If most people were honest with themselves, they’d admit they would prefer if they were rich. There’s no shame in that; being financially successful means not succumbing to the daily stress millions of men and women face. What are the secrets of the most financially successful people? As it turns out, there are no secrets; it’s all about habits. Let’s dive in.
1. They Invest Smartly
Financially successful people invest smartly. They don’t dive into “get rich quick schemes,” they don’t throw their money around, and they don’t put their life savings into starting a bar. They’re dedicated to discipline and never make an off-the-cuff investment that may jeopardize their bank account. You’ll never hear genuinely successful people admitting they stumbled into their largesse!
2. They Are Goal-Oriented
People don’t fall into wealth by happenstance. Like other things in life, success comes when you set (often lofty) goals and do the work required to make your dreams a reality. Whether it’s setting a deadline for buying a home or giving themselves until the end of the year to land the salary of their dreams, highly financially successful people are goal-oriented, and they never lose sight of the big picture.
3. They Avoid Impulse Shopping
Impulse shopping is the bane of the average consumer’s existence. It’s a habit that successful people don’t succumb to! Every purchase adds up. It doesn’t feel like your $6 Starbucks drink every morning adds up, but trust me, it does! Unless you are filthy rich beyond your wildest dreams, most experts agree that deleting impulse-buy-friendly apps like Amazon from your smartphone and cutting back on discretionary spending.
4. They Educate Themselves
People who are good with money never stop educating themselves. Let me use you, for example. When was the last time you learned something new? When did you last learn a new skill? When did you add anything of value to your knowledge base? These are the things that separate the haves from the have-nots. Never stop learning.
5. They Are Responsible With Credit Cards
Ideally, you should use credit cards regularly and pay them off in full at the end of each statement period. Being scared of credit cards isn’t a sign of being financially savvy; it shows that you don’t have the financial acumen to be successful! At the very least, proper credit card usage has fantastic tangible benefits that can make you even more affluent, like rewards that can be exchanged for free hotel stays and flights.
6. They Have Passive Income
Financially successful people work hard for their money, but the very best don’t work at all for their money. Passive income is a revenue stream that keeps money flowing in without lifting a finger. Most people will tell you that any investment that pays dividends is perfect for passive income, whether it’s owning stocks or real estate. Being a landlord is one of the best ways to maintain a passive income!
7. They Are Ahead of Trends
Say what you want about cryptocurrency, but we’re all jealous of the lucky few who got into Bitcoin on the ground floor in the late 2010s. Some may call it blind luck, but many early adopters credit themselves for their success in cryptocurrency. Ultimately, genuinely successful people are always ahead of trends and can spot a money-making opportunity a mile away.
8. They Mitigate Risk
While exceptions unquestionably come to mind (hi, Elon Musk!), most wealthy people are excellent at mitigating risk. These people treat their bank accounts like family members and protect them at all costs. It all comes down to discipline; every financial move they make is calculated and savvy, and they would never be caught putting up any amount of money if the risk was too high. Generally, financially successful people are the opposite of gamblers.
9. They Have Emergency Funds
An emergency fund should be a staple of every person’s financial picture. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. An emergency fund is the last thing on the minds of millions of men and women, and they’re leaving themselves open to severe financial hardship if an emergency was to happen. Think about it: Without an emergency fund, you could go into debt instantly if the worst-case scenario occurs!
10. They Are Creatures of Habit
Regardless of financial situation, successful people are all creatures of habit. From going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to following the same routine during waking hours (and everything in between), habits, in general, are a hallmark of success! Let’s put it this way: Unless you’re Taylor Swift-rich, waking up at noon every day most likely tells someone all they need to know about your current financial situation.
11. They Adapt Their Budgets
Having the foresight to adapt to changing situations is yet another fantastic trait financially successful people have, especially when considering their budgets. Developing a budget is necessary in all walks of life, but pivoting and adapting their budgets on the fly requires courage! As their income levels change, they will sensibly adjust their budgets and not increase their spending just because more money is suddenly coming in (something we’re all guilty of).
12. They Don’t Overthink Things
Calm, cool, and collected: Three words that describe nearly every financially successful person. We are all guilty of overthinking things sometimes, which often contributes to our lack of financial acumen. I must admit: This trait is vital for stock market investors; I can’t believe the discipline it takes not to overthink a “down” day in the market when you can lose tens of thousands of dollars in a heartbeat!
13. They Avoid Debt
Financially savvy people are much too smart to get themselves into debt. From student loans to credit card debt to signing predatory automobile loans, the wealthiest men and women in the world avoid debt at all costs. That’s in stark contrast to you and me, however. In my eyes, getting into serious debt was a rite of passage and I only just recently escaped that quagmire!
21 States Where Squatters Can Legally Claim Your Property
Discover how squatters’ rights, or adverse possession, are more than just legal jargon—they’re stories of unexpected twists in the world of real estate. From sunny California to the historical landscapes of Pennsylvania, here’s how these laws could turn the tables on homeowners and squatters alike. 21 States Where Squatters Can Legally Claim Your Property
14 Things That Are Banned in the U.S. but Totally Fine Elsewhere
Ever feel like America’s rulebook was written by someone with a dartboard? Across the pond or down under, things get even wackier. Let’s take a walk on the wild side of global “Do’s” that are definite “Don’ts” in the Land of the Free. 14 Things That Are Banned in the U.S. but Totally Fine Elsewhere
25 American States Nobody Wants to Visit Anymore
Across the United States, some states capture the hearts and itineraries of many, while others remain quietly on the sidelines, overshadowed or misunderstood. These 25 states, facing what you might call a popularity crisis, are brimming with hidden wonders, cultural riches, and natural beauty, awaiting those willing to look beyond the usual tourist trails. 25 American States Nobody Wants to Visit Anymore
20 Foods That Are Cheaper to Eat Out Than Making at Home
In a world where convenience often wins, certain culinary delights come with a lower price tag when enjoyed at a restaurant rather than crafted in your own kitchen. Here are twenty foods that might save you both time and money when indulged in at your favorite eatery. 20 Foods That Are Cheaper to Eat out Than Making at Home
17 Things You’re Paying For, but You Don’t Have To
In the land of the free, there’s a price tag on everything, but savvy Americans know better than to open their wallets for just anything. Here are 17 expenses you’ve been shelling out for without realizing there’s a cheaper or even free alternative. 17 Things You’re Paying For, but You Don’t Have To
The post 13 Money-Savvy Habits of Successful Individuals first appeared on From Frugal to Free.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / XArtProduction.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.