I noticed something interesting while observing the people around me. Most of the advice we receive talks about how to get rich, how to build wealth, how to become wealthy. But no one really talks about the opposite path — how to become poor, or rather, how to stay poor.

It's strange because if you don't know what not to do, you're playing completely blind. So I thought it was time to look at the other side of the coin. The proven steps to go bankrupt quickly or stay in poverty for the rest of your life.

Let's start with the classic: always spend more than you earn. Use loans for everyday things, as expensive as possible. Payday loans, microcredit apps, credit cards with crazy interest rates. That's the foundation of how to become poor in just a few years.

After that, avoid learning anything about money. Really, don't try to understand how banks work, what inflation is, or how compound interest can work for or against you. Assume it's too complicated or just a scam. This deliberate ignorance is your best ally.

And of course, never invest. Keep everything in cash or on a debit card. Markets are scary, too complicated. Let your money sleep somewhere where it slowly loses its value.

Live on a single income. End of story. If things get tough, cross your fingers and pray. The idea of developing new skills or finding additional income? No thanks. That's too much effort.

Also buy things to impress people. Designer clothes, the latest gadgets, a car you clearly can't afford. Appearance over logic, that's the rule. How to become poor quickly? Do exactly that.

And don't waste your free time learning something new. Watch shows, endlessly scroll your phone. Learning? That's for nerds. Waste those hours; they'll never be useful to you.

Also avoid taking responsibility for your situation. Blame your boss, the economy, your parents, anyone but yourself. It's so much easier to make excuses than to do the work.

And finally, party regularly, gamble your money, try drugs, completely ignore your health. Surround yourself with people doing exactly the same. That's the real accelerator, the turbo to stay poor.

If you follow this program to the letter, success — that of remaining poor — is guaranteed. It's almost funny when you think about it. Some people do all this unconsciously, others do it deliberately. But the result is the same.