7 Money Rules From Other Countries That Americans Should Steal
Americans are doing money all wrong. Or at least, that's what our friends overseas might suggest. While we're swiping credit cards like they're going out of style and replacing broken stuff instead of fixing it, other countries have quietly figured out money habits that actually work and that don't require a finance degree to understand.
Some of these international money rules are surprisingly practical, even for Americans juggling student loans and a caffeine addiction. Others might require you to get a little weird. But as you'll see, even small tweaks borrowed from smarter financial cultures could seriously upgrade your wallet.
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1. Make Saving Non-Negotiable
Here's the thing most Americans get wrong: savings is optional, a nice-to-have you get to after paying for everything else. Other countries flip that script. They treat saving like an electric bill: non-negotiable and automatic.
"Some cultures view saving as mandatory, and they consider any amount an expense, like groceries, clothes, etc. It's not really about being perfect — it is about being consistent," said Bob McKay, the president at Together Credit Union.
Singapore takes this seriously. People must set aside up to 37% of their paycheck through the Central Provident Fund (yes, it's mandatory). That amount may seem extreme for America, but the principle still works if you start small. Even $25 a month — automatically deducted on payday — rewires your brain to see saving as a fixed cost.
You won't miss money you never see, and over time, consistency compounds.
2. Review Your Money Monthly
Kakeibo is a Japanese budgeting method that's deceptively simple: record every purchase and check whether your spending matches your goals. The practice forces you to actually look at your money instead of letting it disappear into the digital void.
“Copying [that method] exactly would mean buying a notebook and giving up budgeting apps, and honestly that's more inconvenience than most people want to deal with,” said Nika Booth, founder of Debt Free Gonnabe.
Fortunately, you don't need to go full notebook-and-pen to capture the spirit of kakeibo. A monthly review using your budgeting app works just as well. Set a calendar reminder for the first of each month, spend 15 minutes reviewing transactions, and ask yourself the hard question: Did this align with what I wanted to spend? You'll spot leaks faster than any spreadsheet.
3. Go Old School (Just a Little)
There's a reason Germany and Japan still rely heavily on cash. It just feels different. Your brain notices physical money leaving your wallet in a way it never notices a digital transaction.
“I believe the most overlooked money rule is how Germans still lean on cash," said Booth. "Handing over actual bills creates a kind of friction a tap or swipe doesn't."
Now, going all-in on cash isn't realistic for most Americans. According to the Federal Reserve, 81% own a credit card, and our entire infrastructure is built around digital payments.
But here's what actually works: use cash for the categories where you tend to overspend: entertainment, dining out, coffee runs or whatever your money leak is. You can use cards for everything else. This hybrid approach captures the psychology without requiring you to live like it's 1995.
4. Stop Throwing Money Away
Americans tend to have a throw-it-away mentality. Europeans go about it differently.
“In Europe, I've found that they only replace something when it's worn out or unusable," said McKay. "Their first option is always to repair."
This is logical, not frugal. For most everyday items like clothes, small electronics and furniture, repair is cheaper than replacement. The only catch would be when a repair costs nearly as much as replacing. If you're dropping $300 to fix a $350 laptop, walk away. Otherwise, try to fix the item before you trash it.
5. Borrow Smart, Not Reckless
Americans love debt. You can get loans online, and loans are a near-must-have for most people seeking to attend college, buy a car or purchase a home. But debt can eat away at your ability to build wealth.
While some cultures don't take out loans, Melanie Musson, finance expert at Quote.com, noted, "It might not be practical for Americans to shun loans altogether."
The smarter move is to borrow strategically. Borrow for things that appreciate or build your future (education, homes). Skip loans for depreciating assets like cars or vacations. Musson specifically recommended "avoiding impulse spending and rising credit card balances."
Be intentional about what you borrow for, not reckless.
6. Trade Your Skills
Outside the U.S., bartering is commonplace. Bartering allows people to exchange skills instead of cash. You need your deck fixed, someone else needs their books organized. You swap.
"[Bartering] allows you to use your strengths and let others use theirs," said Musson. But it takes time.
You're dependent on finding someone with the exact opposite need at the exact same time. It's not a replacement for income or a substitute for paying your utilities. So, think of it as a bonus move, not a primary strategy.
7. Square Up Faster
Settling up with friends after a joint experience makes sense. The Dutch take it head-on.
“In the Netherlands, it's not embarrassing to ask for small amounts back," said Michael Schramm, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and founder of Emotional Finance. "If someone covers dinner, they’ll quickly send you a request, often for your exact amount, and you often pay it back quickly."
Americans can let this linger for months and get resentful. The Dutch way is smarter: clear it up immediately. Ask for payment the same day. It takes 30 seconds and keeps resentment out of friendships while training you to think about money clearly.
The Bottom Line
Not every money rule from around the world will work for you. Some are cultural, some are impractical and some are just not your style. But pick one or two that resonate, and start small.
The goal isn't to overhaul your entire financial life. It's to steal the best ideas and make them work for you.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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