Want to get ahead financially? Start with your rocks

Life is busy. Work, family, bills, and distractions all compete for your time and money. But if you don’t set priorities, the “sand” (small, unimportant stuff) fills your days—and your financial goals never get done.

That’s where the rocks, pebbles, and sand strategy comes in:

• Rocks = top priorities
  Big things that grow your wealth—like saving, investing, advancing your career, or building your business.
  Always schedule these first.
• Pebbles = secondary goals
  Skill-building, networking, or activities that support your Rocks.
  Important, but not urgent.
• Sand = distractions
  Scrolling social media, impulse spending, or other “time-wasters.”
  Only add these once Rocks and Pebbles are in place.

Focus on Rocks first and you’ll:
• Build long-term wealth (investments, property, retirement savings).
• Improve productivity and decision-making.
• Reduce waste and distractions.
• Stay financially disciplined and on track for your goals.

The takeaway:
If you fill your jar with sand first, there’s no room for rocks. But if you start with rocks, everything else will still fit.