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7 Millionaire Habits That Quietly Build Wealth (While Everyone Else Is Still Broke)”**

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By A.L. Childers | Author of Silent Chains & Roots to Health

Being rich isn’t about flexing in a Lamborghini or flashing your latest iPhone. It’s not the six-car garage or the thousand-dollar purse.

It’s about having habits—quiet, consistent, often boring ones—that build wealth in the background while the rest of the world is drowning in Amazon packages and credit card interest.

I didn’t learn this from a trust fund. I learned it the hard way—through life, loss, rebuilding, and eventually studying what the wealthy actually do. And spoiler alert: None of it requires a finance degree or a windfall. Just discipline, consistency, and the ability to delay gratification when everyone else is chasing instant dopamine.

Let’s break it down.

💸 1. Pay Yourself First

Before the bills, the brunch, and the BOGO sale—millionaires save first.

They automate their savings like it’s a non-negotiable bill. Whether it’s 10%, 20%, or even $100 a month, they treat investing like brushing their teeth: routine, not optional.

🧠 Source: Kiplinger reports this is one of the most common millionaire habits.

🚙 2. Live Way Below Their Means

Warren Buffett still lives in the house he bought in 1958 and drives a used Cadillac. Meanwhile, most Americans are financing a lifestyle to impress people they don’t even like.

💡 The wealthy? They don’t care how “rich” they look. They care how free they are.

🧠 Study: Dave Ramsey’s National Study of Millionaires found that 94% live on less than they make. Most drove Toyotas. Only 8% drove luxury cars.

📈 3. Invest Early and Automatically

They don’t wait to feel ready. They start with what they have. Then they let time do the heavy lifting.

Tom Corley found that the largest group of self-made millionaires took an average of 32 years to reach that status—not from lottery wins, but monthly deposits.

It’s boring. It’s reliable. And it works.

💼 4. Build Multiple Streams of Income

Millionaires don’t panic when one job disappears—they pivot. Why? Because they never relied on just one income source to begin with.

🧠 Stat: 65% of self-made millionaires had three or more income streams—rental income, side businesses, dividends, consulting gigs.

Multiple streams don’t just add money—they lower risk.

📚 5. Read More Than They Scroll

While most people are stuck in TikTok loops, millionaires are reading biographies, business books, and financial strategy.

Warren Buffett spends up to 80% of his day reading.

🧠 Lesson? Ongoing education = ongoing opportunity.

Stop consuming drama. Start consuming information.

🧘🏽‍♀️ 6. Ruthless Self-Control

The wealthiest people are masters at telling themselves “not yet.”

The 1970s Stanford Marshmallow Experiment showed that kids who could delay gratification ended up with higher SATs, better health, and more stable lives. Self-made millionaires follow this same pattern.

They’re consistent, long-term thinkers. And when it comes to finances? They’re allergic to debt, drama, and distractions.

🧠 Fact: Most of the 10,000 millionaires in Ramsey’s study avoided car loans and credit card debt altogether.

🛡️ 7. They Protect What They’ve Built

Being rich isn’t just about making money—it’s about keeping it.

They plan for emergencies, lawsuits, health issues, and taxes before they happen. They have trusts, insurance, emergency funds, and legal protections.

Because one bad day shouldn’t destroy a decade of discipline.

🧠 Kiplinger notes this is one of the most overlooked wealth habits of the rich.

✨ Final Thought

These 7 habits won’t get you rich overnight. But they will get you rich over time.

They are quiet. They are boring. And they are exactly what separates the rich from the restless.

So the question is not “Do they work?”
The real question is: “Are you willing to work them?”

💡 Why I Wrote This Blog

I’m A.L. Childers, and I’ve studied the power of transformation—from the inside out.

I’ve gone from survival to strategy, from broken systems to financial sovereignty. I didn’t grow up rich, but I’m learning how to grow wealthy in wisdom, assets, and action—and I’m bringing others with me.

This blog isn’t just about money. It’s about breaking cycles, creating freedom, and helping people see that wealth isn’t flashy—it’s foundational.

And if I can figure this out? So can you.

✍️ About the Author

A.L. Childers is a professional author, journalist, and cultural critic with over 50 published works, including:

  • Silent Chains: Breaking Free from Conformity and Injustice
  • Roots to Health: How I Healed My Thyroid and Cleared My Arteries
  • The Hidden Empire: A Journey Through Millennia of Oligarchic Rule
  • The Hypothyroidism Chick (popular blog)

Audrey (aka A.L.) is committed to exposing lies, empowering readers, and helping everyday people reclaim their health, money, and mind.

Follow more of her truth-telling at TheHypothyroidismChick.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice. All statistics are based on publicly reported research from Kiplinger, Forbes, Ramsey Solutions, and the studies of Tom Corley. Readers should consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

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Dear Agencies: $20 an Hour for a Licensed Health Insurance Agent? That’s Not a Job Offer—It’s an Insult.

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Dear Agencies: $20 an Hour for a Licensed Health Insurance Agent? That’s Not a Job Offer—It’s an Insult.

If you’re a health insurance agent—or you know one—you’ve probably seen the job postings: “Health Insurance Agent Needed! Must be licensed, have sales experience, be a self-starter, and ready to change lives. Pay: $20/hour.”

And just like that, every licensed agent’s eyes roll so hard they can practically see their own student loan balances.

Let’s be honest: $20 an hour for a role that requires government licensing, annual continuing education, complex compliance rules, and daily interaction with clients who are often stressed, anxious, or struggling? That’s not competitive. That’s not even respectable. It’s a slap in the face to an entire profession.

Why Is This Happening?

It’s the same story as in many industries: agencies want expertise, accountability, and results—without offering the pay those things deserve.

Let’s break it down:

  • You want a licensed agent? That’s a minimum of 40+ hours of state-approved coursework, exam fees, and annual continuing ed.
  • You want sales and customer service experience? That’s years of honing communication, persuasion, and resilience in one of the toughest markets in America.
  • You want agents who understand CMS, HIPAA, E&O insurance, state and federal regulations, and can handle high-stress Open Enrollment chaos without missing a beat?
  • And you want them to bring in clients, cross-sell, upsell, and handle objections like pros?

All for $20 an hour?

What Agents Are Saying

The sentiment online is clear. Here’s what real health insurance agents, and professionals in similar industries, are saying:

  • “I spent months and hundreds of dollars to get licensed, and now you want to pay me the same as a fast-food shift manager?”
  • “I’m responsible for compliance, client data, and regulatory paperwork that can result in thousands in fines if I slip up, but you’re offering what—a few dollars over minimum wage?”
  • “Try living on $20 an hour in today’s economy, paying your own health insurance, E&O, and office expenses.”
  • “You want the heart of a teacher, the hustle of a salesperson, the patience of a therapist, and the risk of a business owner, all for less than what the grocery store is offering stockers right now?”
  • “I can make more as a remote call center rep—with zero licensing, zero risk, and zero stress.”

And the comparison to other industries is just as stark:

  • Costco and Amazon warehouse associates routinely start at $18-$24/hour plus benefits.
  • According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for insurance sales agents is $27.49 as of 2023—and that includes many agents earning commissions on top.
  • Fast food and retail roles are now offering $17-$20/hour with less risk and almost no licensing required.

The Real Cost of Low Wages

When agencies offer insultingly low wages, here’s what really happens:

  • Experienced agents walk. They find better pay elsewhere—or leave the industry entirely.
  • Clients suffer. High turnover means less knowledgeable agents, dropped balls, and poor service.
  • Your agency’s reputation tanks. You become known as the place that undervalues talent.
  • Newcomers get discouraged. Why spend time and money on licensing if the pay is barely above minimum wage?

The Truth About the Job

Health insurance agents aren’t just salespeople. They’re educators, advocates, problem-solvers, and, sometimes, literal lifesavers. They help families navigate the confusing world of premiums, networks, government subsidies, tax credits, and critical care coverage. They’re the ones people call in a crisis—when they’ve lost a job, gotten a scary diagnosis, or need to fight for a claim.

That level of expertise should be valued and compensated accordingly.

What Should Agencies Do?

  • Pay competitively. If you want great agents, offer at least the industry median—or more if you want to attract and retain top talent.
  • Stop lowballing. $20 an hour is not enough for a role that can change a client’s life.
  • Recognize the value of licensing and expertise. It’s not just a box to check. It’s years of commitment and knowledge.
  • Provide pathways to growth, not just a stagnant hourly wage. Offer commission, bonuses, and real career opportunities.

Resources & References

Bottom Line: If you want to pay $20 an hour, be prepared for high turnover, unhappy clients, and missed opportunities. But if you want real results, loyalty, and expert service—pay your agents what they’re worth.

Because health insurance is too important for anything less.

Want more honest talk about the real world of insurance and business? Visit TheHypothyroidismChick.com or check out books by A.L. Childers for insider tips, hard truths, and stories that matter.

The Only Thing More Tiring Than Filing Your Taxes Is Knowing the Billionaires Skip Out on Theirs

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LEARN THE TAX CODE.

Let’s face it: Nothing gets Americans fired up like taxes—except maybe the nagging suspicion that the richest among us aren’t playing by the same rules. Every April, we roll up our sleeves, pop some ibuprofen, and dive into receipts while billionaires seem to find clever ways to avoid paying their “fair share.” But what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what do the comments really get right (or wrong) about our tax system?

Let’s break down some of the common arguments and arm you with real facts—because if there’s one thing more powerful than anger, it’s understanding the tax code yourself.

1. “It’s called income tax, not worth tax.”

That’s correct—the U.S. taxes income, not total wealth. This is why someone like Warren Buffett, whose net worth is mostly in stocks, may pay a lower tax rate on realized gains than a middle-class worker pays on a W-2 salary. There is no “billionaire tax” on their entire net worth—only on what they actually sell or earn.

Reference:

2. “It’s knowing what they are doing with my money, for me.”

A totally fair frustration! Once your taxes are paid, the federal government spends your money on a wide array of things—including defense, Social Security, Medicare, interest on national debt, and many, many government programs. Want a breakdown? Check out the official numbers.

Reference:

3. “Rich and poor are the same. They get theirs off the backs of us who actually go to work.”

This one’s partially true, partially myth. Yes, everyone tries to minimize taxes, but the wealthy have access to better accountants, lawyers, and lobbyists who write loopholes—think “carried interest” and offshore shell corporations. The average person can’t take advantage of these strategies, so the playing field isn’t level.

Reference:

4. “I think they pay their fair share but how about IRS employees that don’t pay theirs! That should be of more concern because it’s real and not media propaganda.”

The IRS does have issues with some of its own employees failing to pay taxes (as does every large organization). But the IRS does track this and has discipline in place. However, the scale of this is minuscule compared to the billions in legal tax avoidance by major corporations and billionaires.

Reference:

5. “The top 50% pay 97% of the taxes!”

This is a favorite talking point—and it’s technically true, but it’s also misleading. The top 50% earn the vast majority of income, so naturally they pay most of the income tax. But the top 1% owns more wealth than the entire bottom 90% combined (Federal Reserve, 2023). They’re not paying more out of generosity—they’re paying more because they own and earn more.

Reference:

6. “Low income people don’t pay anything. They get money back!”

Partially true. Many low-income workers receive credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can result in a refund. But they still pay payroll taxes (Social Security, Medicare) and sales taxes, which eat up a bigger chunk of their income than for the wealthy. If you count all taxes, the U.S. system is less progressive than it seems.

Reference:

7. “Instead of blaming billionaires for exploiting the system, eliminate the system. Everyone uses tax breaks. Go for a flat or consumption tax.”

This is a hot debate:

  • A flat tax sounds fair, but it tends to shift the burden onto lower and middle income earners while letting the richest off easier.
  • A consumption tax (like a national sales tax) also hits the poor harder, because they spend more of their income on essentials.

Every system has winners and losers—what we have now is a patchwork of loopholes, credits, and deductions that only the truly wealthy can fully exploit.

Reference:

8. “What about all these crypto/forex guru comments?”

These are mostly scam bots and fake testimonials. No real financial expert will DM you for crypto investments or offer overnight riches. The IRS is also very interested in crypto gains and requires you to report them—no loopholes there!

Reference:

So What’s the Truth?

Yes, billionaires pay taxes—but they pay less, on average, as a percent of their wealth than you do.

  • They use legal strategies like “buy, borrow, die,” real estate depreciation, and offshore entities to minimize what counts as income.
  • Many Fortune 500 companies have years where they pay $0 in federal income tax.
  • Most Americans do take every deduction they can, but the average person’s options are tiny compared to the billionaire toolbox.

If this feels unfair—it’s because the system was built that way. Want change? Learn the tax code, get involved, and push for reform.

Resources to Learn More

Bottom line:
Filing taxes is exhausting—but it’s nothing compared to fighting a system that was designed to benefit the few. Educate yourself, advocate for change, and don’t fall for the noise (or the crypto comment bots).

The more you know, the less tiring it feels—until next April, at least.

If you found this helpful, share it! Have a tax myth you want busted? Drop it in the comments. Let’s learn the tax code—together.

A.L. Childers
Published Author, Advocate, and Your Partner in Thyroid Health

Disclaimer

The information and recipes in the blog are based on the author’s research and personal experiences. It’s for entertainment purposes. It’s only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author does not render legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance is the author responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by using the information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended to replace what your healthcare provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences from using any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters about your health should be supervised by a healthcare professional. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. This blog is designed as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power; educate yourself and find the answer to your healthcare needs. Wisdom is a beautiful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.

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Navigating the Financial Landscape: A Brief Overview

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Dear Reader,

Understanding the direction of our financial world is crucial, whether we’re aware of it or not. The global bond market, valued at approximately $133 trillion, predominantly consists of government debt, with the US leading, followed by China and Japan.

As it becomes clear that repaying these colossal debts is nearly impossible, bondholders are selling off their positions. They’re reallocating their funds to assets with better growth potential, specifically:

  1. US Equity (Stock) Markets: Worth about $51 trillion.
  2. Gold: Valued at roughly $14 trillion.
  3. Bitcoin: With a market cap of around $1.35 trillion.

Of these, Bitcoin is unique due to its finite supply. When stock prices rise, companies often issue more shares, diluting shareholders’ value. When gold prices increase, mining intensifies, putting downward pressure on prices. However, Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, with only 1.3 million left to be mined, making it a scarce resource.

As money shifts from bonds to these assets, bond prices drop, and yields rise. Higher yields make it more expensive for governments to issue new debt and for businesses and consumers to access low-interest loans, slowing economic activity.

Governments often respond by printing more money to buy bonds, a tactic that can dilute the value of the currency. This is done in complex and often obscure ways to prevent public awareness of currency devaluation.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The traditional 60/40 stock/bond portfolio is losing its effectiveness in preserving and growing purchasing power.
  2. To keep yields low, governments will continue to inflate the money supply, ensuring there are bond buyers.
  3. The three noted asset groups (stocks, gold, and Bitcoin) are likely to remain in a secular uptrend as money flows away from bonds.

I hope this summary provides some clarity.

On Healthy Relationships

Switching gears, here’s a simple guideline to gauge whether someone might be beneficial or harmful to your well-being:

An emotionally healthy person seeks to serve others, while an emotionally unhealthy person seeks to be served.

An emotionally healthy individual sees your thoughts, worries, and hopes and has the capacity to care for and encourage you. In contrast, an emotionally unhealthy person primarily sees what they can gain from you, lacking the capacity for genuine care.

Here’s to striving for emotional health and brighter days ahead for all.

Until next time,

A.L. Childers

Thought of the Moment: Great leaders eat last.

The Mystery of $21 Trillion: Unraveling the Pentagon’s Financial Enigma

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In December 2017, the Pentagon made headlines when it announced that a staggering $21 trillion of taxpayer money had seemingly vanished without a trace. This revelation sent shockwaves through the American public and raised numerous questions about financial accountability within the U.S. government. In this article, we will delve into this perplexing issue, examining the context, possible explanations, and the implications of such a colossal financial discrepancy.

The Astonishing Revelation

The $21 trillion figure came to light thanks to a series of reports and research conducted by economist Dr. Mark Skidmore and Catherine Austin Fitts, a former Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Their findings indicated that the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had been plagued by significant accounting irregularities. While it’s essential to note that this figure doesn’t imply that this colossal sum had been stolen or misappropriated, it does signify a serious lack of transparency and accountability within these government agencies.

Understanding the Scale

To put this figure into perspective, the entire U.S. federal budget for 2023 was estimated at approximately $7.7 trillion. The revelation that $21 trillion had seemingly vanished raises questions about how such a staggering amount could escape the attention of auditors and the general public for so long.

Accounting Irregularities

The $21 trillion discrepancy is not necessarily a case of cash physically disappearing but rather a result of severe accounting irregularities and outdated systems within these government departments. These issues make it incredibly challenging to track and reconcile financial transactions accurately.

  1. Incomplete Documentation: One of the primary problems is the lack of proper documentation for financial transactions. With the Pentagon’s vast array of contracts, subcontracts, and financial dealings, it becomes extremely difficult to maintain accurate records consistently.
  2. Decentralized Accounting: The DoD has over 2,200 accounting systems, many of which are not synchronized or interconnected. This decentralization leads to inconsistencies and discrepancies in financial reporting.
  3. Outdated Technology: Some of the financial systems in use by the Pentagon date back several decades, making them ill-equipped to handle the complex financial operations of the modern era.

The Implications

The revelation of such a colossal financial discrepancy has significant implications for the U.S. government and its citizens:

  1. Accountability and Transparency: The incident highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in government financial operations. Without accurate financial reporting, it becomes impossible to ensure that taxpayer funds are used effectively and ethically.
  2. National Security Concerns: The DoD is responsible for the nation’s defense, and its financial integrity is critical to national security. Such accounting irregularities raise concerns about the department’s ability to manage resources efficiently in the face of evolving threats.
  3. Trust in Government: The discovery of such a massive discrepancy erodes public trust in government institutions. Citizens deserve to know that their hard-earned money is being used responsibly, and incidents like this can lead to skepticism and cynicism about government spending.

Possible Explanations

While the $21 trillion discrepancy is undoubtedly alarming, it’s essential to consider alternative explanations before jumping to conclusions about fraud or misappropriation:

  1. Accounting Complexity: The sheer complexity of the Pentagon’s financial operations, combined with outdated systems and decentralized accounting, could account for many discrepancies.
  2. Errors and Omissions: Human error and mistakes in recording financial transactions can accumulate over time, leading to substantial discrepancies.
  3. Reclassifications: Some transactions may have been reclassified or moved between accounts, making them challenging to trace without detailed documentation.
  4. Lack of Oversight: Limited oversight and accountability mechanisms within government agencies can contribute to these issues going unnoticed for extended periods.

Conclusion

The revelation that $21 trillion of taxpayer money has seemingly vanished within the Pentagon and HUD raises critical questions about government financial accountability and transparency. While it is unlikely that such a massive sum has been maliciously misappropriated, the accounting irregularities and complexities within these departments are deeply concerning.

To address this issue, there must be a concerted effort to modernize financial systems, improve documentation, and enhance oversight within government agencies. Ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and transparently is essential for maintaining public trust and the integrity of government institutions. The $21 trillion mystery serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and reform in government financial operations to prevent such discrepancies from occurring in the future.