The Simply Luxurious Life®  

January 13, 2011

Seven Traits Of The Wealthy

{A simply luxurious life, while full of the concept less is more, luxuriates in the decadence of high quality, complementary style and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us in decor, fashion, nature and people themselves. One does not need to maintain a balance in the bank that one might associate with a millionaire, however, it would be a mistake for me not to address the fact, that being secure financially – just the knowledge of this fact – brings about a priceless piece of mind that contributes greatly to a well-balanced simply luxurious life.

With that said, my new series every Friday will focus on sharing a bit of financial food for thought that will help you create a sound financial life that makes it possible to make the choices that will help you create the life of your dreams.  Because after all, simply having choices is a luxury – enabling independence, however we might choose to go about our every day lives. }


Once again, I rely on Jean Chatzky’s book The Difference to bring to our attention those that have figured out successful ways to navigate the world that is money.  Today, I’d like to share with you her 7 traits of the Wealthy Personality, and what I think you’ll see is that anybody, with determination and focus, can acquire such traits.
1. Resilience
In these economic times, resilience is required more than ever.  The belief that no matter what frustrations we may be dealing with, now is the time to capitalize on opportunities.  Investing, refinancing with a much lower fixed APR and the faith in ourselves to know that where there is a will, there really is a way.
2. Connectedness
Networking and being someone who others want to work with is an insurance we can create on a daily basis by the way we treat others, the boundaries and expectations we set and the praise we give to others when we notice a job that is well done.  This trait demonstrates that our success really is something we create by believing in ourselves and always doing our best work.
3. Drive
With anything in life, we must have passion and a desire to accomplish anything we want to see realized come into fruition into our lives. The key is to love what we do, so that we are willing to regularly give an extra 10%.
4. Curiosity
Diane Sawyer reiterated this trait as one that defines her success, and she makes a very good point.  If we our satisfied with where we are in our lives, we don’t push for more, but if we our constantly searching and seeking knowledge and answers, this will be the magnetic fuel that will propel us in the direction we want to go.
5. Intuition
With practice and a conscious choice to listen to what our gut tells us about certain situations, certain people, everything that is thrown our way, we can effectively navigate the path to create a career and a life that we are proud of.  The obstacle that lies with this particular trait is that we must be strong enough to follow what we hear within no matter what others may say around us.
6. Confidence
An educated risk, a calculated leap, is at the foundation of many successful entrepreneurs who believed in their product or skill and after the right amount of preparation, took a chance on themselves.
7. Optimism
Believing in ourselves and our own dreams is the glue that holds all of these traits together because when we believe in ourselves, truly believe, the people around us see our determination, our confidence and our willingness to work for what we want, and everyone wants to be around a winner.


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January 6, 2011

Financial Food For Thought – 5 Good Habits

{A simply luxurious life, while full of the concept less is more, luxuriates in the decadence of high quality, complementary style and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us in decor, fashion, nature and people themselves. One does not need to maintain a balance in the bank that one might associate with a millionaire, however, it would be a mistake for me not to address the fact, that being secure financially – just the knowledge of this fact – brings about a priceless piece of mind that contributes greatly to a well-balanced simply luxurious life.

With that said, my new series every Friday will focus on sharing a bit of financial food for thought that will help you create a sound financial life that makes it possible to make the choices that will help you create the life of your dreams.  Because after all, simply having choices is a luxury – enabling independence, however we might choose to go about our every day lives. }

Living a financially sound life begins with good habits and approaches as to how you view and handle money in your life.  As long as you can become proficient in the healthy habits of finance, you will be surprised how (in the longer run and every day), your life will change for the better.  Here are five habits, four of which were found in The Difference by Jean Chatzky, that are found to be practiced by the wealthy consistently:

1. Work Hard

While with each moment your are working hard, you are not always with the one’s you love, understanding the importance of discovering a career that you are passionate about becomes all the more necessary.  Hard work does pay off – absolutely. But as I mentioned in my post regarding the discovery of your passion, if you are immersed in a career that engages your heart and your mind, you will continue to work hard and produce great results.

2. Save Habitually

On a monthly basis stash away 10% of your income to retirement, as well as into a cushion account for emergencies and long term dreams.

3. Pay Full Credit Card Balance Monthly

The ability to regularly pay off debt each month is responsible thing to do.  Not only are you living within your means, but you are taking back control of your finances and allowing yourself a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Invest Soundly & Aggressively

Just how aggressively depends on your goals & age, however you should be following sound advice regarding where you are putting your hard earned money.

5. Give Back

A form of paying it forward. Helping out the community you live in or those organization you care passionately, allows you to step out of yourself and focus on other’s needs for a moment. A sense of a more balanced fulfillment typically results.

Image: Sebastian

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