I've been a financial planner for over 10 years. Here are the 6 most useful lessons I've learned from my wealthiest clients.
I'm a certified public accountant and certified financial planner with over a decade of experience helping high-income professionals and diverse business owners take control of their finances. My clients range from medical professionals to small businesses, and I help them grow their wealth, reduce tax burdens, and run more profitable businesses.
Many of my high-net-worth clients share common habits, mindsets, and strategies that helped them build and maintain their wealth. The good news is that anyone can apply these habits to improve their financial life.
Here are six of the most useful lessons I've learned from my wealthiest clients.
The more you give, the more you receive
One of the most profound lessons I've learned is that life becomes richer when you focus on pouring into others, rather than just focusing on yourself.
For example, clients who are generous with their employees often see retention rates soar. This principle extends beyond finances into mental well-being, relationships, and overall happiness. Generosity has a way of opening doors that talent or hard work alone sometimes can't.
Many of my wealthiest clients often share that they wouldn't be where they are without the generosity of others who helped them along the way.
Relying on others is the only way to accomplish everything
Wealthy individuals often have incredibly demanding schedules, leaving little time for personal tasks or downtime. One key to their success is recognizing the power of outsourcing and delegation.
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Whether they hire a nanny to help with childcare or work with a financial advisor to manage their finances, they understand that they can't do it all alone. Instead of trying to juggle every responsibility, they build a trusted team around them with professionals who help them stay focused on what matters most.
They become comfortable relying on others, knowing it's the only way to accomplish everything on their plate while still maintaining their sanity and quality of life.
You can only go as far as your health allows
If you don't take care of your health, it will be harder to reach your goals, no matter how important they are. Many of my wealthiest clients have learned this firsthand. They've realized that when their mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional health is off-balance, their ability to lead, create, and perform suffers.
As a result, they intentionally make time and invest in activities that support their overall health, such as exercise, therapy, spiritual practices, or rest. Prioritizing health is not a luxury; it's a necessity.
Never stop learning
One of the most consistent pieces of wisdom I hear from my wealthy clients is this: never stop learning. No matter their industry or background, they all attribute part of their success to a mindset of continuous growth.
They understand that lifelong learning is essential to keep progressing in both life and business. There's no single path to learning. Some lean on books and mentors, while others invest in masterminds, coaching, or formal courses. What matters is the commitment to growth.
Avoid lifestyle inflation
One of the biggest challenges my wealthy clients face is resisting the urge to significantly increase their lifestyle as their income grows. It's tempting to spend more when you make more, but true wealth often requires discipline and delayed gratification.
Becoming wealthy means making intentional trade-offs. That might mean reinvesting in your business, putting a down payment on a rental property, or consistently investing in the stock market. Rather than inflating your lifestyle, put your money to work.
Financial freedom comes from what you own, not just what you earn
There's an important difference between being rich and being truly wealthy, and it often comes down to owning assets. The rich may earn high incomes that support a luxurious lifestyle, but the wealthy prioritize acquiring income-generating assets that work for them while they sleep.
Earning a solid income is important, but it's rarely enough on its own to build long-term wealth. To reach and sustain true wealth, you can't rely solely on your labor. You need assets that generate cash flow with minimal day-to-day involvement.
These assets might include equity investments, real estate with a trusted property manager, or a business supported by a reliable team.
Jovan Johnson, CPA and CFP, is the co-owner of Piece of Wealth Planning and specializes in strategic tax planning, personal financial planning, and small business accounting.
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