It’s no secret that a lot of us want to be rich. After all, who doesn’t want to live a life of leisure in luxury? However, while a lot of us also know that to get there requires a lot of hard work, there are a few other steps you need to become acquainted with.
As there’s no such thing as overnight success, the habits you pick up to grow your wealth are going to require some patience and practice but will be well-worth it in the end. Check them out below:
Pick up a side hustle
Having a side hustle is going to be one the first ways you can not only gain some extra income but establish yourself for a skill or service. This can mean anything from hosting a drop shipping business to even just running a store on Etsy. Look into what you’re passionate about, and who knows? Maybe it’ll become your full-time gig.
Have saving goals
As you’ve probably heard 100 times before, saving money is absolutely imperative for financial freedom. However, it’s something that collectively we haven’t been as attuned with, as according to GoBankingRates, a shocking 69 percent of Americans has less than $1,000 in their savings account. Take the time to set aside some of your paychecks as you never know when a rainy day is going to come.
Budget for the experiences
Another practice of the super wealthy when it comes to savings is setting aside funds for the experiences they want to have. Regardless of income, everyone has some dream vacation or adventure they want to go on, which you shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to pursue. Whether it is a wine tour through Napa Valley or hiking in Peru, make an effort to put these activities as a priority.
Spend money where it counts
There are certain events in life that you’re going to want to remember forever, but come with a hefty price tag. Which, if you already know the cost of a wedding or how much a car is going to be, then why try to finagle your way around it? Be honest about the experiences you’ll want to have, and the reward will be much richer.
Pay attention to your credit
Your credit score is going to be the lifeblood of how much people are going to be willing to lend to you, so it’s best to utilize it wisely. If you’re unsure or don’t know how you’ll get out of the hole, not to worry, as there are plenty of firms out there whose job is to fix credit. Make an effort to develop this, as it will serve you well in the long run.
Invest early
While a lot of people fear the stock market in thinking it’s a gambling person’s game, it can actually be a great way to get rich slowly. Yet, not everyone sees it this way, because as noted by Gallup, only 52 percent of Americans have money in the market, a record low. Some places to consider include Index Funds, Roth accounts, or even a 401k.
Cut out some of the short-term spending
Noting our point above on saving for experiences, it’s important to consider the little things you’re spending money on unnecessarily. This includes activities like going out to eat, which according to CNBC, accounts to approximately $140 per month in excess costs.
Don’t buy expensive just because you can afford it
Do you want to know what the most popular car choice of the wealthy is? According to a study by Experian, Honda, Fords, and Toyotas. The rich don’t always want to show off their wealth, but even more, they view their car as a utility, something that doesn’t need to be excessive.
Real estate can have good returns
Perhaps one of the soundest investments you can make long-term is with real estate. According to Investopedia, investment in commercial real estate comes around 9.5 percent, with residential around 10.6percent. These figures beat out the S&P 500’s rate at 8.6 percent, even when factoring in recessions.
Stay away from loaning money
It’s true that there’s such a thing as ‘healthy’ debt, where you’re not biting off more than you can chew, as well as can make payments on-time over the course of a couple of years. However, be very wary of things like credit card debt or loaning money for leisurely activities, as according to NerdWallet, the average credit card debt is $16,883. The interest alone on a balance like that could be crippling, so be mindful of being able to pay every month.
Always focus on your passion
A big thing any wealthy person will tell you is to focus on your passions, and the rest will come. While it sounds cliche, being excited about going to work every day will seriously increase your drive and hustle.
Stay grounded in your decisions
Whether it be investing in the stock market, a startup, or even a piece of property, always is mindful of the risk involved. Sure, taking big risks can have big rewards, but also some sizable losses as well. As noted by MarketWatch, those who are after a five-year return fall within a range of +33.35 percent to a -13.22 percent. That’s a pretty wide spread and one that should not be taken lightly.
Turn yourself into a business
As we mentioned above on your side-hustle, turning yourself into a business/becoming self-employed is one of the most important ways of getting rich. There’s just so much more upside in setting your own price, schedule, and work/life balance. Plus, as the Bureau of Labor Statistic notes, 10 percent of all workers are now self-employed, a number that’s only going to increase steadily.