russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

The Millionaire Next Door

summary ofThe Millionaire Next DoorBook by Thomas J. Stanley, PhD, William D. Danko, PhD

12 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • The right attitude for wealth creation
  • The value of frugality
  • Efficient usage of time, energy, and money
  • Economic outpatient care and the damage it can inflict

first KEY POINT

With the right attitude, anyone can create wealth

Wealth creation is the result of doing a set of things right. When you're in the right place, at the right time, you will experience luck and opportunity, but money doesn’t appear out of thin air. Wealth takes time and determination and requires a specific lifestyle: you can’t become wealthy if you don’t know how to manage your consumption habits.In this summary, you'll learn that wealth creation is not rocket science. You may not come from a wealthy home, live in a high-brow city, or have the same opportunities as the rich people you admire, but if you want it, wealth can be yours.It sounds cheeky to say if you want it because all humans want wealth, freedom, and comfort, among other things. However, the proof that you desire something is that you vocalize it and work at it, stopping at nothing until you achieve your goals. Most people are not like that, but that's the mindset that holds the key to becoming wealthy. And if you're ready to imbibe it all the days of your life, this summary is for you.

Action is proof of desire; if you want something, let it show in your actions.

In the following pages, you'll learn that rich people think and act differently. You'll discover these differences and how to apply the mindset to your life to produce similar results. Next up, you'll learn how to plan your life, budget your money, and raise children who can create wealth for themselves.

second KEY POINT

People who have millions are often more sparing than those that don’t

Not wasting all of your money at once is the key to becoming rich. This truth may surprise many because the media constantly paints the millionaire lifestyle as lavish. But in reality, only those who inherited their wealth spend money to Hollywood standards.During the research for this summary, Tom Stanley and William Danko discovered something they weren’t expecting: most self-made millionaires they met didn’t look or behave like their net worth. These folks lived in average neighborhoods, shopped in regular stores, and even drove cars that the average Joe drove around. You wouldn’t know they were wealthy.Another surprising fact they uncovered was that high-income and low-net-worth individuals were the ones who lived in expensive neighborhoods. They drove expensive vehicles and enjoyed luxury shopping — basically, the things you would expect self-made millionaires to do. But that was why many high-income and low-net-worth individuals weren’t wealthy. They didn’t commit themselves to wealth creation. Instead, they blew most of their money.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

One of the ways millionaires practice frugality is through budgeting and planning

second KEY POINT

Everyone uses time, energy, and money differently, and the results show

third KEY POINT

Why affluent parents need to rethink economic outpatient care (EOC)

fourth KEY POINT

Find your niche, become a specialist, and increase your income!

fifth KEY POINT

What jobs and businesses make people millionaires?

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Thomas J. Stanley, PhD, is an American writer, researcher, and lecturer who has spent time studying the affluent and how they live. William D. Danko, PhD, teaches marketing at the School of Business, the State University of New York at Albany.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy about?

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy, written by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, explores the surprising behaviors and financial habits of America's wealthy individuals. It reveals that many millionaires live frugally, prioritize saving, and focus on building wealth over displaying it.

What are the key takeaways from The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy?

Key takeaways from The Millionaire Next Door emphasize the importance of living below your means, investing wisely, and valuing hard work over ostentatious spending. The book highlights that financial independence often comes from disciplined habits rather than income levels.

Is The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy worth reading?

Yes, The Millionaire Next Door is worth reading if you're interested in personal finance and wealth-building strategies. Its relatable insights into the lives of wealthy individuals can inspire you to adopt better financial practices.

How many pages is The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy and when was it published?

The Millionaire Next Door has approximately 272 pages and was first published in 1996. Its enduring relevance makes it a go-to resource for understanding the financial habits of successful individuals.

What lessons can I apply from The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy to my daily life?

You can apply several lessons from The Millionaire Next Door, such as prioritizing savings, avoiding debt, and making informed investment decisions. Embracing a mindset focused on long-term wealth creation rather than short-term gratification is essential for achieving financial independence.