We often think that wealth is easily visible, but many people with hefty bank accounts go out of their way to keep it under wraps.
Why? Because having a lot of money isn’t about showing off for them. It’s about financial security, peace of mind, and the freedom to live life on their own terms.
So, how can you tell if someone has a lot of money in the bank, even if they’re not flaunting it? There are subtle signs that can give them away.
Here are seven signs that someone might be wealthier than they let on.
Let’s dive in.
1) They don’t flaunt their wealth
We often associate wealth with designer clothes, luxury cars, and ostentatious displays of affluence. But many people with a lot of money in the bank don’t feel the need to show it off.
In fact, some of the wealthiest people live surprisingly modest lifestyles. They understand that true wealth isn’t about material possessions, but about financial stability and peace of mind.
If you meet someone who seems comfortable and content without showing off expensive stuff, they might have more money in the bank than you’d think. They’ve figured out the secret – that wealth isn’t about how much you spend, but about how much you save.
But remember, this is just one sign and it’s not definitive proof. Always look at the bigger picture before making any assumptions.
2) They make smart financial decisions
One thing I’ve noticed about people with money in the bank is that they’re usually pretty savvy with their finances.
Take my friend Mike, for example. He’s always had a knack for making smart financial decisions. He’s not one to splurge on the latest gadgets or designer clothes. Instead, he prioritizes saving and investing his money.
Mike drives a modest car that’s fully paid off, and he lives in a cozy home within his means. He’s careful with his spending, often choosing to cook at home instead of eating out and prioritizing experiences over material possessions.
On the surface, you might not think Mike has much money. But his frugal lifestyle and smart financial choices have allowed him to accumulate a substantial amount in savings. It shows that having money isn’t about conspicuous consumption – it’s about making wise decisions that build wealth over time.
3) They have a long-term perspective
People who have a lot of money in the bank usually didn’t get there overnight. In fact, most millionaires are made not by winning the lottery or inheriting wealth, but by gradually accumulating money over a long period of time.
This requires a long-term perspective. Instead of looking for quick wins or get-rich-quick schemes, they focus on consistent growth through smart investments and compound interest.
Did you know that if you invest $500 a month at an average annual return of 7%, you could become a millionaire in just over 30 years? This is the power of consistency and compound interest, and it’s one of the key ways people build substantial savings.
That’s why people with a lot of money in the bank tend to think in terms of years or even decades, not weeks or months. They understand that wealth is built slowly, over time.
4) They value financial independence
People with a lot of money in the bank often place a high value on financial independence. They prioritize having enough money to cover their expenses without relying on a regular paycheck.
This could mean having enough savings to cover living expenses for several months or even years. It could also mean having passive income from investments that can cover their bills.
Financial independence gives them the freedom to make choices based on what they truly want and need, rather than what they can afford. It’s not about being rich for the sake of being rich, but about having the freedom and security that comes with financial stability.
If someone is always talking about financial independence or working towards it, chances are they have a healthy amount of money stashed away in the bank.
5) They rarely stress about money
I’ll be honest, there was a time when I used to constantly worry about my finances. Living from paycheck to paycheck, feeling the pressure of bills piling up – it was a stressful way to live.
But I’ve noticed that people with a lot of money in the bank don’t have this kind of stress. They have a sense of calm when it comes to their finances because they’re secure in the knowledge that they have a safety net.
This isn’t to say they never worry about money at all. But the nature of their worries is different. They may be concerned about market fluctuations affecting their investments, for example, but they’re not losing sleep over whether they can afford to pay their next utility bill.
This sense of financial calm is a good sign someone has a significant amount of money saved up.
6) They invest in experiences, not things
People with a lot of money in the bank understand that true wealth isn’t about stuff. It’s about experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
Instead of buying the latest gadgets or luxury items, they invest their money in experiences that enrich their lives. This could be travel, courses for personal or professional development, or even simple things like spending time with loved ones.
These investments don’t always require a lot of money, but they do require a certain mindset. A mindset that values experiences over possessions, and understands that the most important things in life aren’t things at all.
7) They have a healthy relationship with money
At the end of the day, the surest sign someone has a lot of money in the bank is their relationship with money itself.
People with a healthy financial situation often view money as a tool, not a goal. It’s a means to an end – whether that end is financial security, freedom, or the ability to help others.
They don’t let money control them. Instead, they control their money. They make proactive decisions about earning, saving, spending, and investing.
If you notice someone who treats money this way – as a tool to be managed wisely, not a master to be served – chances are, they’ve got a good amount tucked away in the bank.
The real wealth is in the mindset
When all’s said and done, the true measure of a person’s wealth isn’t necessarily in their bank account, but in their mindset.
People with deep pockets often view money as a tool for achieving their goals, not as the goal itself. They prioritize saving over spending, value experiences over material possessions, and have a long-term perspective on finances.
Interestingly, according to a study by U.S. Trust, over three-quarters of wealthy individuals attribute their success more to frugality and hard work than to inheritance or luck.
So, if you’re looking to build your own wealth, it might be worth considering these habits and perspectives. It’s not about trying to mimic what wealthy people do on the outside – it’s about adopting the mindset they hold on the inside.
At the end of the day, wealth isn’t just about having a lot of money in the bank. It’s about having financial security, freedom, and peace of mind. And these are things that can’t be bought – they can only be earned.
