8 signs someone is doing financially well in life (even if they try not to show it)

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | January 22, 2025, 8:43 am

Financial stability isn’t always about the flashy cars and designer clothes. Sometimes, it’s the subtle signs that reveal someone’s true financial health.

Wealth is often a silent game, with many people trying not to draw attention to their success.

But there are tell-tale signs which can indicate when someone is doing well financially, even if they’re not shouting it from the rooftops.

In this article, I’m going to share with you eight subtle signs that someone is doing well in life financially.

These signs are often overlooked but can give you a real insight into someone’s financial stability.

1) They’re not living paycheck to paycheck

One of the most apparent signs someone is doing well financially is if they aren’t living paycheck to paycheck.

Most of us know what it’s like to anxiously wait for payday, counting down the days until we can refill our bank accounts.

But those who are financially stable don’t have this worry.

It’s not because they’re earning a massive income. Instead, it’s because they’ve mastered the art of budgeting and saving.

They’ve created a cushion of savings that takes the pressure off each pay cycle.

This sign is often overlooked because it’s not flashy or noticeable.

But if someone seems relaxed about when their next paycheck is coming, they’re likely doing well financially.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they’re flaunting their wealth. It’s just a subtle sign of their financial stability.

If you notice this trait in someone, they’re likely managing their money well, even if they don’t make a big show of it.

2) They’re not swayed by sales

One thing I’ve noticed about people who are doing well financially is that they’re not easily swayed by sales.

Just the other day I was at the mall with my friend, who I know is in a good place financially.

We walked past a store advertising a huge sale. I immediately began to calculate what I could afford, but my friend simply strolled past without a second glance.

When I asked her about it, she said something that stuck with me: “Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean I need it.”

This is a common trait among those who are financially stable.

They understand the difference between wants and needs, and they don’t let sales dictate their purchasing decisions.

They buy things because they need them or because they’ve budgeted for them, not just because they’re on sale.

It’s a simple mindset shift, but one that can make a huge difference in financial stability.

And it’s another subtle sign that someone is doing well in life financially.

3) They prioritize experiences over things

The rich and successful don’t just accumulate wealth, they also accumulate experiences.

People who spend money on experiences rather than material items are happier and feel that their money is better spent.

People who are doing well financially understand this.

They don’t just work hard to amass wealth, they work hard to create a life filled with meaningful experiences.

They would rather invest in a trip, a course, or a hobby that enriches their life instead of buying the latest gadget or luxury item.

This is not always obvious on the surface, as it’s easy to assume someone with a modest lifestyle isn’t doing well financially.

But if you notice someone prioritizing experiences over things, it could be a sign they’re more financially stable than they let on.

4) They’re not weighed down by debt

Having a mountain of debt is a clear sign of financial struggle. However, those who are doing well financially often have little to no debt.

This doesn’t mean they never borrow money. It could be a mortgage for a home or a loan for a business venture.

But the key is they’re in control of their debt. They manage it effectively and don’t let it accumulate to a point where it becomes a burden.

If you come across someone who rarely talks about being in debt or seems unbothered by repayments, this could be another subtle sign they’re doing well financially.

It’s not about how much money they make, but how effectively they manage what they have.

5) They’re generous

One of the most heartwarming signs of financial stability is generosity.

When someone is doing well financially, they often feel a greater capacity to give to others.

This doesn’t necessarily mean lavish gifts or large donations, but rather a general willingness to help out when they can.

Maybe they’re the first to pick up the tab at dinner, or they regularly support local charities.

Or perhaps they simply offer financial advice or guidance to those who need it.

Their generosity isn’t about showing off their wealth.

Instead, it’s a reflection of their financial comfort. They have enough to not only take care of themselves but also help others.

Seeing this level of generosity in someone is truly special.

It’s a sure sign that they’re not just doing well financially, but they’re also using their success to make a positive impact.

6) They have a long-term financial plan

I’ll never forget the day I realized my uncle was actually doing well financially.

Growing up, he lived a very modest lifestyle, so I assumed he was just getting by. But one day, he showed me his detailed financial plan.

It wasn’t just a budget for the next month or even the next year – it was a comprehensive plan for the next few decades.

It covered everything from investments, retirement savings, to potential business ventures.

That’s when I realized that he wasn’t just living comfortably – he was planning for a comfortable future.

And this is a common trait among those who are doing well financially.

They don’t just think about their current financial situation, but they also plan for their future.

They have a clear understanding of where they want to be and they’ve laid out steps to get there.

This kind of foresight is definitely a sign of financial stability.

7) They’re not stressed about money

Money worries are a common stressor for many people.

But those who are doing well financially often have a noticeably lower level of stress when it comes to finances.

This doesn’t mean they never worry about money at all. Everyone has financial concerns at some point.

But the difference is, their concerns are more strategic – such as how to grow their wealth or where to invest next.

If you notice someone who seems relatively stress-free when discussing finances, it could be a sign they’re doing well financially.

It’s not the amount of money they have that matters, but their attitude towards it. They see money as a tool, not a source of anxiety.

8) They value financial education

The most important sign that someone is doing well financially is their commitment to financial education.

They understand that the key to financial success isn’t just earning more money, but knowing how to manage it effectively.

This could mean reading financial books, attending seminars, or even hiring a financial advisor.

They’re constantly seeking to improve their financial knowledge and make informed decisions.

If you know someone who values financial education and applies it in their life, there’s a good chance they’re doing well financially.

It’s not just about the money they have, but the knowledge they possess to grow and maintain it.

Final reflections: It’s more than just money

The correlation between personal habits and financial well-being is undoubtedly intriguing.

Financial stability doesn’t always equate to a lavish lifestyle or an extravagant display of wealth.

More often than not, it’s reflected in subtle signs and behaviors – an effective budget, a calm attitude towards money, a focus on experiences over material possessions, and a commitment to financial education.

These signs give us an insight into the mindset of those who are doing well financially.

They teach us that money management isn’t just about earning more, but also about making informed decisions and maintaining a healthy relationship with money.

As we navigate our own financial journeys, it’s worth reflecting on these signs.

They serve as a reminder that financial success is less about the balance in our bank accounts, but more about our attitudes and behaviors towards money.

Indeed, the signs of financial well-being are more than just monetary – they’re deeply ingrained habits and attitudes that ultimately lead to a life of abundance.