Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.

Cheapism/FG Trade/webphotographeer/istockphoto

There are numerous ways you have to map out your life differently if you’re looking to make more money than the majority of folks trying to navigate life’s ups and downs, especially as the cost of living itself continues to climb. To establish yourself as a millionaire, or even a billionaire, requires all kinds of heroic commitments and sacrifices (not to mention some great connections and sheer luck). 

Redditors who have known millionaires and billionaires reveal the ways that they did life differently. There are certain patterns that you might take note of if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd yourself.

They Manage Time Very Differently.

A person typing on their laptop with a sand timer placed next to it.
Ralf Geithe/istockphoto

Oh time, a “commodity” of sorts that we’ll never actually be able to buy back. Thus, the value of keeping it present and being prepared for life’s different ups and downs can’t be expressed enough. 

Redditor u/frank-sarno writes, “He managed time very differently than anyone I was used to. E.g., our meeting with him began precisely on schedule, lasted 30 minutes, and there was no chit chat. Before this meeting we had a pre-meeting with his admin to discuss expectations. The admin explained that we had to be on time, no introductions/titles just name, no small talk, no marketing, be prepared to answer technical and financial questions quickly and succintly. For this latter, if there were numbers we had to know precisely which page of the material had the information.” Definitely sounds like a high-pressure environment. 

Related: 17 Billionaires With Surprisingly Frugal Habits

No Fear When Addressing Anyone.

An unrecognizable business person giving a speech.
baona/istockphoto

There are many of us that can tend to freeze up when it’s our time to chime in on an important conversation that could be work-related, or even with someone who is otherwise an important figure in our lives. Thus, having your mental game established to a certain level where you don’t find yourself battling a case of nerves is an easy way to set yourself apart, and apparently many folks that are financially very well off have this especially mastered. 

Related: ‘Rich Habits’ People Have Without Being Rich

They Don’t Bother Packing For Their Trips.

A couple taking a picture while outside of a private jet.
EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/istockphoto

Why burn up that precious sweet time by packing clothes for the next trip to a faraway destination. Simply, buy new clothes when you get there. Apparently, that’s not an uncommon habit shared by millionaires and billionaires alike. Makes sense in a strange way. 

Related: ‘Piles of Crap All Over’: Redditors Reveal What It’s Like To Work for the ‘Super Wealthy’

They’ll Spontaneously Hire A Private Chef.

A private chef pouring wine.
carles miro/istockphoto

Oh boy, that must be nice. Maybe you find yourself feeling particularly unmotivated or just flat-out burned out by working yourself to the bone just to make ends meet, and you simply reach out to your private chef to get your dietary obligations fulfilled. 

Related: 14 of the Most Expensive Restaurants in America

They’re Used To Riding Around In The Back Of Very Nice Cars.

A businessman who is sitting in the back of a nice car while being transported by two security guards.
Antonio_Diaz/istockphoto

This one almost seems like common sense. Redditor u/LanceFree writes, “Years ago a friend of mine’s dad was trying to sell his start-up company and picked-up an investor at the airport. He was proud of his classic Rolls Royce and noticed the investor looking around, playing with the air vents. So he said “Is this your first time in a Rolls Royce?” The guy said no, but it was his first time in the front seat.”

For more fun money stories, sign up for our free newsletters.

Meet the Writer

Matt has spent the last 8 or so odd years as both a writer and editor in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally rabid, pigeons. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a book and/or some friends, or just easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.