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They are very frugal - Despite having millions of dollars, millionaires live quite frugally in order to maintain their wealth. Whether that’s eating out less, not overspending on gifts, or even sharing a family car, millionaires aim to stay within their means.

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They pay themselves first -

Millionaires teach us to pay ourselves first. Even if it’s only US$5 or US$10, when you earn money, pay yourself and put that money away for a rainy day. Yes, it’s important to pay our bills and what is owed, but it’s also important to set some aside.

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They don’t drive flashy cars -

Many millionaires would rather drive a Ford or Subaru, for example, as opposed to a luxury vehicle. Often these cars have better value for the intended use and last longer. Millionaires don’t feel the need to flaunt their wealth with a car.

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They don’t book expensive airline seats - Flying coach is beneficial for some millionaires. They feel that they’re going to the same place as everyone else on the flight and usually flights are short, so why waste money on a temporary benefit? This mindset doesn’t mean you can’t ever splurge on nice things, but make it worthwhile.

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They think long-term -

Investing money now can give you benefits in the future. Millionaires are excellent examples of this and choose to invest a comfortable percentage in mixed portfolios including stocks, equities, real estate, high-yield savings accounts and more.

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They distinguish between wealth and income -

Wealth and income are very different. There are people who make a million dollars a year and are still broke. On the other hand, there are millionaires who take almost no monthly income yet have lots of money. Income is the amount you make in a certain period while wealth is the value of assets you own.

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They make the most of their money - Millionaires aren’t afraid of taking advantage of discounts, bonuses, and perks. While they have plenty of money, they are conscious of how it’s being spent and if there is a way to maximize it.

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They don’t always buy expensive bottles of wine -

Some millionaires might own very pricy bottles of wine but there are also those who take pride in finding delicious, well-made bottles that don’t cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

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They don’t spend big on name brands -

Despite having the money to spend, millionaires often prioritize their spending and don’t waste it on big-name brands. They look for quality products that are well-priced and oftentimes just as good as their high-end counterparts.

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They don’t waste money on the small stuff - Millionaires will be intentional in their spending and try to avoid small items like coffee and snacks in order to save for bigger experiences that really bring joy, such as day trips or travel.

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They live beneath their means -

Just because a millionaire can afford something, doesn’t mean that they have to buy it. Many millionaires are strategic with their spending and utilize buy-one-get-one sales and other methods to maximize their money.

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They invest in themselves - Spending simply for the sake of spending isn’t how millionaires do it. Instead, they will invest in experiences, knowledge, and personal development. This growth mindset helps propel them forward and motivates them to keep accumulating wealth.

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They prefer eating at home - Of course, millionaires could go to eat at fancy high-end restaurants, but many choose to save their money and cook at home. Eating at home not only helps financially but promotes a healthier lifestyle.

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They value experiences over stuff - Physical splurges happen for millionaires, but many choose to live modestly so they have funds to do things they love such as go on trips and travel the world.

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They invest on whims - Millionaires aren’t afraid to put their money where their mouth is. If they see something interesting, they consider investing right away. They are then smart and keep an eye on this investment so they know when to sell it in order to make more money.

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They’re gusty with their jobs -

When millionaires negotiate a salary, they recommend requesting a nine-month versus 12-month review. It gives you a head start on a potential raise or bonus and usually gets approved.

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They don’t quit until they get the deal - Millionaires aren’t afraid to go up the chain in a company until they reach someone who is willing to help in order to mitigate a complaint or problem. Persistence is key in the mind of a millionaire.

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They accept risk to achieve success - Making money can be a risky business. Millionaires rarely know for sure that an idea will work out but they have confidence in themselves and their ideas and work relentlessly to make them happen.

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They do their own taxes -

Not all millionaires have high-powered (and expensive) teams to do their taxes. Many of them do their own taxes using TurboTax or other software just like any other person.

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They come up with clever ways to deal with requests for money -

Millionaires will often be asked for money, whether to invest in a new venture or from others in their lives. They don’t simply fork over the cash, they get clever and offer things like money matching with whatever the person raises themselves.

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They put people to work - Millionaires want to give back and so they help empower their community. They try to put others to work and pay them accordingly. It’s not just about the money a millionaire can earn but the collective of their efforts.

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They give a hand in unexpected ways - Millionaires often support causes and individuals quietly, preferring to give anonymously or through other channels in order to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This philanthropy done discreetly allows them to make a genuine impact without all the fuss.

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They’re not flashy -

Contrary to popular belief, many millionaires avoid huge displays of wealth, opting for a more understated lifestyle. They understand that true wealth doesn't need validation through wild purchases or lavish lifestyles.

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They don’t waste anything - Millionaires value efficiency and minimize waste in all aspects of their lives. They prioritize quality and longevity in their purchases, ensuring every expense is a thoughtful investment.

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They see time as the most valuable currency -

To millionaires, time is their most valuable asset, often worth more than money. They carefully guard their schedules, focusing on activities that provide the highest returns and bring them the greatest satisfaction.

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They know their salary alone won't make them wealthy -

Millionaires know that working hard doesn't always translate to wealth. There are limits to your time and earnings so millionaires let their money work for them rather than the other way around. Millionaires invest in multiple ways and let the money grow organically.

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They know that not taking risks is the biggest risk - Assessing opportunities and taking calculated risks is the way to go for millionaires. Sitting back and hoping their salary will be enough or that things will simply happen, is the biggest risk! They hedge the risk by diversifying their portfolio and being smart in their investments.

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They know loans are exclusively for those who need them -

Though it might be hard to believe, the wealthy also borrow money. However, they do so strategically. They keep their money and capital intact for other investments while using the bank’s resources to finance a project. Handling your money responsibly is a big tip from successful millionaires.

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They wake early and work hard -

Millionaires know the age-old advice that 'early bird gets the worm' has some validity to it. Those who wake earlier get a start on the day before things get busy as others rise. Additionally, hard work plays a huge role in making sure that extra time awake isn’t wasted.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Medium)

See also: The wealthiest cities in the world

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