I’ve Interviewed 100s of Wealthy People — Here Are 9 Money Lessons They Taught Me

Mateo Novak
3 min readJul 28, 2023

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I wish they taught these in school

Money management and financial success have always been intriguing subjects, and what better way to unravel the secrets of wealth than by tapping into the minds of those who have achieved it? After interviewing hundreds of wealthy individuals from various walks of life, I’ve been fortunate enough to glean invaluable insights into their money mindset and habits. In this article, I’ll share nine powerful money lessons that emerged from these conversations, which can guide us all towards a more prosperous future.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

A recurring theme in these interviews was the emphasis on cultivating a growth mindset. Wealthy individuals tend to see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles. By believing in their ability to learn and adapt, they stay open to new ideas, continuously improve their financial strategies, and seize opportunities that others might overlook.

Prioritize Education and Knowledge

Education is an invaluable asset that pays dividends throughout life. Wealthy individuals understand the importance of expanding their knowledge in various domains, whether it’s financial literacy, investment, entrepreneurship, or personal development. They actively seek to learn from books, mentors, and experiences, making informed decisions that align with their goals.

Delay Gratification and Invest Wisely

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to financial matters. Many of the wealthy interviewees emphasized the significance of delaying gratification, forgoing immediate pleasures to make long-term investments. Whether it’s investing in stocks, real estate, or their own businesses, they focus on building assets that appreciate over time and generate sustainable income.

Diversify Your Sources of Income

Building wealth often involves having multiple streams of income. While most started with a primary source of income, they gradually diversified to reduce risk and create additional revenue streams. This approach provides a safety net during economic downturns and opens doors to new opportunities.

Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

The power of one’s social circle cannot be underestimated. Successful individuals often surround themselves with people who share their ambitions, values, and vision. They seek inspiration and support from these like-minded individuals, fostering a positive environment that encourages growth and innovation.

Embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes

Failure is not a dead-end but a stepping stone towards success. Many of the wealthy interviewees encountered failures on their journey to prosperity. Rather than being discouraged, they viewed these setbacks as valuable lessons. Embracing failure with a learning mindset allowed them to adapt their strategies and refine their approach, ultimately leading them closer to their financial goals.

Practice Gratitude and Giving Back

True wealth extends beyond monetary gains. The wealthy individuals I interviewed often emphasized the importance of gratitude and giving back to society. Expressing gratitude for what they have and sharing their success through philanthropy provided them with a sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond material wealth.

Leverage Time and Automation

Time is the most precious resource, and the wealthy understand its significance. They prioritize activities that align with their goals and delegate or automate tasks that can be handled efficiently by others or technology. By freeing up their time, they can focus on high-impact activities that drive financial growth.

Stay Disciplined and Stick to a Plan

Lastly, discipline is the cornerstone of financial success. Wealthy individuals stay disciplined in their financial decisions, sticking to their well-thought-out plans even during market fluctuations or economic turbulence. This unwavering commitment to their goals empowers them to overcome obstacles and stay on track towards their vision of prosperity.

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Mateo Novak

Writer, programmer & blogger passionate about crafting stories, building solutions, and sharing insights on tech, coding, and creativity.