Tired of Being Average? 10 Habits That Can Lead You to Financial Freedom

Are you tired of just getting by? Financial freedom isn’t reserved for a lucky few—it’s built through discipline, effort, and the right habits. The wealthiest 10% aren’t superhuman; they simply follow principles that anyone can adopt. Here are 10 habits that can change your life:

1. Start with a Purpose

The journey to financial freedom begins with clarity of purpose. Top earners know why they want to succeed—whether to achieve security, support loved ones, or give back to the community. Purpose keeps them motivated through challenges.

💡 Action Step: Spend 30 minutes reflecting on your financial goals. Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to achieve financial freedom?

• Who or what motivates me to build wealth?

• How will achieving this goal impact my life and others?

• Write down your answers and revisit them regularly.

2. Take Control of Your Budget

A budget is the foundation of financial success. The wealthy track every dirham they earn and spend, ensuring their money aligns with their goals.

💡 Action Step: Use the 50/30/20 rule for your income:

• 50% for essentials (rent, utilities, groceries).

• 30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out).

• 20% for savings and investments.

3. Invest in Yourself

Continuous learning is non-negotiable for the wealthy. They invest in skills, knowledge, and personal growth to stay ahead in their careers and businesses.

💡 Action Step: Commit to learning something new every month.

• Read one book on finance or personal development.

• Enroll in a skill-based course (e.g., coding, marketing, or entrepreneurship).

• Attend webinars or join relevant networking groups.

4. Live Modestly, Even When You Earn More

Most millionaires are known for their frugal habits. They don’t splurge to impress—they save to invest.

Wealthy individuals resist the urge to splurge as their income grows. They prioritize building assets over showcasing wealth.

💡 Action Step: Delay lifestyle upgrades and focus on building a strong financial foundation. Before upgrading your lifestyle, ask:

• Will this purchase bring long-term value?

• Can I use this money to invest in something that grows my wealth?

Adopt the mindset: “I’d rather look broke and be rich than look rich and be broke.”

5. Automate Saving and Investing

The top 10% prioritize saving and investing as non-negotiable expenses. They make it automatic, so it’s not forgotten.They make saving and investing a habit, not an afterthought. By automating these processes, they ensure consistency without relying on willpower.

💡 Action Step:

• Open a separate savings account and set up automatic transfers.

• Use halal investment platforms like Wahed or Sharia-compliant mutual funds to grow your money over time.

• Start with as little as 10% of your income and increase it gradually.

6. Avoid Debt at All Costs

Debt is the enemy of financial freedom. The top 10% avoid bad debt like the plague, especially riba (interest-based loans), which drains resources and contradicts Islamic values.

💡 Action Step:

• Pay off existing debts aggressively, starting with high-interest ones.

• Use Islamic financing options for essential needs like housing.

• Build an emergency fund to avoid taking loans for unexpected expenses.

7. Create Multiple Income Streams

One source of income is rarely enough for financial freedom. The wealthy diversify their earnings through businesses, investments, and side hustles.

💡 Action Step:

• Identify skills or hobbies you can monetize, such as freelance writing, graphic design, or tutoring.

• Explore halal investments, including dividend-paying stocks or rental properties.

• Dedicate a few hours each week to building a side hustle or learning about passive income opportunities. Start small, but be consistent.

8. Plan for the Long Term

Top earners think decades ahead. They make decisions today with their future self in mind.

Short-term thinking leads to impulsive decisions and financial instability. They play the long game, focusing on building sustainable wealth.

💡 Action Step:

• Create a 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year financial plan. Include goals like buying a home, retiring early, or funding your children’s education.

• Review and adjust your plan annually.

9. Give Generously

Generosity isn’t just about charity—it’s about mindset. Giving isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s a source of blessings and barakah. Top earners consistently give zakat and sadaqah, knowing that generosity fosters abundance.

💡 Action Step:

• Calculate and set aside 2.5% of your wealth for zakat annually.

• Make sadaqah a regular habit, even in small amounts.

10. Stay Consistent

The wealthy know that success is a marathon, not a sprint. They stick to their plans and keep moving forward, no matter what.

💡 Action Step:

• Develop a daily habit related to your financial goals, such as tracking expenses or reading about investments.

• Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.

Financial freedom isn’t reserved for the elite—it’s achievable for anyone willing to put in the effort. If you’re tired of being average, adopt these habits, and watch your life transform. The journey won’t be easy, but the rewards are worth it. Start today, and take the first step toward a better financial future.