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15 Key Qualities That Financially Successful People Swear By

These ideas can push you closer to financial and personal success.

Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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It can be difficult to figure out where to start and what makes someone more successful than someone else.

And if you’re trying to boost your bank account to achieve other financial goals, it can be a real challenge to find out what’s going to work for you.

So what are some things that could make you more successful than others? Here are a few traits of successful people you may want to consider cultivating in your life.

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Consistency

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It’s hard to stick with the same thing over and over again, but consistency could pay off when you’re trying to find success.

You may be called on for new challenges at work because leaders know you will turn in good work every time or that you can be relied on to get the job done on a deadline.


Dedication

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Committing to a particular purpose can build your reputation as someone who believes in your work and will be there each and every time to get it done.

Your loyalty to your company or commitment to saving money can pay off with dedication.

Focus

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Don’t let distractions get in the way of finding success. Things like fancy vacations or fun cars might pull you away from your goals to flourish financially.

Instead, remember to focus on what you want to accomplish and keep your eye on the prize.

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Discipline

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You have to be disciplined when it comes to setting a goal and staying with it.

Maybe you want to set aside a certain amount of money each week in a high-yield saving account or invest it so you can retire early.

Your discipline to stick with those plans each week can put you on a path to financial success.

Grit

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Your financial journey is always going to be easy. You may face setbacks like losing your job or a downturn in the stock market, putting your retirement investments in the red.

But your determination and grit to dig in and push through the hard times can get you to success on the other side.


Luck

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Sometimes, it’s just a little luck that comes your way and gives you a boost. But how can that be a key thing to make you successful?

It’s what you do with that luck that counts. Put yourself in a position to have luck come your way so you can capitalize on it when you get a lucky break.


Goal-oriented

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It’s important to set goals for yourself so you have the motivation to get where you want to go.

Think of your goals as signposts on your journey as you map out your financial future. Each sign you pass is another step in the right direction to achieving financial success.


Steadfastness

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Sometimes slow and steady is better than rushing around without any plan.

Investing in a steady index fund with your retirement investments, for example, may be a more lucrative option than a flashy stock that shoots up and then crashes before you can cash in.

And putting a steady amount of money away in a savings account can help you lock in income to cover bills or build an emergency fund.

Strength

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You don’t need to go to the gym to build strength. Consider building a strong and diverse financial portfolio that can withstand severe downturns.

Develop the mental power you need to reject spending too much or not saving enough. Your strength in the face of financial adversity can help you push through any financial decisions.

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Passion

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You have to be excited to learn new financial things or take on financial challenges. A real interest in stocks, investments, savings, and other financial options can lead to success as you learn and enjoy the process of becoming financially successful.


Positivity

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A positive attitude can go a long way in keeping you focused and moving forward even if you face financial setbacks. A smile and a can-do attitude can push you higher and better financially.

Use your positive attitude to look forward and see your successes even if you have to drive over some financial bumps to get there.


Patience

olly/Adobe middle-aged businessman sitting on a couch and feeling stressed about work

It can be frustrating to wait for your savings to add up or for your financial planning to be successful. Stick with it and have some patience and you’ll reach your financial goals.

This may be especially true if you’re investing in your retirement portfolio not even if you don’t expect to retire early or have several more years before starting your post-work life.


Balance

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It’s a good idea to balance your financial plans to help maximize your profits.

Perhaps you’ll want to put some of your retirement investments in a steady investment while other money goes to riskier investments that may be able to pay off more if they succeed.

A financial portfolio could have several different pieces that have to be in balance to make everything go in the right direction.


Reliability

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Reliability may sound boring, but it also means you can depend on it no matter what.

Perhaps you want to invest in an index fund that can bring in dependable returns over time. Or maybe you want to invest in real estate with dependable rent.

Whatever it is, an investment you can trust is an investment that may be the best option.

Gratitude

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After all that you’ve worked to achieve, it’s good to be thankful for the financial stability you pushed to gain.

Whether it’s crushing your debt, building an emergency fund, or working on your retirement plan, each piece can help put your financial future in place and make you happy with what you have.

Bottom line

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The great thing about learning to adopt smart financial habits is that you can tailor your goals and motivation to what works best for you.

Start by creating a budget with attainable goals that you can reach and use as stepping stones to the next success.

You may be surprised how developing consistent goals can lead to consistent growth and success.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.