Wealth Quotes: Top 40 Sayings About Money & Poverty (2024)

What is wealth? When we hear “wealth,” we immediately imagine overloaded bank accounts, exotic cars, expensive private jets, and more luxurious possessions. However, wealth goes beyond money or the material possessions someone has.

Whether you're striving to achieve financial success or seeking inspiration to improve your wealth mindset, there's no shortage of insightful and thought-provoking wealth quotes out there.

From famous billionaires to renowned philosophers, these words of wisdom remind us that the pursuit of wealth is not just about accumulating riches. It is also about cultivating a mindset of abundance and using our resources to make a positive impact on the world.

So, if you're ready to be inspired on your journey to financial freedom, sit back, relax, and enjoy these timeless wealth quotes that are sure to get your financial wheels turning.

Wealth Quotes About Wealth Creation

01

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.

– Henry David Thoreau.

We often think of wealth as having a plethora of cars, houses, and lots more. But if these things do not bring us fulfillment, they are useless.

A good number (37%) of Americans define wealth as “being able to afford the life you want.” Guess what? This desired life isn't always about having all the money in the world.

Wealth Quotes: Top 40 Sayings About Money & Poverty (1)

So many people work hard their whole lives, never taking breaks because they are only after the material reward — money.

However, true wealth is about enjoying each passing moment, which is way more valuable than acquiring money.

02

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you'd be worth if you lost all your money.”

— unknown.

The concept of money is very tricky. It is very easy to be deceived by the desperation to have it that you forget that relationships are much more important than money.

For example, a businessman is nothing without partners and workers that help push his dream forward. Likewise, everyone is nothing without good relationships.

I once heard a wise speaker say, “Whatever remains of a person when he is stripped of his material possessions is what he truly has.”

There is no doubt that money is useful, but assets like friendships, loyalty, passion, and kindness are even more useful.

03

If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free. If our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.”

— Edmund Burke.

Money should be seen as only a tool or medium of exchange. This helps us to focus on prioritizing people, not things.

It is often said that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” And so many people claim that money changes people, but it only reveals who a person truly is.

Hence, we should work on our mindset and be honest with ourselves even before acquiring riches or material possessions. There is always room for growth, but the first step is to identify what your beliefs about money are.

  • Do you think that money should be an enabler?
  • Do you consider money as more than a medium of exchange?

After identifying what your beliefs are, try to work on having a better mindset about money, people, and yourself.

To better understand money and its concept, you can take some time to read some money quotes. This will help change your mindset about how you see money.

04

“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Happiness can be obtained from both the small and big things. You don't need to always have money to be happy.

Thus, money should not be the main motivation to do anything that will bring you happiness.

A clear example of this is how so many people are unhappy working decent jobs that pay them well. This is because money is exciting, but it cannot offer any sense of fulfillment by itself.

05

“The rich invest in time, the poor invest in money.”

– Warren Buffett.

What separates the poor from the rich is a mindset that limits them to a very small picture instead of a much bigger picture.

An illustration of this narrow mindset is how poor people place value on money instead of time. They do not see that time makes money, and so they do not invest their time into things that will yield tremendous benefits.

There are different ways of investing your time properly, but the first step is to recognize that time is short.

  • Create a schedule for yourself.
  • Read more books.
  • Have a structure that could help you achieve your goals.
  • Spend time with family and friends.
  • Cut down on the amount of time you spend on social media.

06

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

— Epictetus.

Wealth is an illusion, unlike what many people think. True wealth is not in having material things, and because human needs are insatiable, there will always be something else that we want.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying it's wrong to have wants. In fact, having wants has its benefits because it helps us to have the desire to work hard. If we didn't want a better life, there would be nothing to work toward or hope for.

Hence, our wants are more beneficial to us than we even think.

However, a wealthy man is someone that understands that he might not have everything he wants. He is content with what he has and is willing to work hard for what he wants.

07

“The gratification of wealth is not found in mere possession or lavish expenditure, but in its wise application.”

— Miguel de Cervantes.

Money comes and goes as a result of the actions we take. What this means is that while certain habits and mindsets attract money, certain lifestyles drive money far away from us.

The bitter truth is that money is hard to make yet easy to lose. That's why many people say, “Money has wings.” It can fly away anytime and come at any time. Therefore, you cannot define your life by the presence or absence of money.

We should simply see money or the lack of it as a consequence of our actions.

How we use money confirms what we truly think about it.

08

“If you want to know what a man is really like, take notice of how he acts when he loses money.”

– Simone Weil.

This quote suggests that the way a person reacts when they lose money can reveal a lot about their true character. Money is often considered a valuable resource, and when someone loses it, they may experience negative emotions such as frustration, anger, or sadness.

The way a person responds to these emotions can reveal a lot about their personality and values. For example, someone who loses money and responds with anger and aggression may have a short temper when things don't go their way.

On the other hand, someone who responds with resilience and a willingness to learn from their mistakes may have a more positive outlook on life. This person may be more open to growth and change.

In short, the quote implies that when someone is faced with adversity, such as losing money, their true character is revealed in how they handle the situation. No wonder a popular saying goes, “Money doesn't change you. It enhances who you are.”

09

“Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.”

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Money and time have a lot of similarities; they both come and go. Regardless of this, they can both be controlled and directed in a way that brings us the utmost pleasure and satisfaction.

We can control our time by creating time blocks that help to increase productivity.

We can also control our money through proper budgeting, saving, and investing.

However, this requires a lot of hard work and consistency because it is a lot harder than it sounds. But the rewards of saving our time and money will last through generations.

10

“Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.”

— Indian Proverb.

Money is only valuable for its purchasing power. But if, for any reason, it loses that power, it also loses its value.

We need to learn to train our minds to see that money is not as important as we think it is. You may disagree with me, but it's the truth.

Money is only important because humans gave it its power, and it should not be seen as greater than the man himself.

Hence, we should not sacrifice good relationships and moments for money.

Intangible things are just as important as tangible things. Rich people know this, which is why they prefer to invest in their time and relationships.

Wealth Quotes About Wealth Management

Wealth Quotes: Top 40 Sayings About Money & Poverty (2)

11

“A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.”

— Jonathan Swift.

The difference between having money in your heart and your head is all about the right consciousness.

Being overly conscious of money can blind you from other things and make you neglect the things that matter the most; passion, people, peace of mind, etc.

It is good to think about money, but it should be in a harmless and positive light. A negative quest for money will lead to a lot of anxiety and stress that is unhealthy.

As an entrepreneur, your business should not only be focused on making money but also on adding value to society. When you focus on value, you will see better business opportunities and make wider decisions.

If you only focus on money, you end up giving only mediocre products and services. There's no room for innovation.

12

“Buy when everyone else is selling and hold until everyone else is buying. That's not just a catchy slogan. It's the very essence of successful investing.”

— J. Paul.

There are two things to recognize from this quote: recognizing the opportunity and then taking it. Both have the same importance because the first has to do with being super sensitive about yourself and your environment.

The second has to do with a whole lot of calculation, planning, and knowing the right time to execute your plans.

Great investment opportunities are not seen by everybody, and they are also not done on the go.

This is one of the biggest secrets to expanding wealth.

13

“Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn.”

— Miguel de Cervantes.

This quote means that you should not ask or beg for things that you are capable of obtaining through your own effort and hard work.

You should not rely on others to provide for you when you can provide for yourself. Instead, learn to take ownership of your life and work towards achieving your goals through hard work and determination.

Let me paint a relatable scenario for you. Imagine you need more money to pay bills. Instead of begging for it or taking loans you obviously can't pay back, you can increase your source of income.

If you want to make more money and increase your income, you need to invest in high-income skills. That way, you save yourself from future debt and poverty.

The truth is that begging or asking for something you are capable of earning can be demeaning and undermines your sense of self-worth and independence. Therefore, take responsibility for your life and be self-reliant rather than relying on others to provide for you.

14

“Every time you borrow money, you're robbing your future self.”

— Nathan W. Morris.

It is very easy to get trapped in the cycle of always borrowing from friends and family, but it is a very addictive and dangerous habit.

Debt poses a lot of financial, physical, and even mental stress on a person. So if you want to live a life of abundance and prosperity, never borrow money.

Taking loans or acquiring debts is like willingly putting yourself on a chain and begging someone to be your slave master. The money you earn goes to paying back that loan.

The sad reality is that taking loans is pretty easy, but paying back is the hardest part. Being debt-free is a sure way to becoming wealthy because it allows you to not only live within your means but also grow your wealth.

15

“ Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that .”

— Norman Vincent Peale.

Many people lie to themselves that the reason they have not hit a breakthrough in their careers is that they do not have the money. But in an actual sense, money is not what stops a man from greatness.

What holds a man back is a lack of ideas, dreams, and proper planning. Having an idea or a dream is only the first step, and you need to set up intentional plans to help direct you on the right path.

Money is never the driving force, but passion is the driving force. Having no ideas will lead to zero passion or desire, which will lead to zero planning, which ultimately leads to an unsuccessful life.

16

“You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.”

— Dave Ramsey.

When a man only thinks about money and is so desperate to get it no matter what, he will lose himself in the search for it.

Did you know that you are not successful because you have money? Money is not what brings success. Instead, money is only one of the factors that brings success.

You don't need money to be called successful. The sooner you realize that, the better.

17

To give someone a piece of your heart, is worth more than all the wealth in the world.”

― Michael Jackson.

Relationships matter more than anything else, and great relationships can never be bought with money.

Good relationships are formed by genuinely connecting with people and not with diamonds or gold. Rich people value relationships, which is why they are always networking.

The relationships you build can save you in places where money cannot do so. Focus on building positive relationships, and you'll be the wealthiest person in the world.

18

“Excuse me while I save, invest, and build wealth.”

– Stephanie Lahart.

Nobody ever becomes a millionaire by putting all their money in a savings account. This is because that money is left dormant when it could be working for you.

Yes, it's great to save. In fact, you should save but invest as well. Investing is a sure way to make your money work for you.

You don't need to save all your money when you can invest and multiply it. Take out a portion of your income for savings and another portion for investment.

Every millionaire knows the value of investments, and even though the first time is never the easiest, it is a path that always pays off eventually.

You don't need to start big because starting small is perfectly fine. For example, you could start by making short-term investments with low risks involved. As you improve, you can make long-term investments.

Wealth Quotes: Top 40 Sayings About Money & Poverty (3)

19

“Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich.”

– T. Harv Eker.

There is a fundamental difference between the mindset of those who have achieved wealth and those who have not.

Rich people have committed to creating and maintaining wealth, which involves setting and achieving financial goals, making smart investments, and managing their finances effectively. In contrast, poor people may have the desire to become rich but lack the commitment and action required to achieve their financial goals.

This major difference all comes down to mindset and attitude. It takes commitment to success and a willingness to take action toward achieving your goals to become financially successful. Hence, being rich is not just about having money but also about having the mindset and habits that lead to financial success.

20

“Having talents, brains, or coming from a wealthy family does not guarantee you a rich life.”

― M. J. Mackenzie.

Although having talents, intelligence, or being born into a wealthy family can provide certain advantages in life, they do not guarantee a fulfilling or prosperous life.

Success is not solely determined by your natural abilities or social status but rather by your efforts and choices.

Regardless of who you are or what you have, it is important to work hard, make wise decisions, and take advantage of opportunities to achieve a rich and fulfilling life.

21

“Poor people have big TVs. Rich people have big libraries.”

— Jim Rohn.

One of the major differences between the rich and the poor is what they each consume.

The mind is such a powerful tool in determining the outcome of our lives, and this is one thing that wealthy people understand.

Reading books have proven to change lives as it has both physical and mental benefits for all ages.

Firstly, it helps us to be more empathetic towards others because it opens our minds to see things from people's points of view.

Reading books also helps to increase our attention span when compared to watching films.

Finally, it increases our level of concentration and also helps us to focus more on having a broader perspective in life.

22

“Success is not the result of making money; earning money is the result of success and success is in direct proportion to our service.”

— Earl Nightingale

True success is not measured by how much money you make but by the value and impact that you create through your service to others. The truth is making money is a byproduct of success, which is achieved by providing service that positively impacts the lives of others.

The more valuable service you provide, the more successful you will become and the more money you will earn as a result. Success is not just about personal gain but about the positive impact one has on others.

From this, you can see that success is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and dedication.

23

“The stock market is designed to transfer money from the active to the patient.”

— Warren Buffett.

A stock market is very similar to real life in the sense that it shows us how life can be a gamble, and you never really know what can happen.

However, patience is the one thing that allows you to stand through the test of time.

It helps you get through major and minor setbacks, and only the patient makes it far.

Hard work and discipline are very important, but patience is the last ingredient in the mix. Without it, you cannot stay resilient during unfavorable seasons.

Wealth Quotes For Millionaires

24

“The more money he has, the more troubles he will have.”

– C. H. Spurgeon.

I once heard a song lyric that goes, “More money, more problems.” Like Spurgeon’s quote, I agree with the lyric. The more money you have, the bigger problems you have to solve. Many people believe that when you have more money, you have fewer problems.

Money cannot solve all the problems in the world. This is why you need intelligence and zeal.

The sooner you realize that too much money doesn’t solve all problems, the better for you. Your money can only be a tool to achieve your results. So stop relying on money to solve all your problems unless they are money-related problems.

25

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver.”

— Mahatma Gandhi.

It doesn't matter how much money or ideas you have because the greatest asset anyone can have is good health. In addition to Gandhi's quote, there is another one that says, “Health is wealth but wealth is not health.”

While wealth can provide comfort and financial security, it is ultimately meaningless without good health. Despite how rich you are, you cannot enjoy it fully if you are struggling with physical or mental illness.

In today's fast-paced and stressful world, it is easy to overlook the importance of taking care of your health. However, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and make lifestyle choices that promote physical and mental well-being.

It is meaningless to make so much money only to spend it all on personal medical bills. As you are working hard to achieve your dreams, never fail to prioritize your health. Know when to give your body a break, eat, and relax.

26

“The body can be a source of wealth to train it right for your health.”

― Jerry Brundies.

True wealth consists of good health and knowledge. Good health covers a range of different things, like mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It's best to have a healthy balance between all these things.

Healthy living involves three aspects:

  • Physical: Eating healthy and exercising.
  • Mental: Training your mind by reading books and having new adventures.
  • Emotional: Expressing your emotions instead of bottling them all up.

All these three aspects are equally as important when it comes to attaining wealth.

27

“We are rich only if we control our wealth. If our wealth controls us, we are poor.”

― M. K. Soni.

One of the greatest secrets of wealth is that money is meant to be controlled, not the other way around.

Being rich is not about having a lot of money but also about having the ability to make wise decisions about how that money is used. When you have control over your wealth, you can use it in ways that align with your values and priorities. You can use it to achieve your goals, help others, and create a better future for yourself and your loved ones.

On the other hand, when your wealth controls you, you become a slave to your possessions. You may feel compelled to work longer hours or take on jobs that you don't enjoy simply to maintain your lifestyle.

Additionally, you may find yourself in debt, living beyond your means, and struggling to make ends meet. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of dissatisfaction with life.

28

“How many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts? I rest my case.”

— Robert G. Allen.

Investment is one of the surest ways to attain financial freedom, but it involves a lot of processes and risks. However, people think it's not safe due to the many risks involved. This is why they prefer to save money.

Savings accounts have been seen as a secure way to save money, as they are insured by the government and offer a low but stable interest rate.

However, the downside to this is that the return on investment is often minimal and can even be outpaced by inflation over time. Therefore, savings accounts are not typically considered a viable way to generate significant wealth.

Although you may prefer safer options, you should also know that the road to success and wealth involves many risks. This is why all the richest and most successful people in the world have taken the riskiest source of income — investments.

This could include investing in stocks, real estate, or other ventures that have the potential to generate substantial returns over time. While these types of investments come with risks, they also offer the opportunity for greater rewards and can be key to building significant wealth.

If we want to achieve significant wealth, we need to be willing to take risks and seek out investments that have the potential to generate high returns. While savings accounts can be useful for short-term savings goals and emergency funds, they are unlikely to be the key to long-term financial success.

29

“An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.”

— Benjamin Franklin.

This quote suggests that the most profitable investment you can make as an entrepreneur is in acquiring knowledge. “Investing in knowledge” means spending time, effort, and resources to gain knowledge and skills that you can apply to your business endeavors.

By doing so, you can gain a competitive advantage in your industry, make more informed decisions, and ultimately increase your profits.

Unlike other investments, such as stocks or real estate, knowledge is something that cannot be taken away from you. It is a valuable asset you can use to create more opportunities and generate long-term returns.

Therefore, learn to prioritize investing in yourself and your education because it can lead to significant and longer-lasting rewards.

Inspirational Quotes About Wealth and Kindness

30

“As you can see, wealth isn't necessarily about money; it is more the wealth that you have within your soul and what comes out through your mouth and heart.”

― Catherine Pulsifer.

It is never wise to measure wealth solely in terms of material possessions or financial success. The quality of your character, such as kindness, generosity, empathy, and love, are also factors to consider in measuring wealth.

This quote teaches that true wealth comes from being a good person and making a positive impact on the world around you. While financial success is certainly desirable, it should not be the sole focus of your life or the only measure of success. Instead, a truly wealthy person is someone who has a rich inner life and who lives with purpose and meaning.

31

“Every day is a bank account, and time is our currency. No one is rich, no one is poor, we've got 24 hours each.”

– Christopher Rice.

Everyone has equal time, and what we do with it is what matters the most. It is easy to sit and blame people for the outcomes of our life when we should be working hard to achieve our dreams.

You might not originally be born into a rich family, but you can always create one.

To be wealthy, we must change our view of the world and our mindset on a lot of things.

We need to see our time as more important than our backgrounds because time is proof that we can still learn, grow, and become whoever we set our minds to become.

Time is the most important asset, and everyone has the same amount of it.

Sadly, not everyone utilizes it properly, but the good news is that it is your choice to use it or not.

32

“I made my money the old-fashioned way. I was very nice to a wealthy relative right before he died.”

— Malcolm Forbes.

The right connections and relationships go a long way in pointing us in the right direction.

We can tell what a person's future will look like from the people around him.

One sure way to become wealthy is to surround yourself with people that are wealthy or on their way to becoming wealthy. This applies to whatever your definition of wealth is.

Wealth Quotes: Top 40 Sayings About Money & Poverty (4)

The people we keep in our lives seriously affect how good or bad our lives turn out. Therefore, always carefully assess what value someone will bring to your life before letting the person into your life and vice-versa.

33

“Without a rich heart wealth is an ugly beggar.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Many people want to be wealthy without actually recognizing the reason behind this want.

No one wants to live a life of struggle, but we need to also learn to search out wealth for the right reasons too.

Our heart should always be in the right place with or without having material possession because it is what matters the most.

34

“It's how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success.”

– David Feherty

In life, there will surely be down times, but what matters most is your attitude towards your supposed failures.

Experiencing failure should never be a reason to give up completely on your dreams. Instead, it should be a motivating factor to work harder.

There is always a lesson to learn from every failure we experience. These lessons are guiding lights on our way to success.

35

“Too many people spend money they earn to buy things they don't want and to impress people that they don't like.”

— Will Rogers.

Peer pressure is an enemy of confidence and an obstacle to wealth. It is so common that it affects everyone.

Peer pressure is the reason people have made disastrous mistakes they are still making up for today.

When you earn money, no matter how big or little it is, your first instinct should not be to spend it. You don't need to “show” people you have money by wasting it on things you don't care about. The consequences of such actions are never good.

Learn to live within your means and be content with it. You can never build long-term wealth by overspending. If you want to spend big, then you need to earn bigger.

36

“If you have trouble imagining a 20% loss in the stock market, you shouldn't be in stocks.”

— John Bogle.

Buying stocks is a great way of securing long-term wealth. However, the higher the value gets, the higher the risk involved, and the level of risk depends on what exactly you want.

Hence, it is very important to count the costs and be aware of the risk involved before committing to this type of investment.

I love this quote because it also applies to real life. If you are scared of taking risks, you have no business climbing the success ladder.

37

“There is only one true wealth in all the universe–living time.”

― Frank Herbert.

Time is the most precious asset anyone can have. It is so valuable that once lost, it can never be regained. Rich people value their time because it's the one thing they know they can never buy.

Understanding the value of time is what makes the difference between rich people and poor ones. When you value your time, you will realize that there is so much you can achieve and enjoy.

To better understand time's value, you should check out some inspiring value of time quotes. They will change your mindset on how you see the time.

38

“Wealth is the slave of a wise man. The master of a fool”

—Seneca.

We all have a choice to make with our money that would either lead to an extremely comfortable life or the opposite.

We can direct our funds in a way that will grow and benefit us by taking risks, properly budgeting, and investing in people and things that will yield profits. We can also choose to bury our funds by spending irrationally and being too afraid to invest in anything.

Whichever choice we choose to make as a person is what determines the quality of our lives, and wealth is never gotten by picking the safe options.

39

“Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas.”

— Paul Samuelson.

The art of investing is not a walk in the park, and it should not be interesting. You don't get results instantly, and it involves a lot of math. One wrong move, and you are out.

The first and most important thing to do before investing your money or time into anything is to do careful research on what is required of you.

After investing, then comes the period of waiting. Think of it as waiting for your seeds to germinate and bear fruits.

Good investment doesn't happen instantly. It takes time to learn and improve. It's not supposed to be fun. But if you must build wealth, you have to learn it.

40

“Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”

—Ayn Rand.

Money should never be the goal in itself but rather a means to the goal. It can be used as a tool to help you achieve your goals and ambitions, but it cannot do the work for you.

While money can provide opportunities and resources to help you succeed, it ultimately requires you to take control and make the right decisions. Money can never replace the importance of personal responsibility, hard work, resilience, and determination.

Building a successful business requires more than just money. It takes vision, innovation, hard work, and perseverance to create a sustainable and thriving business. While money can help provide the necessary resources to start and grow a business, it is up to you to drive your business forward and make it successful.

Conclusion

The whole concept of wealth is often reduced to material things, but the truth is that money is not the only determinant of wealth.

True wealth is about having a good work-life balance.

Things like being fulfilled in life, living life with no regrets, and having a community of friends and family that love and support you.

Everyone has their definition of what wealth means, and we should try to identify what matters most, what true wealth means to us, and then work towards becoming wealthy.

More Quotes

  • Billionaire Quotes About Life and Success
  • Motivational Quotes to Encourage Your Success
  • Marketing Quotes to Empower and Inspire You
  • Leadership Quotes to Inspire You
  • Passion Quotes to Find Inspiration and Ignite Your Passion

Was This Article Helpful?

0.0

Rated 0.0 out of 5

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

Wealth Quotes: Top 40 Sayings About Money & Poverty (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 5898

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.