People Who Quietly Build Wealth Never Waste Money on These 5 Things: Number 3 Is What Bankrupts Often Do
•By Mahersaham Team
Artikel ini juga tersedia dalam Bahasa Melayu
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Have you ever heard the term stealth wealth? It refers to people who have money but feel no need to show it to the world. They are not busy buying sports cars, searching for mansion-sized homes, or uploading photos of designer bags every week. Their lives appear ordinary in the eyes of others, but in reality, their wealth grows quietly. The key to this lifestyle is simple: do not waste money on things that do not help your future.
First of all, one habit they avoid is wasting money on entertainment and dining out lavishly every week. Enjoying a special meal once in a while is certainly enjoyable, but if it is expensive restaurants, VIP concerts, or nights at bars every week, your pocket will thin out quickly. They are more creative — cooking at home, inviting friends for a potluck, or joining free activities that are still enjoyable. When they do eat out, they choose places that offer value, not simply following social media trends.
That said, they also do not buy branded goods solely for status. Not all branded items are wrong, but if the purpose is merely to show off, that is wasteful. Moreover, these individuals buy for quality and utility, not for the big logo on display. Sometimes, an ordinary shirt or pair of shoes can last for years if properly maintained. In short, the true value of an item lies in its durability and function, not its brand name.
Expensive cars that depreciate rapidly are also not their choice. Many people are mesmerised by the smell of a new car, but after leaving the showroom, its value drops drastically. Stealth wealth practitioners would rather drive a practical car that is easy to maintain and does not burden them with monthly instalments. Money is better used for investments that generate returns.
The same goes for the latest gadgets. They do not rush to buy every time a new model is launched. As long as their old phone or computer still functions well, they will continue using it. Only when it breaks down or is truly outdated will they purchase a new one.
In addition, another habit of theirs is avoiding subscriptions or services that go unused. Some people pay for gym memberships but rarely attend, or subscribe to multiple streaming platforms but only watch one or two programmes. For them, all of this is money that leaks away slowly. So they constantly review and cut spending that does not provide real value.
Furthermore, living with stealth wealth does not mean being stingy or not enjoying life. It is about making wise choices so that money is used for things that truly matter. Money that is not wasted can be channelled into investments, emergency savings, or meaningful experiences. If something brings joy and long-term benefit, carry on. But if it is merely to look impressive in others'' eyes, perhaps it is better to think twice.
Ultimately, true wealth is not about what people see, but about what you save and build without needing to show off. The world will always have new trends, new items, and new ways to spend money, but wise people know when to spend and when to save. If you start avoiding these five traps, you will not only see a difference in your bank account but also in your peace of mind. Remember, sometimes the greatest wealth is when only you know just how wealthy you truly are.
Stealth wealth means saving and building wealth quietly without showing off. These individuals live modestly even though they can afford luxury, because they prioritise financial freedom over social status.
They avoid spending heavily on unnecessary luxury cars, branded goods purely for status, excessive subscriptions that are rarely used, overspending on dining out, and taking on loans for a lavish lifestyle.
Start by reviewing your monthly expenses, cut unnecessary subscriptions, set a budget, and channel surplus money into emergency savings or long-term investments such as stocks on Bursa Malaysia.
Money that is merely saved will lose value due to inflation. Investing in instruments such as stocks, unit trusts, or property allows your money to grow and combat the long-term effects of inflation.
Practising stealth wealth is not just about being frugal, but also about wisely channelling money into investments that can build long-term wealth.
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