Lachlan Brown
We often think that wealth is displayed through flashy cars, designer clothes, and luxury vacations. But the truth is, many high net-worth individuals don’t flaunt their riches.
In fact, they often downplay their wealth, focusing more on ways to grow and manage it.
Now, if you’re curious (like me!) about how to spot these subtly wealthy individuals or if you just want to learn their habits, then this article is for you.
Let’s get started.
1) They’re surprisingly frugal
You might assume that high net-worth individuals are all about extravagant spending. But, you’d be surprised.
In reality, many wealthy people are incredibly frugal. They value their money and understand the power of saving and investing.
Sure, they might splurge on occasion, but they’re not going out every night for fancy dinners or buying the newest luxury car every year. Instead, they’re often living well below their means.
This thrifty behavior can be a pretty solid sign of someone who has a significant amount of wealth, even if they’re not flashing it around.
When you meet someone who seems unusually frugal, don’t jump to conclusions. They might just be one of those high net-worth individuals flying under the radar.
2) They prioritize experiences over material possessions
Now, this was a lesson I learned from a friend who is surprisingly wealthy.
We were planning a group trip and debating between staying at a cheaper hotel or a more luxurious one. When I suggested the cheaper option, thinking he would prefer to save his money, he surprised me.
He said, “I’d rather we stay at the nicer place. Money should be used to create memories and experiences, not just to accumulate stuff.”
That struck me. This was a man who drove a 10-year-old car and lived in a modest home. Yet, he was willing to spend on experiences rather than material possessions.
And as I’ve gotten to know more high net-worth individuals, I’ve found this to be a common theme. They often understand that experiences bring more happiness than things.
3) They are often self-made
Did you know that according to research, around 67% of today’s millionaires are self-made? That means they didn’t inherit their wealth, but rather, they earned it through hard work and smart decisions.
These individuals typically start from the ground up, which teaches them the value of money and the importance of wise investment. This early struggle often leads to a lifetime of financial prudence, even after achieving significant wealth.
If you encounter someone who has built their own business or climbed the corporate ladder from a low position to a high one, chances are they might have a high net-worth. However, with their humble beginnings and self-made journey, they might not show it off.
4) They have a long-term perspective
High net-worth individuals usually have a different perspective on time compared to the average person. They’re not focused on immediate gratification. Instead, they’re looking at the long game.
Whether it’s investing in the stock market, real estate, or even their own personal development, they understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. They’re patient and disciplined enough to wait for their investments to grow and pay off.
5) They value their time more than their money
This one really hit home for me when I started my own business. I was working round the clock, trying to keep all the balls in the air. One day, a mentor of mine, who is incredibly successful, noticed my exhausted state.
He looked at me and said, “You can always earn more money, but you can never get back your time.”
He explained that high net-worth individuals often delegate tasks that consume their valuable time. They hire experts and use their resources to create more free time for themselves.
This lesson stuck with me. Now, if I come across someone who seems to value their time more than their money, it’s a sure sign they are likely to have a high net-worth. And they might just be choosing not to show it off.
6) They’re always learning
High net-worth individuals have an insatiable appetite for knowledge. They’re not satisfied with the status quo. They are always looking for ways to improve, grow, and learn something new.
Whether it’s reading books, attending seminars, or even learning from their own mistakes, they believe that knowledge is power. This continuous learning often contributes to their ability to make smart financial decisions and grow their wealth.
7) They cultivate strong networks
The most successful, high net-worth individuals understand that their network is their net worth. They invest time and energy in building relationships, not just for their monetary value, but also for the knowledge, skills, and opportunities these relationships can bring.
They surround themselves with other successful individuals, learn from them, and also help them in return. This reciprocal relationship often leads to more opportunities that can further increase their wealth.
Final thoughts: Wealth is more than meets the eye
While it’s easy to equate wealth with flashy displays of opulence, the real signs of high net-worth often lie beneath the surface.
They’re embedded in habits, attitudes, and values that prioritize long-term growth over short-term gain, experiences over material possession, and time over money.
As famed investor Warren Buffet once said, “Wealth is the transfer of money from the impatient to the patient.”
Next time you encounter someone living a seemingly ordinary life, remember these signs. That person might just be one of those quietly wealthy individuals, meticulously managing their high net-worth while choosing not to show it off.
One thing’s for sure, the true measure of wealth isn’t always visible to the naked eye. It’s perhaps best understood as a mindset that values the right things and understands the power of discipline, patience, and smart decisions.
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