How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too
By Laura Bogart
When you sit down with your own budgeting app, watching money go out again as soon as it comes in, you might fantasize about what it would be like to be a millionaire. Who could blame you? It seems like the wealthy have all the know-how about living the good life. They’re better connected than you are. They’re more knowledgeable than you are. They’ve got the playbook to create financial windfalls, while you’re still stuck with the 101-level textbooks.
But not every millionaire is using secret tricks and pulling hidden levers that the rest of us can’t access. Many of them are quietly growing their portfolios through discipline and strategy — and there’s absolutely no reason you can’t do it, too.
So, how do they do it? These are some of the ways middle-class earners are quietly building wealth and making strategic moves that could help you reach your first million. Learning where to invest smartly is a crucial first step — and it’s often easier than you might think.
1. They Know You Can Get Access to Up to $500 Whenever You Need It
We all have unexpected expenses pop up on occasion. But you work too hard for your money to waste it on high-interest loans when you need cash.
Luckily, an app like MoneyLion’s Instacash® will let you access up to $500 when you need it most — with no interest, no credit check and no mandatory fees with 1 to 5 business day delivery*.
Just download the MoneyLion app to sign up for Instacash, link your eligible bank account where your paycheck lands to see if you qualify, then select the amount of cash you want, up to $500.
Plus, your repayments are automated based on your pay schedule, so you can set it and forget it.
Want access to up to $500 whenever you need it? It takes just a few minutes to download the app for free and get started.
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2. They Save $1,025 on Their Car Insurance
Odds are, you’re probably paying way too much for your car insurance every month. And it can seriously add up — to the tune of $1,025 a year.
Fortunately, Insurify lets you compare all your car insurance options at once — and it can save you up to $1,025 a year.
Just enter some basic details about your car and background, you’ll get customized quotes you can review on your own time and from the comfort of home. Ready to cut your car insurance bill? It’s easy to get started here and see how much you can save.
3. They Protect Their Portfolio With Precious Metals — And Get Up to $20K in Free Metals
If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that market disruptions can come out of nowhere and impact your retirement savings.
That’s why many people invest in precious metals to diversify and protect their wealth: Precious metals often rise in value during uncertain economic times.
One option is a precious metals IRA through a company called Thor Metals Group — right now, you can even get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.
Opening an account is easy, and you can roll over funds from existing retirement accounts or buy gold and silver directly from Thor Metals Group.
If you decide to sell your precious metals in the future, Thor Metals Group offers a no-fee buy-back program. Plus, they have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Want to diversify and safeguard your investments? It’s easy to get started here and get your free report. Plus, you could get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases — and, you’ll pay no account fees for 2025.
4. They Know You Can Get Matched with a Financial Advisor for Free
Even the savviest millionaires don’t know everything about money. But people who quietly build wealth know enough to know what they don’t know — that sometimes, it takes an expert’s insight to make the smartest financial decisions.
But the idea of getting a financial advisor sounds expensive and tedious. That’s why we like a company called WiserAdvisor. They’ll match you with a financial advisor in your area — for free.
No two people have the same financial situation, which is why WiserAdvisor matches you with the best financial advisor for your specific situation, so you get an expert in the areas you need.
There’s no obligation to hire the advisor, and WiserAdvisor screens every advisor to make sure you’re only getting matched with the best experts.
Want to get a customized financial plan? Just start here to get matched with a financial advisor for free.
5. They Use This App to Get $300+ in Annual Value While Building Credit — No Hidden Fees, No Interest
Building credit can feel impossible if you don’t already have it. Most cards either reject you or stick you with sky-high fees and interest.
But with an app called Fizz, you can actually get over $300 in annual value via rewards while you build your credit.
Here’s how it works: Become a Fizz Member for less than a cup of coffee a month. Connect your existing bank account and apply for a line of credit to use for everyday purchases. Then, turn on daily autopay, and Fizz will report your on-time repayments to the credit bureaus — so you can build your credit while your wallet grows, too.
You can earn over $300 in annual value along the way, including 3% cash back in a category of your choice, cash-back rewards at merchants near you, and flash deals worth up to 100% cash-back at popular spots.
Unlike traditional credit cards, there are no hidden fees, no interest and no ATM or foreign-transaction fees. More than 100,000 people already use the Fizz app.
Want to pocket an extra $300 in annual value or more while you boost your credit? Download Fizz on iOS and Android and start earning. You could get approved for up to a $1,000 line of credit today.
6. They Get Up to $1,000 in Free Stock Just For Investing
While your cash sits in a basic account doing absolutely nothing, smart investors are growing their wealth effortlessly – and getting up to $1,000 in free stock just for opening and funding a new SoFi Active Invest account.
Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, SoFi® makes it easy to start, manage and grow your portfolio by investing in stocks, ETFs and even fractional shares, meaning you can own a slice of your favorite company without having to buy a full share.
Traditional investing platforms charge fees that eat away at your gains. But with SoFi Active Invest, you keep more of what you earn: There are no commissions on stocks and ETFs, no account minimums and no hidden fees.
It takes just a few minutes to open an account. Get started here and fund your account within 45 days to earn up to $1,000.
Bottom Line
Building wealth on a middle-class income isn’t about trying to hit it big; it’s about making thoughtful decisions and putting your money to work for you. With the right tools, guidance, and the openness to making smart money moves, you can take meaningful steps toward achieving millionaire status.
*Moneylion: Instacash® is subject to terms and eligibility requirements.
* Fees apply for optional Turbo delivery within minutes
*Fizz: ShoulderTap Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Fizz (together with its subsidiaries, “Fizz”) is not a bank. The Fizz Debit Mastercard® (“Fizz Mastercard”) is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. The Fizz Visa® Debit Card (together with the Fizz Mastercard, the “Fizz Card”) is issued by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Loans offered in connection with the Fizz Card are originated by Lead Bank. Any promotions or rewards offered in connection with the Fizz Card are offered and managed by Fizz, not our bank partners. Increases or specific changes to your credit score are not guaranteed. Impact on your credit score may vary depending on your use. Fizz is required to report late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account, which may negatively impact your credit score.
*Terms and eligibility restrictions apply. See joinfizz.com for details. Over $300 in annual value of Fizz Card based on cash value available to Fizz Card users assuming half of all available rewards and promotions are used. Membership is subject to a periodic, recurring subscription fee. Fizz Members may choose to apply for a Fizz Card, but are not required to. Fizz Membership does not guarantee access to a Fizz Card. Application and eligibility restrictions apply. You may apply for the Fizz Card without subscribing to the Membership by contacting support@joinfizz.com.
*SoFi: Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease.
Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view SoFi’s fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees
There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
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