8 daily habits of people who will never be rich, according to psychology

We all dream of financial freedom, don’t we?

But here’s the hard truth: becoming wealthy isn’t just about luck, talent, or even how much money you make—it’s about the habits you practice every single day.

Psychologists often point out that wealth-building behaviors are deeply tied to mindset. The same way self-sabotaging habits can ruin a relationship, certain daily patterns can quietly hold us back from building the life we want.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people thrive financially while others keep spinning their wheels, let’s take a closer look at the daily habits that keep people broke.

1. Spending impulsively

Let’s start with a simple question: do you track your spending, or do you buy whatever looks good in the moment?

Impulse spending is one of the fastest ways to drain wealth. That daily latte, the Amazon “just because” order, or the constant upgrades to the newest tech—individually they don’t seem like much, but together they add up to thousands a year.

Psychologists call this “hedonic adaptation”—the way we quickly adjust to new pleasures and start craving more. The shiny purchase that feels exciting today becomes “normal” tomorrow, so we look for the next boost.

Daniel Goleman, who’s written extensively about emotional intelligence, once said, “The ability to delay gratification is a master skill, a triumph of the reasoning brain over the impulsive one.”

Wealthy people don’t just earn more—they manage the urge to spend now so they can invest for later. If you can’t rein in small daily splurges, building long-term wealth will always feel out of reach.

2. Avoiding uncomfortable money conversations

Do you shy away from talking about finances with your partner, family, or even yourself?

Psychologists have found that people who avoid financial conversations often struggle with long-term stability. It’s not just about budgeting—it’s about facing reality. Money avoidance is linked to higher stress, debt, and even anxiety-related health issues.

I’ve seen couples in counseling where one partner admitted they hadn’t opened a credit card statement in months because it was “too stressful.” The result? Mounting debt that became much harder to climb out of.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Financial Therapy found that money avoidance is directly associated with lower net worth and higher levels of financial anxiety.

Ignoring money doesn’t make problems disappear. It makes them multiply. Facing the hard conversations is uncomfortable in the short run but absolutely crucial if you want to create stability in the long run.

3. Living for instant gratification

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” The wealthy understand this—they play the long game.

Those who stay stuck financially are often chasing short-term highs. Whether it’s splurging on vacations you can’t afford, gambling on quick wins, or constantly upgrading your car, the pattern is the same: short-term pleasure over long-term gain.

Psychologists link this to “present bias”—the tendency to value immediate rewards more highly than future ones. And here’s the catch: wealth requires the opposite. It requires patience, discipline, and the ability to say no to now for the sake of tomorrow.

The famous Stanford “marshmallow test” demonstrated this perfectly. Children who resisted eating one marshmallow right away in order to get two later went on, decades later, to achieve higher incomes and better life outcomes.

When you think about it, wealth is simply the adult version of waiting for that second marshmallow.

4. Failing to invest in themselves

Here’s a story from one of my clients: she wanted to change careers but kept saying she “couldn’t afford” a certification course. Meanwhile, she spent hundreds a month on dinners out and online shopping.

The truth is, people who don’t prioritize learning, networking, or skill-building are essentially capping their income. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on the “growth mindset” backs this up—those who see themselves as lifelong learners are far more likely to adapt, succeed, and yes, build wealth.

As Warren Buffett once said, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

Think about it: the people who earn the most often spend years honing their skills, staying curious, and investing in their knowledge. The people who don’t, settle for the same paycheck year after year.

When was the last time you read a book, took a class, or pushed yourself outside your comfort zone to grow professionally? If your answer is “I can’t remember,” you might be unintentionally holding yourself back.

5. Blaming external factors

I’ve noticed that people who never accumulate wealth often tell the same story: “The system is against me.” “My boss doesn’t pay enough.” “I’ll never get ahead because of the economy.”

Now, let’s be real—systemic issues exist. Privilege and access matter. But psychology shows that those who constantly blame external circumstances tend to fall into learned helplessness, a mindset where they stop taking responsibility for what is within their control.

Martin Seligman, known as the father of positive psychology, found that learned helplessness can lock people into cycles of passivity, even when opportunities to improve appear.

Tony Robbins put it bluntly: “The moment you take responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you can change anything in your life.”

When blame becomes a daily habit, wealth will always be out of reach.

6. Surrounding themselves with negative influences

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That’s from Jim Rohn, and psychologists agree.

If your circle normalizes debt, overspending, or financial complaining, it rubs off on you. Social influence is powerful. Studies even show that people are more likely to overspend if their peers are doing the same.

I once worked with a man who wanted to start saving but admitted his friends teased him whenever he suggested a cheaper night out. Slowly, he started drifting from those habits—and eventually, those friends. His financial health improved almost immediately.

Susan Cain, author of Quiet, once noted that, “Paying attention to the people you surround yourself with is just as important as the choices you make alone.”

Wealthy people don’t just choose good investments—they choose good company.

7. Resisting change and clinging to comfort

Looking back, this one probably deserved a higher spot on the list. Anyway, let’s talk about comfort zones.

People who never get rich often hold on tightly to routines, jobs, and habits that feel “safe,” even when those patterns keep them stuck. Psychology calls this “status quo bias”—our tendency to prefer things as they are, even if change would make us better off.

I had a client who stayed in a toxic work environment for years because the idea of applying for new jobs terrified her. She told herself, “At least I know what to expect here.” But staying stuck cost her not just her happiness but also her earning potential.

Sheryl Sandberg once said, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” For many, the answer could lead them toward new skills, new opportunities, and yes, greater financial security. But fear keeps them rooted in place.

Comfort might feel good in the short term, but growth—and wealth—rarely happen there.

8. Ignoring health and energy

Finally, perhaps most crucially: neglecting health.

It might not sound like a financial habit, but it absolutely is. Research shows that people who ignore exercise, sleep, and stress management often experience lower productivity, higher medical bills, and burnout that derails their earning potential.

Michelle Obama once said, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.”

Wealth requires energy, clarity, and resilience. If you don’t have your health, financial wealth becomes much harder to sustain.

Money is an energy exchange. If your energy is always drained, your ability to build it will be too.

Final thoughts

At least one of these habits probably hit close to home, right?

The good news is that none of them are permanent. Psychology reminds us that habits are learned—and just as they’re learned, they can be unlearned.

Wealth doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from the daily choices you make, the mindsets you shift, and the habits you commit to changing.

So ask yourself: which of these habits do I need to let go of, starting today?

Because every small step you take toward better habits isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a richer, freer, and more fulfilling life.