Mimicking Others Will Keep You Broke

If you try to be like everyone else, you will be broke most of your life.

Most people don't understand the concept of delayed gratification and self-discipline -- especially when it comes to money.

It feels better to obtain our desires now instead of waiting, but waiting is one of the most powerful things we can do without money. And we can see how nicely that played out with Warren Buffett, who is now a billionaire because of his aggressive savings and investment habits.

We live in the age of I want it now; therefore, I must have it now. I don't want to wait. And why would I wait when I can finance it now?

But getting what you want now when you can't afford to cover it with cash comes at a cost.

F*ck Appearances

Appearances carry more weight than they should, and people continue perpetuating the value of it.

If you drive a janky car, wear janky clothes, and don't have all the nice things that some people do, you're frequently valued less.

We are taught to aspire to certain things as a society:

Nice technology.

Nice clothes.

Nice home.

Nice car.

You're considered broke, poor, or less important when you don't have these things.

People treat a person dressed in name-brand clothes differently than those who wear Walmart-branded clothes. Typically, those who look the part are granted better treatment; this is our society.

Things Broke People Routinely Do:

Car

• Carry a car note when they can't afford to pay cash for their car.

• Spend more or close to half their income on a new vehicle.

• Upgrade their car every 2–6 years.

House

• Not build an emergency fund before they buy a home.

• Spend over 30% of their gross income on their mortgage or rent.

• Buy too much house, so they constantly experience financial anxiety.

Luxury

• Buy clothes and shoes that lead them into debt.

• Take trips they have to fund through a credit card.

• Get cosmetic procedures that they can't cover with cash.

Financial Ineptitude

• Not have a retirement goal to work towards.

• Don't save x percentage of their income consistently.

• Spend more than they earn, leaving little to nothing in their bank.

Have you ever engaged in any of the activities above?

If so, and you desire to create wealth, these are the habits you need to obliterate immediately.

The easiest way to learn what to do with your money is to do the opposite of what the masses are doing. Unfortunately, most people don't know how to manage their money and live beyond their means effectively.

Most people are not broke because they don’t make enough.

They’re broke because they spend to signal status instead of building security.

They finance the image and sacrifice the foundation. And then they wonder why they feel trapped, stressed, and one paycheck away from panic.

Wealth isn’t built by looking rich. It’s built by making boring, disciplined decisions that don’t impress anyone at first. Driving the paid-off car. Saying no when everyone else is upgrading. Letting time and consistency do the heavy lifting while others chase validation.

If you want real freedom, you have to get comfortable being misunderstood. You have to stop trying to win approval and start building leverage. Most people won’t do that. That’s exactly why most people stay broke.

Transforming your financial status starts with you.

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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making financial decisions.