15 Millionaire Habits to Start Now (That’ll Shrink Your Spending)

Most billionaires don’t drive Lamborghinis or splash on $8 lattes every day. In fact, most homemade billionaires got there because they didn’t spend like billionaires. They are coupons. They track their spending. They think twice (or ten times) before clicking “Buy Now.” Let’s be real, there are a lot of myths about billionaires. But one truth that appears again and again? They are cautious with money. These 15 shopping and simple living habits can help you build millionaire-like wealth. No private jets are required.

1. Buy the quality once (instead of replacing cheap junk)

Billionaires think of long games. This means buying $60 shoes that last for five years, rather than $20 shoes that have fallen apart by next season. Cheapness is often expensive if you need to replace it three times.

I was buying the cheapest sneakers I’ve found, under $25. They looked good for two months, then torn or lose shape. I finally bought some $90 running shoes, but after 3 years they’re still strong. After all, quality is absolutely important.

use Cost per clothing or Cost per use To determine if something is worth it. For example, a $100 blender that uses 300 times is better than a $30 blender that you replace every six months.

Pro tips: tires, shoes, mattress

My grandpa had rules. Don’t cheapen what will pull you off the ground, such as tires, shoes, mattresses. You use them every day and if they suck, you feel it. Spending more positively on quality will save you on your back (and your bank account) later.

This idea works for what you rely on every day: Sheets, tools, socks too. If it touches your body or keeps you safe, upgrade it. $15 socks that don’t bump, tear, or curse every time you cross the floor? worth it.

2. Avoid all prices like scams

The full price is free of information. The billionaires know All stores have a markdown cyclecoupon windows, or hidden discount games. Whether you’re waiting for Prime Day or checking the target app for a Cartwheel offer, retailers won’t pay.

I used to buy a winter coat that I was looking for at $170, but instead waited six weeks until the end of winter and saw the price drop to $89. The same coat, less than half the price. That $81 felt like a victory.

Pro Tips: Exercise Prices

Use price tracking tools like Honey, Camel Camel Camelor simply leave items in your cart for a few days.

Is it a hassle to use the tool? no problem. Add the item to your cart or wish list and leave. Seriously, ghost. Retailers hate abandonment Many people will often come back raw By emailing a promo code like “Hey… Are you still thinking about that air fryer?” (Look at you, Macy’s, Coles, Wayfair).

Bonus Move: Create a burner email for your store account and sign up for our newsletter. Often you can get a 10-20% off code just for breathing.

3. Know when you’re leaving (even if it’s on sale)

“It was 70% off!” It’s only important if it’s necessary in the first place. Billionaires are not pleaded with false urgency. They stick to the plan and leave when they don’t have the budget.

I once grabbed three throw pillows at the target. I went home and realized that I didn’t even like it that much. They sat in the closet for a year before I gave them. Never again.

Train yourself to say, “Would you like to buy this at the full price?” If the answer is no, skip it.

4. Master the Return Game

Treatment of billionaires Save your return policy Like a challenge to become a master. Didn’t you love it? They return it. I used it once, but did not work? I’ll still return it. It’s not difficult, it’s about getting what you paid for.

My daughter wore it once and after they gave her a nasty blister, I returned the kids’ shoes. The target took them back, but there were no questions asked. A $24 refund for shoes she never wears again? Deserves a 10-minute errand.

Pro Tip: Return Hack

Always keep your original packaging for 30 days and always ask customer service if you can make exceptions, especially in the store AmazonCostco, Target, or Nordstrom.

What if the deadline has passed? Don’t give up. Talk to humans. Listen seriously. You were traveling saying it didn’t work, your dog ate a receipt. Costco, Amazon, Target, and Nordstrom all have technical rules, but are also known for making judgments when you are polite and honest.

5. Stock up at the right time, not every time

Billionaires don’t stock up. They strategically stock up when the deal makes sense, so think about it Return to school, Clearance after holidaysor end of season markdown.

I will not buy wrapping paper before Christmas anymore. January 2nd is my new favorite day Target Clearance Section. Last year I won six rolls for under $3 total. I still have two left.

Make sure to set calendar reminders for your annual sales, including white sales in January, electronics discounts in July, toy rollbacks in October.

6. Use the “one, one out” rule

Billionaires are not minimalists, but are not buried under confusion either. For each new item they buy, the old one is donated, sold or thrown. It’s budget management disguised as tidying up.

My kids knew the rules of growing up. When new toys come in, old toys go to the pile of donations. It pauses them and thinks about what they actually value. And it prevents the playroom from exploding.

Use this rule for impulsive categories such as shoes, kitchen gadgets, and children’s toys.

Pro Tip: Keep your donation bin

The beauty of One rule at a time It means stopping you and making you think. Before you buy anything new, ask yourself what you are actually going to drive away to create space. That little pause is usually everything you need to realize you don’t need it that badly.

Place your donation bin somewhere, like in your closet or garage. When you start to notice the same kind of gadgets that are barely used or yet another black sneaker, it’s telling you to let it cool down. Listen to that.

7. A nerd-like budget (even though it looks cold)

I wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint. Billionaires don’t spend without a budget. Whether it’s Google Sheets or budget apps, they know where all the dollars are heading.

We have started tracking all target runs. (I also work at Costco) After all, I spent over $150 a month on “just a few things” like snacks and cleaning supplies. Now I’m shopping with a list and I save almost $80 a month.

Give work to all dollars, including fun things. Do you want to splurge? That budget.

8. Know the difference between cost and value

The billionaire asks, “Does this improve my life in the long term?” Before purchasing. A $300 air fryer that saves you money on takeout is valuable. A $300 designer bag you bought on a whim? Probably not.

I once spent $150 on a robot mop that I use four times a week. It saves time and is paid for yourself to a real sparkling floor. I have zero regrets.

Before you buy, ask: Does this save me time, make money, or solve real problems?

Pro Tip: Value more than price

Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s a waste of money. And just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a smart purchase. The real question is what you get from it.

Before you hit “Add Cart”, ask yourself if you’re going to save time, make life easier, or actually solve problems. If you check one of those boxes, it may be worth every penny. If not, it’s probably messy along with the receipt.

9. Avoid trendy traps

Trendy = temporary. The billionaire skips fast fashion, seasonal decoration overloads and makes tiktok hype. They would rather be timeless than trendy.

I bought the viral kitchen gadget that everyone once praised. I used it once and hated it and sat in the drawer until I finally handed it over. Lessons learned: Trends don’t always translate into value.

If you really need something trendy, wait 30 days. Do you still want that? It may be worth it.

10. They wait before purchasing

Impulse is a budget killer. Billionaires apply 24-hour (or 48-hour) rule For most purchases. If it’s not urgent, wait.

I kept a $200 countertop oven in my Amazon Cart for a month. By the time I revisited, the price had dropped to $140 and I had a $20 gift card. What I was waiting saved me $80. And I still use it every week.

Add items to your wish list instead of your cart. I’ll revisit later to see if the impulse is gone.

11. Handle all stores so that they can be negotiated

Millionaire Please ask for a discount. They match the price. They are looking for open box deals or markdowns on floor models. They know that stores want to sell more than they want to lose customers.

my husband I asked for a discount at Lowe’s Scratched patio set. They defeated 20% without flashing. That scar? It’s still barely visible. savings? Very realistic.

I always ask, “Is this the best price you can offer?” Worst case: They say no.

Pro Tips: Always ask

You don’t have to be pushy to save money. “Is this the best price you can offer?” You will be surprised at how often the answer is yes.

This works with major stores, local stores, and even online chat support. Look for scratches, missing packages, or the last left floor model. If there is a defect, there is usually a discount. What if there is none? You’re not worse than before you asked.

12. Shopping with lists – and actually stick to it

Billionaires will not view. They shop intentionally. Listings are missions, not options.

I’ll bring a sticky memorized storage to Costco. If not on the memo, I won’t go to cart. I once saved over $100 and skipped the extras I “thinked.”

Don’t even enter aisles that don’t contain anything on your list.

13. Know that loyalty pays (sometimes literally)

They are not loyal to the brand. They are loyal to their savings. Billionaires use loyalty programs, credit card points and rebate apps to maximize all their purchases.

I bought my daughter’s entire school wardrobe using a combination of old navy Super Cash, Lacten Cashback and reward cards. What was $230? I paid $97.

Stack rewards. Use store loyalty cards, cashback credit cards, and rebate app Rakten or I’m not going to When purchasing the same.

14. DIY what they can (but don’t waste your time)

Billionaires don’t outweigh di, they’re just smart about it. If it saves money and makes sense in time, they’re in it. Otherwise? They outsource.

Make your own cleaning spray using vinegar and essential oils. It’s made by pennies and lasts for months. But I’m willing to pay to power the man.

DIY birthdays, cleaning supplies, or minor home fixes. Outsource stress-inducing projects that you will procrastinate forever.

Pro Tip: Become a selective DIYer

Doing it yourself saves tons, but only when it’s stressful or time-consuming. Secret tricks are about knowing what is worth the effort and what is better left to someone else.

Create your own cleaning spray or wrap your own birthday present. Work on the smallest things that total. But if something is sitting in the garage for six and a half months, hire it and move on.

15. Celebrate victory without destroying your budget

Have you met your savings goals? celebrate.

But billionaires know that the reward doesn’t have to be expensive. Overnights without Trader Joe’s wine bottles, clearance candles, or dishes can feel just as flashy.

The last time I hit the savings milestone, I surrendered myself to the matinee and slices of cheesecake in the movie. It costs me $13. It felt like a million dollars.

Make a budget-friendly list of rewards so that it’s not the default to expensive habits when it’s time to treat yourself.

The final words: You don’t need to make millions to act like a billionaire. You just need to think of it like that. Choose one or two of these habits and get started now. Billionaire status? option. But what about smarter spending, less stress, and increasing bank balances? Guaranteed.

By Kyle James