that increasing income often has a bigger impact than cutting costs. Focus on earning more while staying financially responsible.

Q: Are robo-advisors safe for beginners?
A: Absolutely. Robo-advisors use algorithms to build diversified portfolios based on your goals and risk tolerance. They’re low-cost, transparent, and ideal for new investors.

Q: How much should I save before investing?
A: Aim to save three to six months of living expenses in an emergency fund before directing extra funds toward investments.

Q: Is retirement planning only for high earners?
A: No. Anyone can benefit from retirement accounts like Roth IRAs or 401(k)s. Starting early—even with small amounts—leverages compound growth over time.

Q: Do I need a financial advisor to follow the STRIIP method?
A: Not necessarily. The STRIIP method is designed to be self-managed. However, collaborating with trusted peers or professionals can enhance accountability and learning.

👉 Start applying these proven steps today and take control of your financial future.

By embracing the STRIIP method—backed by clear goals, disciplined habits, and community support—you can achieve lasting wealth. The journey to getting rich doesn’t require extreme frugality or risky bets. It requires consistency, intentionality, and a willingness to grow—not just financially, but personally.

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