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7 Habits of Financially Successful People

Imagine Cousin Monty bursting into your study with wild tales of “overnight success” and seven-figure spreadsheets. While his antics make us laugh, the heart of his message is serious: true financial success isn’t about flashy cars or bank-account bragging rights—it’s about habits that last.

Today we’ll strip away the façade and focus on seven proven habits that drive lasting wealth, all grounded in Scripture. Let’s get started…before Cousin Monty sneaks into your pantry and grabs another bag of chips.

 

What Does Financial Success Really Mean?

When most people think “financial success,” they imagine a million-dollar bank account or an early retirement. But biblically and practically, it’s deeper than that. True financial success looks like:

  • Affording essential needs without stress (wants are endless, but needs must be met).
  • Freedom to choose what you do, where you do it, and with whom—while still giving generously.
  • Breaking free from paycheck-to-paycheck living and building generational wealth.
  • A calm balance of work and rest—not a life driven only by earning.
  • Giving freely without fear—whether $100 or $1,000.
  • Living debt-free, tithing faithfully, and providing for family and others.
  • Season-based goals: mowing lawns as a teen, cash-flowing college, paying off debt in your 20s, and funding care in your 80s.

As business coach Dan Sullivan puts it: “If you could cut a check and make a problem go away, do you really have a problem?”

But ultimately, financial success is best defined by Scripture: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6).

 

Biblical Financial Success = Contentment

The Bible doesn’t condemn wealth—but it warns against trusting in it.

  • Wealth is a gift: “It is God who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:18).
  • Generosity brings blessing: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched” (Prov. 11:25).
  • Money is not the problem—the love of it is: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Tim. 6:10).

Conclusion: True financial success is not measured in dollars, but in contentment under God’s provision.

 

The 7 Habits of Financially Successful People

1. They Work Hard (with Accountability)

  • Diligence leads to success: “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Prov. 12:24).
  • Work with excellence: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord” (Col. 3:23).
  • Seek accountability: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).

2. They Commit to Life-Long Learning

  • Grow in financial literacy and biblical wisdom (Prov. 1:5, Rom. 12:2).
  • Read, learn, and seek wise counsel (Prov. 18:15).
  • Be open to feedback, but discern worldly “self-help” that glorifies self over God.

3. They Live on Less Than They Earn

  • Budget wisely and avoid impulse spending (Prov. 21:20).
  • Build emergency funds and save consistently.
  • Avoid consumer debt and invest in appreciating assets.
  • Give generously—they “invest in the Kingdom.”

4. They Invest Early and Often

  • Consistently save 15–20% for retirement.
  • Diversify investments (Eccl. 11:2).
  • Take advantage of employer retirement plans.
  • Seek professional advice when needed.

5. They Use Debt Wisely (or Avoid It)

  • Debt is not inherently evil, but it’s dangerous when driven by greed.
  • Avoid risky debts: payday loans, balloon loans, 100% financing.
  • Scripture cautions us: “The borrower is the slave of the lender” (Prov. 22:7).
  • Live with wisdom: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Rom. 13:8).

6. They Buy Cars with Cash

  • Millionaires often drive modest, reliable cars—not luxury vehicles on loans.
  • They choose durability over flash, and contentment over comparison (Heb. 13:5).

7. They Stick to Their Plan

  • Financially successful people stay consistent.
  • They adjust when life throws curveballs but avoid chasing fads, politics, or fear-driven headlines.
  • “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).

 

Recommended Reading

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear (practical on habits, but filter through a biblical lens).

 

The Rich Fool’s Warning (Luke 12:15–21)

Jesus told the parable of a rich man who stored up treasures for himself but was not rich toward God. His life ended suddenly, and his wealth meant nothing.

The warning is clear:

  • Life does not consist in possessions.
  • Wealth is temporary; stewardship is eternal.
  • True wealth is measured by faithfulness, not figures.

 

Closing

As Cousin Monty finally settles on the couch—with another bag of chips—he gives you a thumbs-up: steady, biblical discipline beats flash every time.

These seven habits aren’t magic bullets, but they are tools to honor God with our resources and find true contentment. Remember the Rich Fool’s warning: wealth is fleeting, but stewardship lasts forever.

So let’s put these habits into practice, stewarding all we’ve been given for the Lord’s glory. And next time? Maybe hide your chips from Cousin Monty.

 

Next Steps

 

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The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

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