Crorepati Secrets: They Earn Less Than You — But Are Richer. Here’s Why.

Why do some people effortlessly grow wealthy while others, despite a good income, stay financially stuck?

Is it luck? An inheritance? A high-paying job?

In most cases, it comes down to one underrated skill — how they manage their spending.

Let’s face it — we live in a world where status often takes priority over savings.

People don’t hesitate to swipe their credit card for the latest gadgets, designer wear, or luxury dinners.

But when it comes to investing or saving for the future? That urgency suddenly disappears.

So let’s turn the spotlight inward: are we spending to improve our life or to impress others?

If you’ve ever wondered why saving feels hard or why your bank balance doesn’t reflect your hard work, this article is for you.

Table of Contents:

1. The Pressure to “Upgrade”: Are You Really in Control?
2. Why Most High Earners Aren’t Wealthy?
3. Learning from Billionaires: Simplicity is the Ultimate Wealth Statement
4. Spend from Your Profits, Not from Your Salary
5. The 7-Day Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Impulse Buying
6. Is 50% Off Really a Good Deal?
7. Warren Buffett’s Golden Rule of Spending
8. Salary Increases ≠ Lifestyle Increases
9. Family Spending Filter: A Practical Strategy
10. Frugality is Strength, Not Shame
11. Don’t Waste Your Bonus — It’s Not a Lottery
12. Final Thoughts: True Wealth Is Built, Not Bought

1.The Pressure to “Upgrade”: Are You Really in Control?

“You’re still using the same phone from five years ago?”

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Peer pressure and social influence are powerful.

It only takes a couple of remarks from friends or colleagues to push someone into “upgrading” their perfectly working phone, TV, or wardrobe.

Often, these upgrades are funded by credit card EMIs — giving the illusion of affordability while silently eating away at financial stability.

But ask yourself — is the purchase really needed? Or are you being emotionally manipulated?

Those who confidently say, “My phone still works fine, I don’t need a new one,” aren’t backward. They’re financially wise.

2.Why Most High Earners Aren’t Wealthy?

Is earning more always the answer to becoming rich?

Not really.

Many people earning ₹1 lakh or more a month still live pay check to pay check. Why?

Because every salary hike is matched — or even exceeded — by lifestyle upgrades.

A modest wardrobe turns into branded clothing. Local restaurants give way to luxury fine dining.

Small weekend indulgences become full-blown shopping marathons. The moment income increases, so does the spending.

But what if you made one small change — and increased your savings instead of your lifestyle?

3.Learning from Billionaires: Simplicity is the Ultimate Wealth Statement

Think rich people live lavishly?

Meet Warren Buffett — one of the richest investors in the world, worth over ₹13 lakh crore.

He still lives in the same house he bought in 1958, drives his own car, and prefers eating simple McDonald’s burgers.

Once, he even used coupons during a business lunch.

And Mark Zuckerberg? The billionaire CEO of Meta sticks to grey t-shirts and jeans almost every day — not because he can’t afford luxury, but because he chooses to live simply.

These are not habits of misers — they’re strategies of people who value long-term financial independence over short-term validation.

4.Spend from Your Profits, Not from Your Salary

Ever made an impulsive big-ticket purchase and regretted it later?

You’re not alone. But here’s a hack to eliminate the guilt: spend only from your investment profits.

Let’s say you’re eyeing an iPhone worth ₹1 lakh. Rather than buying it via EMI or swiping your credit card, why not invest that amount?

Over time, let your investment grow. When the returns can cover the cost, then consider the purchase.

This way, you enjoy guilt-free indulgence — while still staying financially disciplined.

Remember: debt-driven purchases steal from your future self.

5.The 7-Day Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Impulse Buying

What if you could pause your desires before they become decisions?

The 7-Day Rule does exactly that. Whenever you want to buy something expensive or non-essential, delay the decision for seven days.

During that time, ask:

• Do I truly need this?
• Will it still matter to me in a week?
• Can the money be better used elsewhere?

You’ll be surprised — more often than not, the urge passes. You save the money, avoid debt, and feel in control.

It’s a simple rule. But it works wonders.

6.Is 50% Off Really a Good Deal?

You walk into a store and see a product you didn’t even know you wanted… now at 50% off.

The brain says, “You’re saving money!” But reality says, you’re spending on something unnecessary.

Here’s a better way to think:
“If it’s not a need, and I don’t buy it, I save 100%.”

This mind-set shift is powerful.

7.Warren Buffett’s Golden Rule of Spending

He once said:

“If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.”

That quote hits hard. Every unnecessary purchase is money that could’ve gone into savings, investments, or your financial security net.

Ask yourself: are you buying convenience, comfort, or a craving?

8.Salary Increases ≠ Lifestyle Increases

Each year, you may receive a salary hike. But instead of increasing savings, most people raise their standard of living. That’s the trap.

New clothes. Expensive gadgets. Costlier weekend plans.
The spending curve rises faster than the income curve.

Eventually, this leads to EMI burdens and minimal savings — a recipe for long-term stress.

Next time your salary goes up, make this your mantra:
“I’ll increase my savings by 10% before I increase any spending.”

9.Family Spending Filter: A Practical Strategy

Here’s a powerful idea you can implement today.

Create a family spending group on WhatsApp.

Before anyone buys something non-essential, ask them to post it there and allow a cooling-off period for discussion.

One of our clients follows this. Recently, their son wanted a ₹150 cap to walk to the bus stop in summer.

The younger sister replied, “Why not use the foldable umbrella at home?”

Just like that, an unnecessary purchase was avoided — and the whole family got involved in practicing financial discipline.

It’s not about saying no. It’s about saying yes only to what truly matters.

10.Frugality is Strength, Not Shame

Are you embarrassed to say no to expensive outings or flashy purchases?

Don’t be.

Walking instead of booking a cab, choosing a bus over a bike, skipping a fancy meal — these are signs of strong financial values, not poverty.

Those who laugh today may come to you for a loan tomorrow.

And when they do, you’ll be glad you chose frugality over fleeting approval.

11.Don’t Waste Your Bonus — It’s Not a Lottery

Your bonus, tax refund, or side-income isn’t a windfall — it’s your hard-earned money.

Treat it with care. Instead of spending it all, allocate it wisely:

• Some for investing
• Some for future goals
• A small portion for guilt-free indulgence

This balanced approach ensures you enjoy life without sabotaging your financial progress.

12.Final Thoughts: True Wealth Is Built, Not Bought

Becoming wealthy doesn’t require a lottery win or a high-paying job.
It requires smart money habits, conscious choices, and a long-term mind-set.

By applying the strategies discussed here — from following the 7-Day Rule to resisting peer pressure — you’ll gradually build wealth, peace of mind, and true freedom.

But how do you stay consistent? How do you build a strategy that aligns with your unique life goals?

That’s where a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) comes in.

A CFP helps you:

• Understand your spending habits
• Align your savings with future goals
• Create a smart investment plan
• Avoid costly financial mistakes

Think of a CFP as your personal financial coach — guiding you to make better choices, build lasting wealth, and live life on your terms.

Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t about how much you earn — it’s about how wisely you live.