4 pieces of financial advice from Rihanna that helped build her $245 million fortune

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Rihanna is worth an estimated $245 million. At 30-years-old, I'd say that's pretty good for someone who first started singing at 15 when she formed a girl group with two of her classmates from her high school in Barbados.

But it's no accident that the Work singer managed to grow her fortune so incredibly. Sure she's one of the best selling music artists of all time, and was earlier this year labelled the most streamed female artist on Spotify, and yes, she's also won nine Grammy's – but it's what she did with her wealth after her musical success that we can all learn from.

Don't worry if you're not blessed with the same vocal chords as Rihanna, because you don't need much to be able to get wealthier – it's mainly just the drive to do research, and a willingness to be more proactive in investing in your future. Here are four things we can all learn from Rihanna about how to make the most of your money.

1. Think about how you can make money in more ways than one

Rihanna became famous as a singer, but she's since gone on to become an actor and businesswoman as well. She's also a landlord and a brand ambassador for names including Puma, Balmain and Armani.

So, take a look at yourself. If you consider yourself "just" a marketing executive, an architect, a chiropractor – whatever – then think about what else you could be doing this year, next year or ten years from now to earn money outside of that one career path.

Work harder on your side hustle (a makeup or lingerie line, perhaps?), offer your unused talents by freelancing in some way or another, or maximise your Instagram following to earn a bit more money on the side. Who knows where any of those things may take you! At the very least, plan how you're going to save up to buy property so that you can earn a passive income from tenants too. Don't just think that money comes from a company or a boss.

2. Demand what you're entitled to

Rihanna famously sued her old accountant for mismanagement of funds, improper tax filing and keeping an unfair percentage of profits. It was a tough lawsuit but Rihanna stayed true to what she believed she deserved, meaning she came away with a $10 million payout in the end. The lesson here? Fight for your pay rise if you know you deserve it, and if someone owes you something and doesn't cough up – channel "B*tch better have my money" and stand your ground.

3. Find the gap in the market

Fenty is hugely successful, but you might wonder what makes it more so than the makeup lines of other celebrities. Well, Rihanna was really smart in creating something that was appealing for the masses, but also offered something to people who had been largely excluded from the market before. Fenty received a lot of hype because of the diversity of shades of foundation that were offered – an albino woman's rave review was among those from black women who had finally found the right product for their skin tone.

"We have this amazing emotional connection with customers who’ve never been able to find their shade of foundation before — women crying at the [makeup] counter — it’s crazy to even think about,” Rihanna told Vogue.

Now with her lingerie range called Savage x Fenty, Rihanna has made size inclusivity a crucial point of difference compared to other lingerie brands, saying that her range is marketed for women "of all shapes and sizes."

Look for a niche and work with it.

4. Be wise and learn from your mistakes

After the debacle with her ex-accountant, I imagine Rihanna's hired someone more trustworthy now. It's also a lesson not to blindly rely on "experts" – you also need to know what's up when it comes to your money.

Sure, Rihanna has been confronted with losses on real estate she's bought and sold, but you know what? None of that stopped her from endeavouring to invest again. Keep your long-term goals in mind, even if there are short-term consequences.

Well, even with her ups and downs, it seems Rihanna is one very smart lady when it comes to managing her money. While her lifestyle might appear totally lavish, the 30-year-old knows where to splurge and where to be sensible, all while keeping her sights set on the future.