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7 Mark Cuban Money Tips All Low-Income Earners Should Follow

Gabriel Vito

Mon, Apr 28, 2025, 12:39 PM 5 min read

Being broke doesn’t mean you can’t make smart money moves.

The billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor is known for his blunt, no-fluff advice and surprisingly, much of it applies to people living paycheck to paycheck. Cuban didn’t grow up wealthy and he’s always emphasized simple strategies that anyone can follow, no matter their income. Below are seven of his most practical money tips, with advice that works even if you’re starting from zero.

Also Cuban believes Trump’s tariffs will most affect low-income earners, find out why.

When you first start earning money, Cuban advises resisting the temptation to immediately upgrade your lifestyle. “The first thing you need to do is live like a student. When you get that first job, it’s really cool. I remember looking at cars and thinking, I want this car, fortunately, I kept my junker,” Cuban told Vanity Fair. If you’re already on a tight budget, staying frugal is even more crucial. Keeping expenses low and avoiding lifestyle inflation will allow you to save money or pay down debt more quickly.

For You: Mark Cuban Says He Keeps a Large Part of His Portfolio in Cash: Here’s Why

Credit cards can easily lead you into debt if you’re not careful, especially when money is tight. “Credit cards are the worst investment, unless you pay them off every 30 days. Even then, don’t do it,” Cuban explained to Entrepreneur. For low-income earners, the high interest rates on credit cards can trap you in a cycle of debt that’s difficult to break. Sticking to cash or debit helps you maintain control of your finances.

Buying non-perishable items in bulk is a practical way to save money, particularly during uncertain economic times. “It’s not a bad idea to go to the local Walmart or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now,” Cuban said on Bluesky. “From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory. Even if it’s made in the USA, they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs.” Stocking up when prices are stable helps shield you from inflation, saving you money long-term — especially valuable when every dollar counts.

Paying with cash gives you negotiating leverage and can help limit overspending. In Vanity Fair, Cuban highlights how effective this strategy can be: “Negotiate using cash. I tell people all the time, if you’re out, you’re going to take a yoga class and they want to charge you $30, say, ‘Look, I got $20.’ You know what? They’re going to take it.” Whether for a haircut, class or secondhand furniture, offering cash can often secure you a better deal.

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