Why You’re Still Broke Earning Six Figures: The 4 Rich Habits That Build Real Wealth

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You earn over $100,000 a year. So why does it feel like you’re stuck living paycheck to paycheck?

It’s not a math problem—it’s a habit problem. The people building real, lasting wealth aren’t necessarily earning more. They’re behaving differently.

Here are 4 rich habits you can steal immediately. They’re simple. Repeatable. And wealth-building by design.

1. Automate the First 10%

Rich people pay themselves first.

📈 Rich people automate their savings or investments.

📉 Most broke high-earners save what’s left—if anything.

Why this works? Before rent. Before groceries. Before the next trip. They pay themselves first. They value that they are first in line.

Set this up:

Use your bank to auto-transfer 10% to a high-yield savings account (HYSA) or brokerage the day your paycheck lands, to practice the Habit of 10%.

2. Calendar Your Money Check-Ins

Rich Habit: Regular net worth and expense check-ins.

Poor Habit: Ignoring finances until there’s a problem.

Why It Works? Awareness is wealth’s foundation. A 20-minute monthly check-in can change your entire trajectory. How are things going? To plan? If you have a plan or know where your money goes, that in itself puts you in the estimated 48% percent of those earning over $100k who manage their finances on a planned basis compared to "52% of individuals earning $100,000 or more annually now identify as “reactors” — those who manage finances on an as-needed basis" (PYMTS, 2025).

Try This: Put a recurring calendar event for the last Sunday of each month: Money Review Day. Start at once a month. Face the Beast and use the Habit of the Hawk by tracking your money.

3. Delay Gratification by 30 Days

Rich Habit: Intentional, mindful spending.

Poor Habit: Treating spending like emotional relief. They are not using the Habit of Waiting to Spend.

Why It Works: Time reveals the truth. A few days of waiting, or even as much as 30 days like this Redditor often turns “must-have” into “not worth it.”

Try This: Create a “7-Day Wishlist” note on your phone. Revisit it once a month before buying.

4. Use the Language of Investment

Rich Habit: Thinking in returns (ROI) across time, money, and energy. There is a return on time and effort. As Myron Golden says, "you have to separate your income generation from time" (Marketing Secrets, 2020).

Poor Habit: Thinking in cost and consumption. There isn't investment, since it's prioritized last.

Why It Works: Wealth builders don’t “spend.” They “invest”—in themselves, relationships, and buying/controlling assets.

Try This: Ask yourself, “What’s the ROI on this?” at least once per day.

Take your time and start experimenting with these. Test them and let us know what results you have.

To your success.