If you are looking for a template to become an incredibly wealthy influencer, a high performance finance CEO, or the next tech billionaire overnight, this is not for you.

These are not secrets. This is not a get rich quick scheme. This is the well worn path of timeless principles for the regular guy that is looking to build wealth over time.

Rule 1: Live below your means

To do this you may need to increase income, lower expenses or a combination of both. Expenses can only be reduced so much. Income does not have an upper limit.

This is all about creating a margin between income and spending. This enables paying off debt and the unlocks the ability to invest surplus income.

Buying more stuff than you can afford is an incredible way to stay poor forever.

Consumer debt such as credit cards, auto loans and mortgages. Most of the time this is subtle. A house that stretches your finances at your current level. A car that you "deserve". These among many others are things that can erodes your margin between income and spending almost invisibly.

Rule 2: Build a buffer

Have a cash buffer to counter emergencies. Although emergencies are unplanned, they can be anticipated and planned for.

3-6 months of expenses is generally recommended.

More may be needed based on risk tolerance.

Rule 3: Automate savings and bills

Pay yourself first. Automate your savings and investments.

It won't require any additional discipline or will power to continue saving and investing. It will be automatic.

Saving and invest as much as you can. Slowly increase the percentage you save and invest as you are able to tolerate.

The math is simple.The higher the percentage of your money you invest, the faster you will reach your wealth building goals.

Rule 4: Buy appreciating assets

Invest. Not gamble. Invest.

Learn about tax advantaged retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, real estate, and other staples of investing infrastructure.

Learn about asset classes, diversification and risk.

Research the investments you are trying to buy.

Buy appreciating assets such as stocks and real estate.

Rule 5: Be patient and disciplined

Once you set up the big pieces of spending less that you earn, automatic savings and investments, the biggest remaining task that remains is to be patient.

Patiently grow income. Continue purchasing appreciating assets.

Avoid lifestyle creep that kills margin.

Don't let your lifestyle outpace your income growth

Allow compound interest to work.

Time in market beats timing the market.

Now that the basic framework is in place; don't sweat about the small purchases that won't move the needle. Your savings, bills and investments are automated. You could set the rest on fire in the driveway and still build wealth.

Building wealth for most people is not about luck or quick wins. It requires steady effort.

Be patient and disciplined.

Build wealth.

Enjoy life.