7 Signs You’re Winning with Money and How to Get There
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on the right track with your finances, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode, I broke down seven key signs of financial success—along with some practical steps you can take to improve your money habits and gain financial peace of mind.
Some of these signs are tied to numbers. Others reflect character, values, and how we relate to money emotionally. So even if you’re not quite where you want to be yet, there’s hope—and a clear path forward.
1. You’re Living Without Debt (or Paying It Off Aggressively)
Let’s start with the big one: debt. Right now, 77% of American households carry debt, and the average adult owes around $6,672. If you’ve paid off your debt or are actively working through it with a solid plan, you’re ahead of the curve.
One of the best strategies I recommend is the debt snowball method. You list your debts from smallest to largest, pay minimums on everything, and throw everything extra at the smallest one. That first win builds momentum—and before you know it, you’re knocking them down one by one.
2. You Have Real Savings
Do you have an emergency fund or savings for the future? According to the data, the median savings balance in the U.S. is:
- $5,400 for Americans under 35
- $7,500–$8,700 for those aged 35 to 64
If you’re saving beyond that—or even working your way there—you’re on the right path. I recommend building a starter emergency fund of $1,000, followed by a 3–6 month fund in a high-yield savings or money market account to cover your essential expenses.
3. You’re Planning for Retirement, Not Just Dreaming About It
Here’s a sobering stat: 37% of Americans have more credit card debt than retirement savings. That’s why I encourage people—once they’re out of debt and have an emergency fund—to start saving 15% of their income for retirement.
Whether it’s through a 401(k), Roth IRA, or traditional IRA, the earlier you start, the better. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly—just start where you are and build the habit.
4. You Own Your Home (Or Have a Plan to)
Homeownership is another sign of financial health. About 35% of Americans still rent, so if you’ve bought a home—or are working toward one—you’re ahead of many.
Ideally, your mortgage should be a 15-year fixed-rate and cost no more than 25% of your take-home pay. If you’re already there, awesome. If not, don’t stress—just make a plan. Use a mortgage payoff calculator and see how adding a little extra each month can help you own your home faster, often within 9–11 years.
5. You Celebrate Others’ Wins (Without Bitterness)
Here’s a sign of true wealth that’s not found on a spreadsheet: emotional maturity. If you can celebrate someone else’s success without jealousy, even when money is tight, that’s a huge win.
That kind of financial confidence comes from knowing you’re living intentionally. You’re not reacting to the world—you’re building the life you want.
6. You’re Generous
Generosity is a core value for me—and one of the clearest signs that someone has a healthy relationship with money. Whether it’s giving to your place of worship, supporting a cause, or just helping someone out, giving shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance.
It’s not about the dollar amount—it’s about the heart behind it.
7. You Protect Your Data (And Your Identity)
In today’s digital world, protecting your personal information is part of protecting your finances. I recommend a tool called Delete Me, which removes your personal info from data broker sites that scammers and fraudsters often target.
It’s an easy way to shield yourself and your family from harassment or identity theft, and right now, you can get it for less than $9 a month with a discount. Definitely worth checking out.
Bonus: You Earn Close to the Median U.S. Income
If you earn the median household income of $80,610—or even within $10,000 to $15,000 of that—you’re doing better than you might think. That benchmark can be a helpful reference point as you measure your own progress.
Final Thoughts: Take Control and Live Intentionally
At the end of the day, money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. These seven signs of success aren’t about perfection or keeping up with anyone else. They’re about building a life that matches your values and goals.
If you’re not where you want to be yet, don’t worry. You can start today. Track your expenses, make a plan, protect your data, and celebrate your progress. Your future self will thank you.
And hey—if this helped you, share it with someone else who’s trying to figure it all out too. We’re all in this together.
