I’m Doing Okay With Money… But Am I Growing Wealth?

Money Talks, Literally – with Uncle Abundance

“I’m doing okay with money… but am I growing wealth?”

That’s a question I hear a lot from folks who’ve moved past survival mode.
They’re not drowning in debt. The bills are paid.
Maybe there’s even a savings account now — but there’s also that little voice asking…

“Is this progress, or am I just coasting?”

You’re not broke. But are you building?
Let’s talk about that.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I growing wealth or just surviving?” — this one’s for you.

What Does “Am I Growing Wealth” Actually Mean?

First off, wealth isn’t just about income.
It’s about what sticks around. It’s about what grows when you’re sleeping.

Real wealth means your money:

• Works for you (through investments or assets)
• Increases your security and freedom
• Isn’t instantly swallowed by lifestyle upgrades

If your income goes up but your habits stay the same, wealth starts to grow.
But if your spending follows your pay rise… you might just be treading water in nicer shoes.

4 Quiet Signs You’re Growing Wealth (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

1. Your Net Worth Is Increasing

Wealth is measured in net worth: what you own minus what you owe.

Even if your savings go up by £50 a month, that counts.
Even if your debt goes down slowly, that’s progress.

• You’re saving
• You’re investing
• You’re paying things off

That’s building. Quietly. Consistently.

Lyfeguard has a simple net worth calculator if you want to get started quickly.

All of this counts.

2. Your Lifestyle Isn’t Racing Ahead of Your Income

Ever heard of lifestyle creep?
It’s when a pay rise leads to fancier meals, faster cars, or “treating yourself” more often… without building security.

If your lifestyle is growing slower than your income — that’s wealth discipline.

Living like you make a little less than you do?
That’s how wealth happens.

3. You’ve Got Systems, Not Just Vibes

Wealth doesn’t grow on motivation. It grows on systems.

• Are you automating your savings or investments?
• Do you track your net worth once a quarter?
• Have you chosen accounts that match your goals?

If yes, you’re not winging it. You’re building it.

4. You Know How to Say “No” — and Actually Mean It

Wealth is emotional. It means saying no to things that don’t move you forward — even if they look good on Instagram.

• No to lifestyle pressure
• No to impulse buys
• No to overextending for approval

You’re setting boundaries. You’re protecting your money.
That’s emotional wealth, too..

Common Wealth Traps That Feel Like Progress

Let’s call these out — because they fool a lot of smart people.

“I own nice things.”
 Cars and clothes lose value. Assets build value.
 Wealth isn’t what’s on show — it’s what’s working quietly in the background.

“I’m saving, but not investing.”
 Saving is safe. But without growth, inflation eats it. Wealth needs investment — even small amounts.

“I make more, so I deserve more.”
 True. You deserve rest, joy, and comfort.
 But if your expenses rise as fast as your income, you’re running in place.

What to Focus on Next (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Want to make sure you’re really growing wealth? Try one of these:

• Review your net worth this month (use a simple spreadsheet or app)
• Read The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel — it’s more about mindset than maths
• Pick an investing tool from our Top Financial Choices Investing section — and learn how the platform works before diving in
• Choose one financial habit to automate — like rounding up your purchases to save extra cash without thinking about it

Even just reading this post? That’s a sign you’re ready.

Final Thought from Uncle Abundance

“You’re not stuck because you’re lazy — you’re just busy doing ‘okay.’ But wealth isn’t about okay. It’s about ownership.”

So pause. Check the direction you’re headed.
Because doing okay is good — but growing wealth is freedom.

Until next time,
Uncle Abundance
P.S. Always here with the kettle on and a financial truth bomb or two.