Let’s talk about four financial habits that keep people broke and more importantly, how to break free.

1. Lifestyle Creep: Spending Your Raise Before You Get It

It starts innocently enough. You get a raise, so you upgrade your car. Then you move into a bigger house, get a second streaming service, eat out more often. Before you know it, your expenses have grown to match your income and you’re still living paycheck to paycheck. This is called lifestyle creep, and it’s a silent killer of financial stability. It doesn’t matter if you make $40,000 or $140,000 a year if you spend every dollar, you’re always one emergency away from disaster. The key is to pause every time your income increases and ask: “Can I keep living like I was and save the rest?”

2. Four Habits That Keep People Broke

Let’s get honest. Here are four behaviors that drain your wealth faster than you can build it:
a. Living Beyond Your Means
If you’re spending more than you make, you’re not just treading water you’re sinking. The fix? Create a monthly budget that reflects your actual income, not your ideal lifestyle. I use the EveryDollar app to track mine, and it’s been a game-changer.
b. Thinking Payments Are Normal
Car payments. Credit cards. Personal loans. We’ve normalized debt so much that most people think it’s just a part of life. But imagine what you could do if you weren’t sending hundreds of dollars to the bank every month. Use the debt snowball method: pay off your smallest debt first, then roll those payments into the next one. Keep going until you’re free.
c. Not Saving Consistently
Saving money isn’t a one-time decision it’s a rhythm. Start with a $1,000 emergency fund. Once you’re out of debt, build up three to six months of expenses. Then, aim to put 15% of your income toward retirement. Saving is a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
d. Trying to Keep Up with Everyone Else
You know this one. You see your friend’s vacation photos and think, “I deserve that too.” But comparison is a trap. Nearly 45% of Americans go into debt just to maintain appearances. Instead, focus on your own goals. Save for the things you truly care about and skip the rest.

3. Why Budgeting Is Non-Negotiable

I’ve never met someone who got wealthy by accident. A budget is the map to your money goals. It keeps you from overspending, helps you say “no” with purpose, and shows you where every dollar is going. If you’re not budgeting, you’re guessing and that’s no way to build wealth. Use tools like EveryDollar, Mint, or even a spreadsheet. The point is to get intentional.

4. Getting Out of Debt: Your Income is Your Greatest Tool

Debt isn’t just a drag on your finances it’s a leash. Every dollar you owe is a dollar that can’t go toward investing, saving, or building your future. Getting out of debt puts your income back in your hands. When you’re debt-free, you can start to build wealth instead of pay interest. That’s how real financial freedom starts.

5. Saving for Today and Tomorrow

Build an emergency fund now, not later. The peace of mind is worth it. Once you’re stable, aim to save 15% of your income for retirement. Compound growth is real and the sooner you start, the less you’ll have to save over time.

6. Stop Playing the Comparison Game

Comparison is the thief of joy and the enemy of your bank account. Chasing someone else’s lifestyle is a guaranteed way to stay broke. Financial independence comes when you stop trying to impress others and start investing in yourself.

Final Thoughts
Breaking bad money habits is hard but it’s absolutely worth it. When you stop living beyond your means, ditch debt, start saving, and ignore the noise of other people’s spending, your life changes. You go from surviving to thriving. You don’t need to be rich to build wealth. You just need to stop doing the things that keep you broke.

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

The post 4 Financial Habits That Keep You Broke and How to Break Free appeared first on ROI TV.

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.

The post How Ordinary People Become Millionaires appeared first on ROI TV.

1. Live a Debt-Free Life

Debt is one of the biggest obstacles to building wealth. Every dollar spent on interest payments is money that could be invested for your future.

• The key to debt freedom? Stop taking on new debt and start paying off what you owe, beginning with the smallest balance first to build momentum.
• Mindset shift: The speaker shares how growing up in a debt-free household instilled financial discipline.
• Action step: Focus on paying off credit cards, student loans, and car loans so you can use your income for wealth-building instead of making lenders richer.

2. Live Below Your Means with a Budget

A budget isn’t about restrictions—it’s about freedom. Knowing where your money goes each month helps you make smarter decisions and avoid overspending.

• Why it matters: Budgeting ensures you save for emergencies, invest for the future, and avoid financial stress.
• Tool recommendation: The Every Dollar budgeting app makes tracking income and expenses simple.
• Pro tip: If you don’t tell your money where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went!

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is the thief of financial success. Social media often creates unrealistic expectations, making people feel like they need to spend money to keep up.

• The problem: Seeing friends on lavish vacations or buying new cars can make you feel like you’re behind, leading to unnecessary spending.
• The solution: Focus on your own financial goals and celebrate progress rather than comparing yourself to others.

4. Invest in Your Future

If you want to build wealth, you have to invest. Money sitting in a checking account won’t grow—it needs to be working for you.

• The power of compound interest: Investing even small amounts early can lead to massive wealth later.
• Example: If you invest $600 per month from age 37 to 65 at a 10% return, you could have over $1.1 million.
• Where to start: Consider opening a Roth IRA or contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) for long-term financial growth.

5. Develop a Long-Term Mindset

Wealth-building is a marathon, not a sprint. Having a long-term mindset helps you make smart financial choices and avoid impulse spending.

• Example: The speaker shares a story about saving up for a pool instead of financing it. The result? A debt-free, stress-free purchase.
• Why it matters: Thinking long-term brings financial peace, stability, and success over time.

Final Thoughts: Your Wealth-Building Journey Starts Today

Reaching a $1,000,000 net worth isn’t about hitting the lottery—it’s about making consistent, smart financial choices every day. Start with these five habits, and you’ll set yourself up for financial freedom.

Which of these habits do you already practice? Let us know in the comments!

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

The post 5 Simple Habits to Build Wealth and Reach a $1,000,000 Net Worth appeared first on ROI TV.

1. The Credit Card Industry: A Master of Deception

Credit card companies hand out credit to anyone, often without concern for their financial stability. They lure consumers in with rewards, cashback offers, and points, making it feel like a smart financial tool. But here’s the catch: people spend 12-18% more when using credit cards compared to cash.

• The real problem: Credit cards keep people trapped in a cycle of revolving debt.
• The solution: Use debit cards instead. Spending only the money you have forces you to budget and live within your means.

2. The Student Loan Industry: A Broken System

For decades, young adults have been told that college is the only path to success, leading millions to take on massive student loan debt without understanding the long-term consequences.

• The truth: Not everyone needs a four-year degree to succeed. Careers in the trades, real estate, and entrepreneurship often provide great incomes without the burden of student loans.
• Smart alternatives: Consider community college, in-state schools, scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance before taking on debt.

If you want to dive deeper into the student loan crisis, check out the documentary Borrowed Future to learn how the system sets students up for financial struggles.

3. The Car Industry: Selling a Lifestyle, Not Just a Car

Car dealerships don’t just sell vehicles—they sell status and emotions. People are pressured to buy new, expensive cars with the illusion that newer equals safer.

• The reality: A well-maintained used car can be just as reliable and safe.
• The smart move: Pay cash for your car and avoid loans that drain your income. Even a $5,000 used car can provide dependable transportation.
• Bonus tip: Consider being a one-car family to save thousands on car payments, insurance, and maintenance.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Financial Story

These industries profit from keeping people in debt—but you don’t have to be one of them. By ditching credit cards, avoiding unnecessary student loans, and refusing car payments, you can take control of your financial future.

Your money should work for you, not the banks. Start making smarter financial choices today and create a life of financial freedom.

Do you have a personal finance villain you’ve conquered? Share your story in the comments!

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

The post How to Defeat Debt and Take Control of Your Money appeared first on ROI TV.