While some of that discrepancy is explained by the fact people with stable finances are more likely to buy a home in the first place, homeowners undoubtedly benefit from the fact their mortgage is a type of forced savings as each payment helps them build equity. Plus, they benefit from property appreciation that grows their wealth over time.
You can also use loans in other smart ways, such as to help you start a business. But it’s a good idea to avoid borrowing for anything that doesn’t increase your net worth over the long term, like vacations or weddings. Paying interest on unnecessary purchases can derail your efforts to get rich.
- Investing for the long term
Finally, investing for the future is crucial to ending up wealthy since it allows your money to work for you. Say, for example, you invest $10,000 a year for 30 years and earn a 10% average annual return. You’ll have invested $300,000 over time — but will end up with $1,809,434.25.
Your money will grow exponentially when you invest because the returns you earn are reinvested and earn money for you without extra effort on your part. This is the miracle of compound growth.
Adopting these four habits are an almost surefire path to wealth if you practice them all for as long as possible. So, get started today if becoming rich is your goal.