Forget the flashy cars and champagne wishes – building wealth is actually a down-to-earth, everyday thing.
It's about smart choices, consistent habits, and letting time be your ally. Think steady growth, not overnight miracles. And the good news? You might already be further along than you think.
Here are 15 signs you're quietly building a comfortable future, one sensible decision at a time.
Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique
The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.
A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.
If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)
You understand that money is a tool
![female african american broker reviewing stocks](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/african-american-woman-checking-stocks-data.jpeg)
Understanding that money is a tool that can be used to make more money sets apart those who know that you can build wealth quietly.
Once you see it as something that can be utilized and leveraged, you’ll start increasing your wealth without constantly thinking or worrying about it.
Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.
You have a plan to reach your financial goals
![couple reviewing finances on couch](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/couple-reviewing-bills-together-at-home.jpeg)
Having big financial goals is great. Knowing your ideal retirement number, setting up college funds, or putting down a 20% down payment on a house are all good places to start.
But these aren’t realistic without a plan. If you have a plan in place, you will have a better chance of staying on track, even if you don’t think about it every day.
You’ve stopped checking your bank account daily
![happy senior couple using laptop together](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/senior-couple-using-laptop-in-kitchen.jpeg)
One of the first signs that you’re building wealth without even noticing is that you’ve stopped checking your bank account daily.
At first, you’re probably paying attention to each transaction. As you become more confident that you have the money you need, you won’t feel as obsessive about checking it.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Your emergency fund is fully funded
![emergency fund glass jar with money](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/emergency-fund-note-on-glass-jar.jpeg)
One of the most significant ways to realize you’ve built wealth without even noticing is that your emergency fund is fully funded.
Whether it’s a car repair, a new roof, or a donation to a cause you feel strongly about, you feel confident withdrawing the money. That’s a sense of success that can’t be understated.
You’ve eliminated consumer debt
![frustrated man cutting cards with scissors](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/frustrated-man-cuttings-cards-with-scissors.jpeg)
The average credit card APR is 17%. This often means consumers get stuck in a cycle of paying off interest without ever making a dent in the money they actually owe.
That’s why consumer debt is the enemy of building wealth. If you’ve put away the credit cards or figured out how to pay them off each month, you’re probably on track to building wealth.
You’re not falling for lifestyle creep
![happy woman preparing healthy meal portions](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/woman-preparing-meal-portions-in-kitchen.jpeg)
The easiest way to build wealth is to keep increasing the money coming in. If your income continues to rise year after year, that’s a step in the right direction.
But that turns into actual wealth building when you increase your income and keep your spending the same. That means not falling for lifestyle creep and the big purchases that become attractive when there’s more money in your account.
You hit your savings goal every month
![man dividing expenses on table](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/man-calculating-expenses-on-table.jpeg)
After you’ve put away money for retirement and paid your fixed expenses, the rest is for discretionary spending and savings.
If you hit your savings goal month after month, then you’re building wealth and padding your accounts without even noticing.
You purposefully live below your means
![woman reading novel on stylish chair](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/woman-reading-book-on-cozy-couch.jpeg)
If you try to keep your housing expenses below 30% of your pay, don’t take vacations just to keep up with the Joneses, and stick to a reasonable budget, you’re probably living within or below your means. This is one of the biggest keys to building wealth quietly and steadily.
You don’t worry about a quick, small purchase
![woman in hijab doing self checkout](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/woman-in-hijab-doing-self-checkout.jpeg)
When you get to the point where you can buy the $15 olive oil without stressing or spring for lunch out with colleagues without adapting your budget for the rest of the week, you know you’ve been successful at building at least some wealth.
It’s that first time you say, yes, I’d like the guacamole at your favorite taco place that you know you’ve reached a comfortable place financially, even if you hadn’t realized it yet.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
You’re maxing out your retirement accounts
![money bundle for retirement on table](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/for-retirement-note-on-money-bundle.jpeg)
Saving for retirement in an account like a 401(k) or IRA is one of the simplest ways to build wealth. Many people have access to a retirement account through their employer, and this money comes straight out of their paycheck.
If an employer matches it? Even better. You’re truly growing your wealth without even thinking about it.
You’ve stopped keeping significant cash on hand
![male customer using card for payment](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/happy-male-customer-paying-at-cashier.jpeg)
Cash in your wallet or checking account is just sitting there. It’s not earning interest or working for you. If you’ve learned to start putting that cash in high-yield savings accounts or CDs, you’re building wealth quietly without ever missing the money.
You’re focused on big decisions, not little ones
![barista doing latte art at cafe](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/barista-doing-latte-art-at-cafe.jpeg)
You’ve heard of the latte effect — the $5 daily purchases that chisel away at your wealth. Those little purchases matter over time but aren’t game-changers to your wealth.
You’ve reached the stage of building wealth without even noticing when you start focusing on the big investment decisions or paying down significant debt rather than worrying over fast food choices.
You’re paying some attention to your investments
![woman reviewing investment graph on tablet](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/woman-checking-investment-graph-on-tablet.jpeg)
Investments are one of those things that should be mostly a set-it-and-forget-it situation. But pay too little attention, and you may not build wealth most effectively.
If you’re paying some attention to the market, where your money is invested, and whether you’re paying unnecessary fees, then you’re probably putting yourself on track for a comfortable lifestyle without putting in significant effort or thought.
You have money to spend on hobbies
![golfer wearing straw hat playing golf](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/golfer-playing-golf-on-sunny-day.jpeg)
When you’re first building your nest egg, every extra dollar may go toward your savings or investment goals.
But, as you grow your wealth, you have money to spend on the things you love, whether that’s a nice dinner out on the weekends, a new set of golf clubs, or a trip you’ve been dreaming of.
And you feel comfortable spending that money, not worried it will deplete your savings.
You feel a sense of calm
![relaxed african american remote worker meditating](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/african-american-remote-worker-meditating.jpeg)
Perhaps the most critical piece of knowing that you’re on the right track is that you have a general sense of calm around money.
You feel good about what’s in the bank, and your decisions lower your financial stress, even if you have goals yet to hit.
Bottom line
![happy multi ethnic couple scrolling smartphone](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/01/15/happy-multi-ethnic-couple-using-smartphone.jpeg)
Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint, but that doesn't mean you can't set milestones and celebrate achievements along the way.
So, take a moment to acknowledge your progress, then use it as fuel to keep moving forward.
Research, learn, plan, and start investing in your financial future. Every step, however small, brings you closer to your goals.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- See what could happen if you add fine art to your investment portfolio.
- Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- 10 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.