How the Rich Get Richer
(And what you can steal from their playbook)
We’ve all heard the saying “the rich get richer” and while it might sound like a throwaway line, there’s actually a lot of truth to it. But before we spiral into thinking it’s all just about privilege and private schools, here’s the good news: a lot of what the rich do is stuff that’s actually learnable.
So let’s break it down. Here’s how the rich keep growing their wealth and what we can learn from it to level up our own money game.
1. They don’t just earn, they invest
The wealthy don’t rely on a salary alone. Their money is working behind the scenes in shares, property, businesses or bonds. They’re focused on growing their money, not just saving it.
Even when they earn big, they don’t let that cash sit around in a savings account doing the bare minimum. It’s invested strategically and left to do its thing.
What to take away: You don’t need to be rich to invest but you do need to start. Even small, consistent amounts can grow into something meaningful over time. Investing isn’t about timing the market. It’s about time in the market.
2. They spend smarter, not smaller
Here’s the thing. Rich people aren’t always penny-pinching. They just value value. They think long term. They live by “buy nice or buy twice.”
That means quality over quantity. They’ll pay more for something that lasts and saves them money in the long run whether that’s a winter coat, a laptop, or their accountant.
What to take away: It’s not about never spending. It’s about spending with intention. A $300 coat that lasts 10 years is smarter than a $60 one that falls apart every winter.
3. They use debt to grow, not just to spend
Debt isn’t always a bad word. The wealthy use it differently. They borrow to invest, not to consume. That might look like a mortgage on an investment property or a business loan with a plan behind it.
They understand the difference between good debt and bad debt. Good debt builds wealth. Bad debt drains it.
What to take away: Use debt as a tool, not a trap. And if you’re already in bad debt, focus on paying it off while building a plan to avoid falling back in.
4. They protect what they’ve built
Wealthy people aren’t just focused on growth. They’re also big on protection. That means things like insurance, wills, trusts and solid emergency funds.
They know that it takes time to build wealth and only one unexpected event to unravel it.
What to take away: Financial stability isn’t just about growing your money. It’s about safeguarding it too. An emergency fund is your first layer of protection. After that, start learning how to future-proof your finances with things like insurance and estate planning.
5. They learn how the system works and then use it
The rich don’t play a different game. They just know the rules. They understand tax, compounding, superannuation and how to structure their finances to work smarter.
And if they don’t know something, they pay someone who does.
What to take away: Financial education is powerful. Learn the basics. Ask questions. Follow people who explain money in a way that actually makes sense. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to get curious.
6. They think long term
Wealthy people don’t make decisions based on instant gratification. They play the long game. Whether it’s investing, spending or saving, they’re always thinking about the impact over years, not weeks.
They know that quick wins are cute but compounding wins are life changing.
What to take away: You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just start thinking about Future You. Start investing, start saving, start learning. Small choices add up when you give them time.
The bottom line
Wealth isn’t just about luck or income. It’s about mindset, habits and playing the long game. And you don’t have to be rich to start doing what the rich do.
Make intentional purchases. Learn about investing. Use money as a tool, not a stressor. Protect what you’re building. Think like the rich but make it your own.
You’ve got this.
Ready to start building your own wealth?
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“Wait, I can actually do this.”
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***Please remember our blogs aren’t intended as financial advice - they’re intended only as a starting point to give you a little extra info! For more in-depth advice catered to your personal financial position, please see a certified financial advisor.
