What the wealthy do differently with their money — and how you can do it too

There’s a major difference between people that are rich and those that aren’t, going far beyond the number of zeros on the end of their bank balance.

While some might find themselves becoming financially wealthy by accident – for example by winning the lottery or coming into an inheritance – most people who have money will have adopted a certain mindset and made bold decisions to build their fortune. There will also be strict routines they follow each day, week and month in order to maintain it.

Entrepreneur Paul Grant, who co-authored the book Money Remixed: The 14 Steps to a Wealthy Mindset, says there are nine key things that wealthy people do differently with their money that make them more financially successful – and these things are ‘within reach’ of anyone.

He tells Metro: ‘While structural factors like education, opportunity, and social capital do matter, many of the strategies used by the financially wealthy – like budgeting, investing, and continuous learning – are things anyone can begin to adopt.

‘The difference lies not just in access to money, but in how your money is managed. Regular people can start thinking and acting like the financially wealthy by shifting their mindset from short-term consumption to long-term financial wealth creation.

‘It’s not always easy – but over time, it can lead to extraordinary results.’

Paul shared a closer look at some of the ways wealthy people handle money a little differently, along with how you can do the same. Here’s everything you need to know…

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Prioritise financial education

According to Paul, one of the most defining characteristics of wealthy people is their ‘commitment to financial literacy’.

He explains: ‘They actively seek to understand how money works – how to earn it, grow it, protect it, and make it work for them. While many people stop learning about money after basic school education, the wealthy continue to educate themselves through books, podcasts, courses, and conversations with experts.’

Topics to look into that could give you a significant edge in building and maintaining wealth include compound interest, inflation, risk management and tax efficiency.

But while it’s important to be knowledgeable about money, he admits there’s only so much you can learn, and sometimes it’s better to defer to an expert – especially before making any major financial decision.

‘[Rich] people surround themselves with financial advisors, tax professionals, legal consultants, and mentors who help guide them,’ says Paul. ‘This isn’t just about having access to expertise – it’s about humility. Financially wealthy people know what they don’t know, and they’re willing to pay for sound advice that protects and grows their money.’

These relationships with experts are seen as ‘currency’ in the world of wealth, where people will actively work to cultivate relationships that provide opportunities for collaboration, deal flow, and shared knowledge.

Don’t just save, invest

While saving is a smart practice, it’s not enough on its own to build substantial financial wealth, claims Paul, because inflation ‘eats away at the value of stagnant money’. 

Instead he says financially successful people focus on investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, businesses, or other appreciating assets.

He continues: ‘What sets them apart is not just the act of investing, but their long-term mindset. Financially wealthy individuals often favour diversified portfolios and strategic patience, riding out market downturns and compounding their returns over decades.’

Have clear financial goals

Rather than living for payday each month or fantasising about ‘being rich’, Paul says what sets the wealthy apart is the fact they set clear, measurable financial goals.

For example, a financially wealthy individual might aim to retire by 45, generate £100,000 a year in passive income, or build a £10 million portfolio, setting short, medium, and long-term milestones in order to get there.

These aren’t vague dreams – they’re structured objectives backed by actionable plans.

Take calculated risks

Taking strategic risks is something those with a lot of money will often do – but Paul highlights that this doesn’t mean reckless gambling.

It means making informed decisions in uncertain situations, whether it’s investing in a new venture, changing careers, or acquiring a property; essentially, assessing potential returns, understanding the downsides, and preparing for contingencies before jumping in.

Value time over money

If you’re reading this article, you might already be placing money above all else in your mind, but this isn’t something financially successful people do.

For them, it’s time that’s much more valuable, as they’re aware that it’s ‘finite, while money is theoretically infinite’.

‘This belief influences how they delegate tasks, automate decisions, and build systems that free up their time,’ Paul shares.

‘Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant, investing in productivity tools, or building passive income streams, financially wealthy individuals aim to reduce time spent on low-value tasks and focus on high-impact activities.’

Don’t blow your money on luxury goods

Flaunting wealth with luxury items is out of the question for actually wealthy folks, with Paul commenting: ‘They aim to buy assets – things that put money into their pocket (like rental properties or dividend stocks or other assets that they can sell) – and avoid unnecessary liabilities – things that take money out without generating returns (such as expensive cars, luxury goods, expensive holidays and the use of credit cards).’

Because of this, the rich are often seen as the masters of delayed gratification as ‘they understand that big rewards often require patience and discipline.’

So instead of impulse shopping and rushing to upgrade their lifestyle, they tend to prepare for their future by building emergency funds, reinvesting profits, and resisting lifestyle inflation even as their income grows. This allows them to avoid falling into a cycle of consumption without financial wealth accumulation.

Build multiple income streams

Most of us rely on one job as our main source of income, but those who are wealthy will typically have several different sources of income.

These might include rental income from real estate, dividends from stocks, business profits, royalties or licensing fees, online income streams (courses, books, digital products) or profit from selling assets.

‘This diversification not only increases their earning potential but also insulates them from economic downturns,’ Paul adds.