avoiding lifestyle creep Archives - ROI TV https://roitv.com/tag/avoiding-lifestyle-creep/ Tue, 20 May 2025 09:18:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 10 Habits That Scream “I’m Trying to Look Wealthy” https://roitv.com/10-habits-that-scream-im-trying-to-look-wealthy/ Tue, 20 May 2025 09:18:15 +0000 https://roitv.com/?p=2808 Image from ROI TV

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Not everything that glitters is gold, and sometimes those flashy displays of wealth are masking financial instability. Here are 10 habits that might indicate you’re trying to look wealthy rather than actually building sustainable wealth. If any of these resonate, it might be time to rethink your financial strategy.

1. Flashy Cars and Luxury Logos

Driving the latest luxury car or rocking brand-name logos from head to toe might look impressive, but it’s often a sign of prioritizing appearances over financial health. True wealth is typically quiet—Warren Buffett still drives a modest car. Owning assets that appreciate, like real estate or investments, is a better wealth indicator than a leased sports car.

2. Constant Job Hopping for Salary Bumps

Jumping from job to job just for a salary increase might boost your income temporarily, but it can hurt your career growth and stability. It’s often a sign of trying to keep up with a lifestyle rather than building long-term wealth. Building expertise and climbing the ladder in one company often pays off more in the long run.

3. Relying on Credit Cards for Everyday Expenses

America’s credit card debt has surpassed $1 trillion, and living off credit is not sustainable. If you’re swiping for daily expenses without paying off your balance in full each month, you’re essentially paying more for everything you buy, thanks to interest. True wealth means living within your means and using credit as a tool, not a lifeline.

4. Impulsive Spending and “Living in the Moment”

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying life, but impulsive trips and luxury purchases can quickly drain savings and rack up debt. If you’re always splurging without a plan, it’s a sign that long-term financial security isn’t being prioritized. Setting budgets for vacations and big purchases is a smarter way to enjoy life without financial regret.

5. Not Budgeting—Even If You Earn Well

Budgeting isn’t just for those scraping by. Even high earners can find themselves in financial trouble if they don’t track their spending. Not knowing where your money is going is the fastest way to lose it. Real wealth is intentional, and budgeting is the cornerstone of financial control.

6. Obsession with Appearance

Spending excessively on designer clothes, beauty treatments, and luxury accessories is often more about status than necessity. While there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, doing so at the expense of savings or investments can cripple long-term wealth. Confidence doesn’t come from labels—it comes from financial security.

7. Avoiding Financial Discussions

If you shy away from talking about your financial situation, it could be a red flag. Whether it’s fear of judgment or avoidance of reality, not facing your financial truth only delays progress. Open discussions with a financial advisor or trusted mentor can pave the way to better decision-making.

8. Lack of Financial Knowledge

Not understanding mortgage rates, car financing, or retirement planning can lead to costly mistakes. Financial literacy is power, and the more you know, the better your financial decisions will be. Investing in education now can save you thousands—or even millions—down the line.

9. Chasing the Latest Trends

Always needing the newest phone, car, or fashion statement? That’s a quick way to burn through cash with little to show for it. The wealthy invest in assets that grow over time, not trends that lose value the moment you buy them.

10. No Long-Term Financial Goals

If your only plan is to make it to your next paycheck, building wealth will always be out of reach. Real wealth requires long-term planning—saving for a home, retirement, or even your child’s education. Setting specific, measurable goals helps turn dreams into reality.


Proven Steps to Achieve Real Wealth

If you find yourself nodding to some of the habits above, don’t worry—it’s never too late to make a change. Here’s how to shift from appearing wealthy to actually building lasting wealth:

  1. Get Out of Debt – Paying down high-interest debt frees up money that can be invested and grown.
  2. Build an Emergency Fund – Aim for 3–6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account.
  3. Invest Consistently – Put 15% of your income into retirement accounts to leverage compound interest.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

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How Ordinary People Become Millionaires https://roitv.com/how-ordinary-people-become-millionaires/ Mon, 19 May 2025 13:29:20 +0000 https://roitv.com/?p=2805 Image from ROI TV

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You don’t need a six-figure salary to become a millionaire. The stories of Jessica, a chiropractor from Mobile, Alabama, and Brandon, a farmer from Leck, Texas, prove it. Jessica built a net worth of $2.3 million with a maximum annual income of $80,000, along with a $300,000 inheritance. Brandon amassed $1.2 million through real estate, savings, investments, and farm equipment, despite years of net operating losses and a peak income of $120,000. Their secret? Financial discipline, avoiding lifestyle creep, and intentional money management.

Common Careers Among Millionaires Surprisingly, the top five careers for millionaires are engineer, accountant, teacher, manager, and attorney—not flashy, high-paying roles, but stable and consistent. According to the largest study of millionaires, 79% did not inherit their wealth. It turns out that habits and decisions with money are far more important than your income level or job title.

The Power of Investing and Compound Interest Investing consistently over time is the true path to building wealth. Compound interest—the idea of earning returns on both your initial investment and the returns it generates—works wonders. For example, if you invest 15% of a $65,000 salary annually from age 35 to 65, you could end up with $1.8 million in retirement savings, with only $290,000 contributed directly. Start at age 22, and that same strategy could grow to $6.9 million, thanks to the magic of compound interest.

Financial Steps to Prepare for Investing Before diving into investments, you need a solid financial foundation. First, become debt-free (excluding your mortgage). Next, build a fully funded emergency fund covering 3 to 6 months of expenses. Only then should you start investing 15% of your income into retirement accounts. Using tools like an investment calculator can help you visualize your money’s growth over time.

Avoiding Lifestyle Creep Brandon shared how he avoided lifestyle creep—the tendency to increase spending as income rises. Instead of buying things that depreciate, he focused on saving and investing. Maintaining a frugal lifestyle and prioritizing financial stability over flashy purchases ensured he remained financially secure, even during tough years.

The Role of Inheritance in Wealth Building While Jessica inherited $300,000 over her lifetime, it was her disciplined savings and investments that truly built her wealth. Brandon, on the other hand, inherited no money but benefited from using older equipment gifted by his grandfather to start his farming career. Both stories reinforce that inheritance is helpful but not necessary to achieve financial success.

Privacy Concerns and Protecting Your Information A quick note was made about privacy concerns—one-third of the U.S. population’s background information, like names, addresses, and phone numbers, is publicly available. To combat this, Delete Me, a sponsor, offers a service to remove personal information from data broker websites. Plans start at $9 per month, with a 20% discount available through a specific link.

Empowerment and Encouragement to Build Wealth The session wrapped up with a powerful message: anyone can become a millionaire with discipline, smart money management, and consistent investing. You don’t need a huge salary—you just need a plan and the commitment to follow it. Take control of your finances, follow the steps, and watch your wealth grow.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

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