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The Psychology of Affluence

Scott Fitzgerald once said to Hemingway “The rich are different from you and me.” To which the other author replied: “Yes, they have more money.”

True. But let’s take it a step deeper. The reason the rich have more money, I believe, is that they think differently.

My family was wealthy. So were most their friends. I’ve talked to thousands of affluent women. One day, I made a list of things I consistently hear them say, or imply. I’m not talking about highly paid celebrities that go bankrupt, but those who sustain their wealth over a long period.

I came up with 9 common threads that seem to represent how they think.

  1. I am confident about my ability to create wealth. It’s part of my self-image
  2. I respect money and I value myself.
  3. I understand and follow the financial basics.
  4. I see no obstacles. Only opportunities.
  5. I talk possibility. Not limitation.
  6. I’m willing to do the tough stuff (that scares everyone else…and also me!)
  7. I know how to use risk to amplify my wealth.
  8. I rely on a team to help me manage my money.
  9. I take responsibility…for everything.

These 9 traits make great affirmations. There are probably more. Anything you’d add to this list? Share in the comments.


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Comments & Feedback

  • Christy

    I write this out every day along with all of my goals.

    I am able to course correct quickly

  • Subrena

    Thanks for this article, Barbara. I am not sure if these would be affirmations, but they did challenge my thinking.

    1. Ruth Soukup said: “Do it scared”. I love that phrase.

    2. When I was network marketing, I complained to a leader in a different office about some challenge I was having. He asked: “What are you going to do about it?” That question forced me to check myself.

    • barbara huson

      I love these, Subrena! “Do it scared” is the #1 requirement for creating wealth. And “what are you going to do about it” gets right to the heart of taking responsibility. Thank you so much for sharing this !!!

  • lisa

    Good morning Barbara,

    Thank you for your inspiring articles

    Most wealthy people I know have standards about how life should be!

  • Susan Coleman

    Love this Barbara. Think these are really useful.

  • barbara huson

    Thank you so much for commenting, Lisa. I agree!

  • Tamsin

    Thank you for your incredible and inspiring work. When you say do the “tough stuff” what does that mean?

    Thank you

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Meet Barbara Huson

When a devastating financial crisis rocked her world, Barbara Huson knew she had to get smart about money… and she did. Now, she wants to empower every women to take charge of their money and take charge of their lives! She’s doing just that with her best-selling books, life changing retreats and private financial coaching.

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