There Are 7 Stages of Wealth: Which One Are You Stuck In?

Money isn’t just math. It’s moods, choices, and identity. It’s the mirror that reflects how safe, capable, and free we feel.

And if you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, Wait, how am I working this hard and still not where I want to be?— welcome, my friend. You’re in exactly the right place.

Because wealth isn’t one big leap. It’s a series of stages. And once you know where you are, you can stop spiraling, stop guessing, and start moving with intention.

I’ve been through the “broke-but-hustling” era to the “holy crap, my money is actually working for me” season. And trust me: awareness is what turns chaos into clarity. If you don't grow your money and your mindset, you'll just loop your stage on repeat.

So grab your coffee (or your wine). Let’s break down the 7 Stages of Wealth— and the sneaky mindset traps, power moves, and boss babe upgrades that will take you from financial fog to financial freedom.

Stage 1: Survival →“Financial Fog”

Vibe: Chaos. Bills. Overwhelm. You’re not even sure what’s coming in or going out — it’s just vibes and Venmo requests.

What it feels like:

• Every bill is a surprise party you didn’t RSVP to

• Your debit card holds its breath every time you swipe

• 2am money panic? Yeah, she’s a regular

Mindset Trap: Shame spiral city. You avoid your accounts because looking feels like punishment.

Micro-Actions to Snap Out of It:
💸 Write down every income source, bill, and debt — clarity is power
✂️ Cut one non-essential expense this week (no, not the oat milk)
💡 Brainstorm one way to increase income, even temporarily

Reflective Question:
👉 “What’s one thing about my money I’ve been avoiding — and why?”

Sassy Reframe: You’re not “bad with money.” You’re just stepping into your power.

Stage 2: Stability →“Keeping My Head Above Water”

Vibe: You’re finally catching your breath. Bills are paid, debt payments are happening, but you’re still in survival mode.

What it feels like:

• You can finally exhale

• Savings are small, but you’re proud of every dollar

• You’re craving that next level — you just need a plan

Mindset Trap: “I’ve got this!” →Translation: “I’ll start investing someday.” Complacency sneaks in when you stop chasing clarity.

Micro-Actions:
⚙️ Automate one bill payment + one savings transfer
💵 Start saving or investing 5–10% of take-home pay
💖 Identify what you love to spend on (not what Instagram says you should)

Reflective Question:
👉 “What system could make my financial life feel easier, right now?”

Sassy Reframe: Adulting is just automating stuff so you can go live your life.

Stage 3: Security →“Finally, Breathing Room”

Vibe: You’re chill, intentional, and finally not afraid to check your balance.

What it feels like:

• Debt is manageable (or gone)

• You’ve got an emergency fund

• You’re investing regularly and sleeping at night

Mindset Traps:

• Too good: “I’m fine, I don’t need a plan.” (You do.)

• Too bad: Overanalyzing tiny details instead of zooming out.

Micro-Actions:
🌱 Build your emergency fund to 3–6 months
📈 Increase investments to 10–15% of income
🧠 Learn your “crossover point” — when your investments earn more than your work

Reflective Question:
👉 “When was the last time I actually celebrated how far I’ve come?”

Pro Tip:
If your investments were set up by someone else (spouse, advisor, your past self on autopilot), now’s your time to understand them. 🎁 Grab my free guide —3 Essential Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Investments— and stop hoping your money is working. Know it is.

Stage 4: Growth →“Money as a Side Hustle”

Vibe: You’ve entered your compound interest era. Money’s working harder than you are.

What it feels like:

• You can see your net worth growing

• You make moves strategically, not emotionally

• You’ve hit milestones ($100k? $1M? Who is she?!)

Mindset Traps:

• Too good: Coasting — “I’m set.”

• Too bad: Comparing to others’ highlight reels and freezing up.

Micro-Actions:
📊 Increase your investing rate by 1% per year
🪞 Play with a compound interest calculator (it’s financial foreplay)
✨ Audit your spending — what genuinely lights you up?

Reflective Question:
👉 “Do I want to reach freedom the fast way or the fun way?”

Stage 5: Freedom →“Work Is Optional”

Vibe: You could walk out of your job tomorrow and still sleep like a baby.

What it feels like:

• You plan in years, not paychecks

• You say “no” without guilt

• Money feels like a supportive partner, not a chain

Mindset Traps:

• Too good: “I’m done!” → you stop growing

• Too bad: “What if it all disappears?” → scarcity in disguise

Micro-Actions:
🌴 Define your “rich life” — what does joy cost?
💎 Set a “worry-free number” — an amount you’ll never stress over again
💫 Shift from saving for later toliving in alignment now

Reflective Question:
👉 “If I stopped optimizing for future me, what would current me say yes to today?”

Stage 6: Abundance →“Overflow & Joy”

Vibe: You’re in your soft life era — intentional, generous, and radiant.

What it feels like:

• You spend freely on what you love

• You’ve got a money team you trust

• You’re giving your time, money, and energy with purpose

Mindset Traps:

• Too good: Drifting into luxury for luxury’s sake

• Too bad: Guilt over spending or giving

Micro-Actions:
👑 Refine your financial team
💋 Create no-budget zones for your true joys
💞 Explore giving beyond money — mentorship, time, wisdom

Reflective Question:
👉 “Where could I give or spend more freely today to feel more alive?”

Stage 7: Legacy →“Building Beyond You”

Vibe:You’re creating ripple effects — generational wealth, baby.

What it feels like:

• Your investments fully cover your ideal lifestyle

• You’re thinking bigger than yourself — family, causes, community

• You’re mentoring others and changing the narrative for women and money

Mindset Traps:

• Too good: Forgetting your impact

• Too bad: Shrinking your dreams out of guilt

Micro-Actions:
💫 Define your legacy goals
📝 Explore trusts, estate planning, or charitable giving
🌍 Teach what you’ve learned — become the expander for someone else

Reflective Question:
👉 “What would I want people to remember about my impact?”

The Real Goal?

Financial freedom isn’t about spreadsheets. It’s aboutoptions.

It’s slow mornings. It’s saying no without guilt. It’s being fully present for your baby, your business, or your next adventure — because your money’s already working in the background.

When you know your wealth stage, you stop comparing yourself to everyone else and start buildingyourversion of a rich, fulfilling life.

💖 Because the goal isn’t just to make money. It’s to make meaning.

Your Move, Bestie 💅

✨ Download my free investing guide to understand your portfolio and move from “I hope my investments are working” to “I know exactly what I’m doing.” Get it here

✨ Listen to the full podcast episode for the stories and mindset shifts that got me here. Listen here

✨ DM me on Instagram @buildwealthwithkatie with your money stage and the micro-action you’re taking next. I’m cheering you on!

✨ Next episode sneak peek: I’ll spill how I fund my power pause—stepping back to start a family without guilt and staying financially grounded.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional for guidance specific to your situation.