We can’t deny it, there’s something universally appealing about the idea of wealth.

Not just the kind that allows you to take a vacation or buy that new gadget, but the kind of wealth that’s timeless. The kind that makes you feel secure and gives you the freedom to live life on your own terms.

You might think it’s all about making more money, or maybe you’ve bought into the belief that it’s all about luck or even who you know.

But what if I told you it’s not about any of those things? What if I told you it’s actually about the everyday habits you might not even realise are holding you back?

At times, it’s not as dramatic as a get-rich-quick scheme or a lottery win. It comes down to subtle shifts in your daily routine, changes so small you might miss them if you’re not looking out for them.

Here’s how to know for sure that certain habits are keeping you stuck in the lower middle class, rather than propelling you towards timeless wealth.

1) Living paycheck to paycheck

It’s an all too familiar story: you receive your paycheck, you pay your bills, and before you know it, you’re waiting for your next paycheck to arrive.

But here’s the thing; while this might seem like a regular part of life, it’s also a habit that keeps you trapped in the lower middle class.

Living paycheck to paycheck means you’re always playing catch up. You’re reacting to your financial situation rather than controlling it.

And here’s the kicker: if you’re always catching up, when do you get ahead?

Timeless wealth is about more than just getting by. It’s about building a financial future that grows and sustains itself over time.

If you’re always waiting for the next paycheck, then it’s time to reassess. It’s time to break the cycle and start building wealth that lasts.

2) Not having a savings plan

After that paycheck comes in, the first instinct for many is to pay off bills and debts, maybe splurge a little on a treat, and then whatever is left goes into savings. But here’s the catch: usually, there’s not much left.

This was my reality for a long time. I’d get my paycheck and the routine would start all over again: pay bills, buy groceries, maybe go out for dinner once or twice. Then I’d look at my savings account and realize, it hadn’t grown much.

And that’s when it hit me. This lack of a savings plan was another habit keeping me stuck in the lower middle class.

You see, timeless wealth isn’t just about earning money; it’s about saving it and making it work for you. And that starts with having a solid savings plan.

If you find yourself in a similar situation where you’re only able to save what’s left after spending, it might be time to reassess your savings habits. It’s time to flip the script and start saving first, spending later.

3) Ignoring the power of compound interest

Albert Einstein once said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.”

Isn’t that a powerful thought? For a long time, I too was underestimating this eighth wonder of the world. I’d save a bit here and there, but I wasn’t really making my money work for me.

Compound interest is like a snowball rolling downhill. It starts small, but as it keeps rolling, it gathers more snow and grows larger and faster. It’s the same with your savings; the more you save and the sooner you start, the more your money grows.

Yet, many of us ignore this powerful tool and remain in the lower middle class. We stick to simple saving methods, unaware of how much more our money could be doing for us.

If you’re one of those people who think that simply saving is enough to build timeless wealth, consider this your wake-up call. It’s time to harness the power of compound interest to propel you towards financial freedom.

4) Investing in liabilities instead of assets

Did you know that the average new car will lose 60% of its value in the first five years? Yet, how many of us are tempted to buy that shiny new vehicle, thinking it’s an “investment”?

This is another habit that keeps many of us in the lower middle class. We spend our hard-earned money on liabilities – things that lose value over time – instead of investing in assets, which increase in value and generate income.

Timeless wealth comes from understanding this difference. It comes from resisting the temptation to spend on depreciating items and instead investing wisely in appreciating assets.

If you’re spending more on liabilities than assets, it’s time to rethink your investment strategy. Shift your focus towards assets and see how your wealth begins to grow.

5) Neglecting financial education

As I started to focus more on my financial future, I realized that one of the greatest obstacles was my lack of financial literacy. I knew how to earn money and how to spend it, but I didn’t know much about growing it or protecting it.

Many of us fall into this trap. We don’t prioritize learning about finances, investments, or wealth creation strategies. Instead, we stick to what we know and remain in the lower middle class.

But timeless wealth is not just about having money; it’s about understanding money. It’s about knowing what to do with your money to make it grow and last.

If you’re neglecting your financial education, it’s time to change that habit. Start learning, start asking questions, start challenging your understanding of money. It’s never too late to become financially literate, and it’s a crucial step on the road to timeless wealth.

6) Avoiding risk

In my journey towards financial freedom, one thing became crystal clear: staying in the safe zone doesn’t lead to timeless wealth.

It’s common for us to avoid financial risk. We stick to our 9-5 jobs, we save a little from each paycheck, we avoid risky investments. It’s comfortable, it’s safe. But it also keeps us in the lower middle class.

Timeless wealth often involves taking calculated risks. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new opportunities. It could be starting your own business, investing in stocks, or buying real estate.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. But it does mean opening yourself up to new possibilities and learning how to take smart, calculated risks. This could be the key to breaking free from the lower middle class and moving towards timeless wealth.

7) Chasing short-term gains

We live in a world where instant gratification is the norm. We want results now, and we often prioritize short-term gains over long-term growth.

This is yet another habit that keeps us in the lower middle class. We might jump at the chance of a quick profit, even if it means missing out on a more substantial, long-term gain.

But here’s what I’ve learned on my journey to timeless wealth: patience pays off. Wealth isn’t built overnight; it’s the result of consistent effort, smart decisions, and patience.

If you find yourself constantly chasing short-term gains at the expense of long-term growth, it’s time to reassess your approach. Timeless wealth requires a long-term perspective. So, start focusing on building lasting wealth rather than seeking quick profits.

8) Not setting financial goals

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to realize one fundamental truth: without a clear destination, it’s easy to lose your way.

This holds true for financial wealth as well. Many of us go through life without clear financial goals. We earn, we spend, we save a bit, but we don’t have a clear plan or goal for our financial future.

This lack of direction is another habit that keeps us in the lower middle class. Without clear financial goals, we drift along, often making decisions that don’t serve our long-term wealth.

Timeless wealth, on the other hand, requires clear and specific financial goals. It’s about knowing where you want to be financially and working towards that goal with determination and consistency.

Final thoughts

These habits are not set in stone. They can be changed, and with conscious effort, they can be transformed into stepping stones towards timeless wealth.

Start by recognizing these habits in your daily life. Pay attention to your financial decisions and actions. Are they aligned with your goal of achieving timeless wealth?

Don’t expect immediate change. It takes time to replace old habits with new ones. Each step towards better financial habits, no matter how small, is a step towards your ultimate goal.

And remember – it’s your journey. Everyone’s path to wealth is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find what works for you and stick to it.

In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward. With patience and persistence, timeless wealth is within your reach.