13 rules to protect your money from inflation and build wealth

„Investing in your own knowledge yields the best returns.“
- Benjamin Franklin

arvy's Τeaser: Inflation is unavoidable – but not unbeatable. With these 13 rules, you can protect your purchasing power, build wealth, and calmly weather crises. The key lies in starting early, being disciplined, and constantly learning—and in allowing not only your money to grow, but yourself as well.

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In this episode, I talk to Thierry Borgeat, co-founder of arvy, about the most important financial and life lessons that will really help you get ahead. From inflation and dollar-cost averaging to compound interest, Thierry explains how to use your money wisely and which mistakes can cost you dearly. No empty promises, no “get rich quick” nonsense—just real facts and hard truths you need to know.

Inflation is like a silent thief – you hardly notice it, but year after year it eats away at the purchasing power of your money. In Switzerland, average inflation has been around 2% per year over the last few decades.
That sounds harmless, but after 30 years, CHF 100 is only worth around CHF 54.

If you simply leave your money in a savings account, you are sure to lose out. But with the right strategies, you can beat inflation and grow your wealth sustainably.
Here are 13 proven rules to help you do just that – inspired by the world's most successful investors.

1. Understand How Inflation Works – and Why It’s Dangerous

Inflation means goods and services become more expensive.
If your income or investments don’t grow at least as fast, you’re getting poorer in real terms.

Example: If bread costs $3 today and $4 in ten years, you’ll buy less for the same money – and this happens year after year.

Key takeaway: If you’re not investing, you’re losing money. Savings accounts alone can’t keep up.

2. Focus on Assets, Not Cash

Stocks, real estate, commodities, and business ownership are real assets – they represent tangible economic value.
When prices rise, these assets often rise with them.

Example: Luxury brands like Hermès or Ferrari regularly raise prices without losing customers. As a shareholder, your slice of the pie grows too.

3. Start Now – Time Beats Timing

Many people wait for the “perfect moment.” The truth? You only know the perfect time in hindsight.
What matters is time in the market, not perfect timing.

Pro tip: Someone who invested $10,000 into the MSCI World Index 30 years ago would have seen it multiply several times over – despite crashes and crises.

4. Use Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Invest a fixed amount every month, no matter where the market stands.
Sometimes you buy at higher prices, sometimes at lower – over time, your average cost smooths out.
This also removes emotion from investing.

Example: $500/month into an ETF for 20 years = a six-figure portfolio, even with modest returns.

5. Don’t Fear Investing a Lump Sum

Historically, putting a large amount to work immediately beats spreading it out over time – because markets go up more often than they go down.
But this works only if you can handle short-term drops without panicking.

6. Build Your Emergency Fund First

Before you invest, you need a safety net: 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses in an accessible account.
This gives you peace of mind and prevents forced selling during downturns.

7. Avoid Debt When Investing

Leverage can amplify gains – but it can also wipe you out.
One market crash can erase everything if you borrowed to invest.
Only invest money you actually own.

8. Let Compound Interest Work for You

Reinvest profits and dividends so your money earns returns on returns.
Over decades, even small returns snowball into massive wealth.
Warren Buffett built most of his fortune not just through smart investing, but through over 70 years of uninterrupted compounding.

9. Learn the Rule of 72

Divide 72 by your annual return to estimate how many years it will take for your money to double.
Example: At 8% per year → 72 ÷ 8 = 9 years.

10. Stay Calm When Markets Swing

Market drops of 10–20% happen almost every year somewhere.
The best investors buy more when others sell.

Mindset shift: Think of falling prices as a “sale” on quality assets.

11. Avoid “Get Rich Quick” Schemes

Whether it’s hype coins, penny stocks, or shady platforms – the odds of losing money are far higher than hitting the jackpot.
Serious wealth building takes time, discipline, and patience.

12. Control Lifestyle Inflation

Many people spend more as they earn more – a trap called “lifestyle inflation.”
Instead, invest a set percentage of every raise or bonus. Your wealth will grow much faster.

13. Invest in Yourself

The best ROI often comes not from markets, but from you:
Education, health, new skills, and strong networks increase your earning power and open doors to better opportunities.