My dad always told me, “Money doesn’t grow on trees, son.”
Sure, he was right. But boy, did that saying stick with me way longer than it should have.
You see, even as an adult with a steady income, savings tucked away, and a retirement plan in the works, I often find myself feeling like I’m just not “rich enough”. Sounds familiar?
Here’s the kicker.
You may feel the same way without realizing that you’re making significant financial progress.
So if you’re sitting there asking yourself, “Am I doing better than I think?” get ready because I’ve got seven signs of financial progress that people who never feel “rich enough” often overlook.
These signs might just help you see that you’re doing better than you give yourself credit for. After all, being rich isn’t just about the amount in your bank account. It’s about financial stability, growth, and peace of mind.
1) You’re consistently saving
Remember when you lived paycheck to paycheck? If you’re like most of us, that wasn’t too long ago.
But look at you now.
You’ve got a savings account that’s growing month by month. Maybe it’s not growing as fast as you’d like, but hey, it’s growing. And that’s what counts.
Having the discipline to save consistently is a surefire sign of financial progress. It means you’re prioritizing your future over immediate gratification, and buddy, that’s a big deal.
So next time you glance at your savings account and feel a pang of disappointment, remember this: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is financial security.
2) You’re not losing sleep over bills
I’ll be honest, there was a time when the sight of a bill would make my heart race. The uncertainty of whether I’d have enough to cover it was a constant source of anxiety.
But things have changed.
Now, when a bill lands in my mailbox, I can pay it without batting an eye. No more sleepless nights, no more heart palpitations.
If you’re in the same boat, that’s a solid indication of financial progress. Being able to comfortably pay your bills means you’ve moved beyond survival mode and into a space where you can plan and save for the future.
The next time a bill arrives, instead of dreading it, celebrate it as a sign of how far you’ve come.
3) Debt is becoming a distant memory
Oh, debt… that uninvited guest who overstays his welcome. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
I remember the days when my credit card statement was my worst nightmare. Each month, it would arrive, and my stomach would drop. It was like a never-ending cycle of guilt, worry, and regret.
But you know what? That’s in the past.
Slowly but surely, I chipped away at it. Some months more, some months less, but always moving forward.
And now? Now, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. My debt has shrunk to a manageable size, and I’m on track to become debt-free.
If you’ve been making regular payments and reducing your debt, even if it’s little by little, give yourself a pat on the back. That’s a sure sign you’re making financial progress.
It’s not about erasing your debt overnight. It’s about working towards it consistently. So keep going, you’re on the right track.
4) You’re investing in your future
Investing used to be a word that made me break out in a cold sweat. It was something only “rich people” did, right?
Turns out, I was wrong.
Slowly, I started learning about it. I dipped my toes into the world of stocks, bonds, and retirement funds. It was intimidating at first, but I realized that investing is just another way of saving – but with potential for higher returns.
If you’ve started investing, even if it’s just a small amount each month, that’s a big step towards financial progress.
It means you’re not just thinking about the present, but also about your future.
And that, my friend, is what being “rich enough” is all about. It’s not just about money in the bank; it’s about financial freedom and securing your future.
5) You’ve got an emergency fund
Did you know that nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense? That’s a startling number, isn’t it?
But you’re not part of that statistic.
You’ve been squirreling away money for those rainy days and unexpected expenses. It might not be a six-months salary stash, but it’s something. And something is always better than nothing.
Having an emergency fund is a definite sign of financial progress. It shows that you’re planning ahead and taking steps to shield yourself from financial shocks.
So next time you add to that fund, give yourself a high-five. You’re doing better than you think.
6) You’re able to help others
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being able to lend a hand when someone else is in need, isn’t there?
I remember the first time I was able to help a friend who was going through a rough patch. It wasn’t a massive amount of money, but it made a difference for them.
And you know what? It made a difference for me, too.
If you’re at a point where you can comfortably give to others, whether it’s donating to a charity, helping out a friend, or supporting a cause close to your heart, that’s an indicator of financial progress.
It means you’ve got more than just enough to cover your own needs. You have enough to share with others.
And in my book, that’s one of the most significant signs of being “rich enough”. Because richness isn’t just about what we have, but also about what we can give.
7) You’re living within your means
At the end of the day, the most crucial sign of financial progress isn’t about how much you earn, but about how well you manage what you have.
It’s about living within your means, not stretching yourself thin to keep up with the Joneses.
If you’re not racking up credit card debt for unnecessary purchases, if you’re spending less than you earn and saving the difference, then my friend, you are making serious financial progress.
Remember, being “rich enough” doesn’t mean having endless stacks of cash. It means having control over your finances and living a life that’s not dictated by financial stress or worries.
And that, in my opinion, is priceless.
Final thoughts
If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these signs, take a moment and let it sink in.
You’re doing better than you think.
The truth is, being “rich enough” is less about the numbers on your bank statement and more about financial stability and freedom. It’s about having control over your money, not the other way around.
But remember, the journey to financial progress isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. It takes time, patience, and consistency. It’s about making little changes that add up over time.
The next time you find yourself feeling like you’re not “rich enough”, pause. Reflect on these signs of progress. Acknowledge how far you’ve come.
Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t just about money in the bank. It’s about living comfortably within your means, planning for the future, and having the freedom to help others.
So keep going. Keep saving, keep investing, keep reducing that debt. You’re on the right path.
And remember, being “rich enough” is a state of mind that comes from acknowledging and celebrating your financial progress, no matter how small.
